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Shitou Village is a typical Buyi village built with stone architecture. It is located approximately 6 kilometers south of Huangguoshu Waterfall . Driving west from Anshun to Huangguoshu Waterfall, you'll see village after village filled with stone houses with stone walls and tiles. The majority of the inhabitants are surnamed Wu. Legend has it that 600 years ago, a Buyi named Wu arrived here, developed the village, and gradually multiplied and established it.
The owners of these stone houses are mostly Buyi people. Throughout the entire village, not a single brick or tile is visible. The houses are built with stone walls, roofs tiled with stone slabs, and interior partitions are also made of stone. The courtyard walls, passageways within the village, bridges in front of the village, and terraced fields are all built of stone. Household utensils such as pestles, millstones, bowls, troughs, and jars are all made of stone. Arriving here feels like entering a " Kingdom of Stone . "
Stone Village is nestled in the mountains and beside the water, surrounded by majestic peaks. Fields stretch out in front of the village, and trees shade the back. Near the village lies the wide Stone River, its waters crystal clear, where you can often see schools of fish chasing each other. The stone houses lining the riverbank, interspersed with bamboo groves and fruit trees, cast a unique mountain village scene in the sunlight, like white clouds scattered among the green mountains and clear waters.
Shitou Village is also known as the hometown of batik. Over 80% of the women in the village are skilled in batik making. From bedding for newborns to wedding blankets for young people to funeral clothes and shoes for the deceased, everything is made of batik, creating a truly world of batik. Interestingly, visitors can participate directly here, designing and creating their own batik pieces.
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Stone Village in Anshun, Guizhou, is famous for its well-preserved ancient stone houses, built by the local Miao and Dong ethnic minorities. The village is known for its cultural heritage, with stone houses dating back centuries, offering a glimpse into traditional rural life in Guizhou.
Stone Village is located in Anshun, Guizhou, approximately 70 km from Guiyang. You can reach the village by bus or taxi from Guiyang, or opt for a private car if you're seeking convenience. Walking around the village is the best way to explore its charm.
The village is open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and comfortable. Avoid the summer months if you want to avoid the heavy tourist crowds.
There is usually no entrance fee for Stone Village. However, some guided tours may require booking. It's best to inquire locally about any applicable fees.
Booking is not usually required for general visits to Stone Village. However, if you plan to join a guided tour, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore Stone Village, including walking through the alleys, taking in the architecture, and interacting with locals. If you wish to hike the surrounding nature trails, add additional time to your visit.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. If you require an English-speaking guide, it's best to arrange for one in advance through a local travel agency or your hotel.
The best photography spots include the traditional stone houses, especially during sunrise or sunset when the light adds charm to the stone structures. The surrounding hills also offer panoramic views of the village and its landscape.
Start by walking through the main alley, observing the stone houses, and heading toward the marketplace. From there, take a walk around the outskirts of the village for stunning views of the mountains and surrounding countryside.
Night visits are not common at Stone Village, as it is primarily a rural attraction. The village is best explored during daylight hours, especially for photography and experiencing local life.
The village can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays or during the off-peak seasons like autumn or early spring.
Basic facilities like public toilets are available in and around the village. There are small local shops selling snacks and water, but for full meals, it is better to go to nearby towns or villages.
The village has narrow, uneven alleys, making it difficult for visitors with mobility challenges. However, elderly visitors and children should be able to navigate the area with some assistance, especially in the main parts of the village.
Cash is widely accepted in the village. Some small shops may also accept mobile payments (like WeChat Pay or Alipay). It is advisable to carry cash as credit card facilities are not common in rural areas.
Vegetarian options are available in local eateries, although they may be limited. Halal food options may not be readily available, but it is worth checking with the restaurant before dining.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local handmade crafts, such as woven items, embroidery, and wooden carvings. You can also buy local snacks and tea as souvenirs.
The best way to continue your trip is by bus or taxi. From Anshun, you can easily catch a bus to other nearby attractions, or hire a taxi to visit other landmarks like the Huangguoshu Waterfall or Dragon Palace Cave.
