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Langde Shangzhai, a Miao village with hundreds of households, is located in Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province. It is 29 kilometers from downtown Kaili and 15 kilometers from the county government. The ancient buildings in Langde Shangzhai are listed as a fifth-batch key cultural relic protection site in my country.
This is a Miao village with hundreds of households. Langde Shangzhai is a literal translation of the Miao word "Nengdui Angjiu." "Nengdui" means the lower reaches of the Oudu River, and the village is named after the river. "Angjiu" means upper village. Langde Shangzhai is named because it is located above the Langde area. The Miao people in the village are known for their long skirts, earning them the nickname "Long Skirt Miao."
In addition to admiring the unique wooden stilt houses of the Miao ethnic group, visitors can also enjoy performances by villagers, including road-blocking drinking songs, Miao dances in elaborate costumes, reed pipe dances, and eight-carry reed pipe dances. Langde Town boasts unique ethnic tourism resources, including the renowned "Hometown of Chinese Folk Song and Dance Art," "One of the 100 Open-Air Museums in China," and "Hometown of the Lusheng." The Langde Shangzhai ancient building complex has been designated a fifth-batch key cultural relic protection site in my country.
The village is nestled against the backdrop of mountains and facing the water, with towering ancient trees. Visitors are warmly welcomed in a unique way. The villagers, dressed in festive attire, sing moving toasting songs and offer guests fragrant road-blocking wine. This unique way of welcoming guests into the village involves blocking their way through three or even twelve roadblocks. Once inside the village gate, the villagers dance on the bronze drum platform, starting with the slow-paced "stepping on the bronze drum" and continuing with the lively "youthful reed pipe dance." Visitors often find themselves dancing along.
Subtropical monsoon climate; Langdeshangzhai is a Miao village, 29 kilometers away from Kaili City and 7 kilometers away from Leishan County Government. It is one of the key villages for ethnic customs tourism in the east of Guizhou Province and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Former Residence of Yang Daliu
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
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All day
Langde Shangzhai is a traditional Miao village known for its well-preserved cultural heritage, including ancient customs, clothing, and architecture. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the way of life of the Miao people, one of China's most distinctive ethnic groups.
Langde Shangzhai is located in Southeast Guizhou, about 50 kilometers from Kaili, the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Kaili, or via a guided tour. Public buses may also be available from Kaili to Langde Shangzhai.
The village is open for visits throughout the day. The best times to visit are from March to October when the weather is more favorable, with the peak of the tourism season in summer and autumn. Early mornings and late afternoons are less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately 30-50 RMB per person, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance to the village. Booking in advance is not usually necessary.
Booking tickets in advance is not required. You can buy tickets upon arrival. However, during peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to check availability and book a day or two in advance if you are traveling as part of a tour group.
A visit to Langde Shangzhai typically takes 2 to 3 hours. This time allows you to explore the village, interact with locals, watch cultural performances, and shop for souvenirs.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides in multiple languages are not commonly provided, but local guides are generally very knowledgeable and can provide a rich cultural experience.
Start at the entrance of the village and take a leisurely walk through the narrow streets. Visit the drum tower, then continue to the central square for performances. Don’t miss a short walk to the nearby terraced fields for scenic views.
Night visits are not typically available. However, during certain festivals or special events, there may be nighttime performances or light shows. It is best to check with local guides or tour operators in advance.
The village can be crowded during weekends, Chinese public holidays, and peak tourist seasons (summer and autumn). To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-season, such as in late autumn or winter.
Basic facilities like public toilets, food stalls offering local snacks, and small rest areas are available in the village. There are also shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs such as Miao embroidery and silver jewelry.
The village has some hilly terrain, and many of the paths are not paved. While it may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, the central areas and performances are accessible to families with children.
Cash is accepted throughout the village, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are more widely used. Credit cards are not typically accepted, so it's best to carry cash or use mobile payments.
Local eateries in the village serve simple Miao food, such as rice noodles, smoked meats, and hot pots. There are also a few small cafes in the surrounding area offering snacks and refreshments.
Vegetarian options are available in the local eateries, although vegan or halal options are more limited. It’s a good idea to check with the restaurants in advance if you have specific dietary requirements.
There are several guesthouses and hotels in the nearby Kaili city, including budget accommodations and mid-range hotels. Staying in Kaili offers easy access to Langde Shangzhai, and many guesthouses provide transportation services to the village.
Nearby attractions include the Kaili Miao Ethnic Museum and the Zhenyuan Ancient Town. Both are easy to visit on a day trip from Langde Shangzhai.
Souvenir shops in the village sell traditional Miao textiles, silver jewelry, and hand-woven crafts. Other popular items include painted pottery and embroidered items.
The best transportation options for continuing your trip are by private car or taxi. Public buses are available but may not be as convenient for visiting nearby attractions. Rental cars and organized tours are also good options.
