Introducing Langde Shangzhai
Langde Shangzhai, a Miao village with hundreds of households, is located in the heart of the Miaoling Mountains, 27 kilometers southeast of Kaili City in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. Known as the "Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance," "One of the 100 Open-Air Museums in China," and "Hometown of the Lusheng," the village's distinctive long skirts earn it the nickname "Long Skirt Miao." The Langde Shangzhai ancient building complex has been designated a fifth-batch key cultural relic protection site in my country. Nestled between mountains and water, the village boasts a quieter atmosphere than the Xijiang Thousand Household Miao Village, where visitors can enjoy Miao folk songs and dances such as toasting songs, Miao flying songs, and Lusheng dances.
Climate and best time to travel
Subtropical monsoon climate
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
To enter Langde Upper Village, one must first drink twelve rounds of road-blocking wine before walking along the stone path to the reed pipe field in the center of the village. In Langde, one can enjoy a variety of Miao folk songs and dances, including toast songs, Miao flying songs, reed pipe dances, bronze drum dances, bench dances, and group dances.
Tickets
free
Attraction opening hours
All day, accommodation available
Most Popular FAQs for Langde Shangzhai
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Langde Shangzhai is a well-preserved Dong ethnic minority village with over 600 years of history. It is significant for showcasing traditional Dong architecture, stilted wooden houses, and cultural heritage, offering insight into rural life and local customs.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Southeast Guizhou Province, Jinping County, near the city of Kaili.
- By bus: Local buses from Kaili to Langde Shangzhai are available, though limited in frequency.
- By taxi or ride-hailing: Convenient for reaching the village directly from Kaili or nearby towns.
- Private car or tour: Recommended for flexibility due to rural road conditions.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Opening hours: Generally 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Best times: Spring and autumn for mild weather and cultural events; early morning to avoid crowds.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Entrance fee: Approximately 60–80 CNY per adult; discounted tickets for children and seniors.
- Tickets can be purchased at the entrance; online booking may be available via local tourism websites.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended during weekends, holidays, or festival periods. 1–2 days in advance is usually sufficient.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
2–3 hours for a thorough walk around the village, with 4 hours if including hikes and cultural activities.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- The stilted wooden houses and village streets.
- Traditional Dong drum towers and communal spaces.
- Scenic viewpoints over surrounding hills and terraced landscapes.
- Local craft workshops or small cultural exhibitions.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are available in Chinese; English-speaking guides may need to be arranged in advance. Audio guides are limited.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- High points overlooking the entire village and surrounding hills.
- Main streets lined with traditional stilted houses.
- Dong drum towers and communal gathering spaces.
- Terraced fields nearby, especially during sunrise or sunset.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Entrance → Main village street → Drum tower and communal square → Traditional houses → Hillside viewpoint → Cultural workshops → Exit.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night visits are generally not available. Special tours or cultural performances may occur during festival periods.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Weekends and local festival periods are busier.
- Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Basic public toilets near entrance and main village areas.
- Local eateries serving Dong cuisine and snacks near the village.
- Rest areas and benches along main streets.
- Limited souvenir shops selling local handicrafts.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Partially accessible; some uneven paths and steps make it challenging for wheelchairs or mobility-limited visitors. Children and elderly should take caution on hillside paths.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
Mobile payments are widely accepted; small vendors may prefer cash, so having some on hand is recommended.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local Dong cuisine restaurants in the village and nearby towns.
- Small cafes or snack stalls catering to tourists near the entrance.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian options are limited; halal options are rare, mostly in larger nearby towns.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Guesthouses and homestays in Langde Shangzhai village.
- Hotels in Kaili city, approximately 30–40 km away.
- Budget lodgings catering to cultural tourism in surrounding villages.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Kaili Ethnic Minorities Museum.
- Miao and Dong villages in southeast Guizhou for cultural tours.
- Local terraced fields and scenic countryside trails.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenirs include traditional Dong handicrafts, embroidery, textiles, and postcards.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or ride-hailing services to Kaili or nearby villages.
- Private car or guided tour vehicles for exploring other local ethnic villages and scenic spots.
