Gaopo Miao Village

Introducing Gaopo Miao Village

Gaopo Miao Village, located in the southeast of Guiyang's Huaxi District, 31 kilometers from Huaxi, boasts stunning natural scenery, including canyons, stone forests, grasslands, waterfalls, natural bonsai, and vast farmlands. The unique karst terrain and well-preserved ancient ethnic customs, combined with the distinctive alpine landscape and breathtaking natural scenery, create Gaopo's magical landscape.

The most famous of these is Yunding Grassland in Yunding Village, a scenic photography destination. Located at the junction of Huaxi District, Longli County, and Huishui County, it is home to ethnic minorities such as the Miao and Buyi people, who enjoy a simple and unpretentious lifestyle and a rich cultural heritage.

The high slopes are horst-like rock formations. Deep valleys surround the area, while the central rise forms a mountain. Ascending the mountain, the entrance is marked by " two rocks facing each other, their momentum resembling a gate , " hence the name "Shimen." Shimen is a Miao village, with a solid and ancient gate. Entering the mountain, one climbs up the mountain to the summit, which faces west, with a chasm at the foot, offering distant views of Huaxi and Guiyang. On a massive rock on the cliff face, the four characters " Forever Suppressing the Border Barbarians " are carved in double hooks , bearing witness to the Ming Dynasty ruling class's suppression of the Miao ancestors.

Traveling to the Miao village, you will find the people are simple and honest, and the folk customs are well preserved: the strong welcoming and seeing-off ceremony, the cheerful and tragic jumping field and cave, the singing and dancing of " April 8th " , the mysterious underground cave forts, the ancient hanging coffin cave burials, the Miao village surrounded by dense bamboos, the unique Miao costumes, the noisy July Bullfighting Festival with sheng and drums, the flowing drums, and the passionate reed pipes, which make people reluctant to leave.

Climate and best time to travel

Gaopo Miao Township is home to Han, Miao, and Buyi ethnic groups, making it a great time to visit during their festivals. During the Lunar New Year festivals of " Tiaochang , " " Tiaodong , " " April 8th , " " Bullfighting Festival , " and " Eating New Food Festival , " horse racing, bullfighting, singing competitions, and Lusheng performances are held here. The Miao festival of " April 8th " is particularly grand.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Gaopo Township boasts beautiful natural scenery, including canyons, stone forests, grasslands, multi-tiered waterfalls, natural bonsai, and vast farmlands. Shimen Village, Yunding Village, and Shanping Village are all worth visiting. Gaopo's scenic attractions can be divided into four routes and 17 destinations. The northern route offers hiking adventures, exploring canyons, admiring the beauty of the mountains, exploring Buyi culture, and exploring the " Bo Miao " (karst cave wonders).

Recommended play time: 3-4 hours

Tickets

10 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Gaopo Miao Village

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Gaopo Miao Village is a historically significant Miao ethnic village in Guizhou, famous for its well-preserved traditional culture and lifestyle. The Miao people have lived in this area for centuries, and the village showcases their unique architecture, festivals, and crafts, especially their elaborate silver jewelry.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Gaopo Miao Village is located in the mountainous area of Guiyang, Guizhou province. To get there, you can take a taxi or local buses from the center of Guiyang. It’s also possible to drive directly to the village, but public transportation may take longer due to the rural location.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The village is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the Miao festivals, particularly in late spring and early summer. These times offer a deeper cultural experience, with dances, music, and local customs in full display. For a quieter visit, weekdays and early mornings are recommended.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entrance to Gaopo Miao Village is free of charge. However, some activities such as attending traditional performances or visiting specific artisan workshops may require a small fee. Tickets for these activities can be bought directly at the village or via local tourism centers.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking in advance is not typically necessary for general visits. However, if you plan to participate in special events or workshops, it’s a good idea to book tickets a few days in advance to ensure availability.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It typically takes 2 to 3 hours to explore the village and its key attractions, including the market, artisan workshops, and attending any cultural performances. If you want to dive deeper into the village’s culture, you may spend half a day here.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Miao traditional houses, which feature unique wooden structures and thatched roofs.
• The local market, offering handmade Miao crafts and fresh food items.
• The artisan workshops where you can see the creation of Miao silver jewelry.
• Traditional dance and music performances that give insight into Miao culture.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin Chinese, and some local tour guides may offer limited English-speaking services. Audio guides in Chinese can be rented at the village entrance, but English audio guides are generally not available.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots are near the village’s traditional houses, with the surrounding mountains providing a beautiful backdrop. The local market also offers vibrant, colorful scenes that are ideal for capturing the essence of Miao life.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start by exploring the traditional Miao houses and learning about their construction and cultural significance.
• Visit the local market to interact with the locals and purchase handmade items.
• Watch a traditional dance or music performance in the village square.
• End your visit at an artisan workshop to observe the making of silver jewelry and other crafts.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not commonly available at Gaopo Miao Village. However, special cultural performances, such as Miao dances and music, may be held during certain festivals or holidays. It’s best to check in advance if you are visiting during a festival period.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Gaopo Miao Village can be crowded during national holidays and major Miao festivals. To avoid the crowds, plan your visit during the weekdays, especially early in the morning before tour groups arrive.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The village has basic facilities, including public restrooms and drinking water stations. There are a few small eateries offering local Miao food, and a few souvenir shops selling traditional crafts like silver jewelry and woven fabrics.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Gaopo Miao Village is located in a mountainous area, which means it may not be very accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. Some areas may have uneven paths, so it’s advisable to check the accessibility of specific sites if visiting with children or elderly people.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is commonly used in the village, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at most shops and vendors. It’s still a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are small local eateries near the village offering traditional Miao cuisine, such as rice and vegetable dishes, spicy meats, and steamed buns. For a more substantial meal, you can travel to Guiyang city for a wider selection of restaurants.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available, especially in the form of rice, vegetables, and tofu dishes. However, halal food options are rare in the village. It’s advisable to carry some snacks if you follow a specific dietary restriction.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are basic guesthouses and small hotels near the village offering simple accommodations. For more upscale options, you can stay in Guiyang city and make a day trip to the village.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Guiyang Forest Park, a peaceful natural area ideal for hiking and relaxation.
• The Qingyan Ancient Town, known for its ancient architecture and rich cultural heritage.
• The Miao Village at the nearby Xijiang is another Miao ethnic village worth visiting.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops in the village offer handmade Miao silver jewelry, woven fabrics, traditional clothing, and other locally made crafts. These items reflect the unique culture and craftsmanship of the Miao people.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Gaopo Miao Village, you can take a taxi back to Guiyang city or use local buses. If you're continuing to other nearby attractions, buses or taxis are the most convenient options.