Jidao Miao Village

Nestled along the Bala River 20km southeast of Kaili's urban center in Guizhou's Qiandongnan Miao-Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Jidao Miao Village is a traditional Miao settlement. Divided into Upper and Lower hamlets, this 220-year-old community (sources indicate) shelters approximately 110 households—predominantly of the Pan lineage—totaling nearly 500 residents. Its Miao name "Jid Dob Vangl Eb" ("Deep Pool Village") derives from the river's profound depths at the village foot.

Highlights of Jidao Miao Village

Century-old Granaries

Jidao Miao Village’s old granaries were first built in the Qing Dynasty’s Daoguang years, with a 200-300 year history. Back then, poor security, frequent robberies and big fires made villagers lose much grain. Taking tribal chiefs’ advice, they put granaries together in the village center. They also built houses around for defense and a stockaded gate. These steps worked to stop theft and fire, keeping grain safe and letting the community do well. These light grey wooden buildings, full of history and stories, watch the Miao village change over time, showing the Miao people’s wisdom and unity. Standing before these old granaries, you almost see hardworking villagers toiling and guarding harvests, feeling deep respect for their diligence and cleverness.

Ancient Miao Songs

Jidao Miao Village’s old songs are key to the Miao people’s culture, with a 600-700 year history. They cover many things: how the world and humans began, old stories of splitting heaven and earth, big floods long ago, the Miao’s great move, old social rules, and daily life and work. Since the Miao had no written language, these spoken songs became important for saving their history. When visitors go to the village’s Song Hall, they can hear elders sing them. The songs’ sad tunes and special way of singing feel like they cross time, pulling listeners into the deep history of Miao culture. It’s like traveling through generations, letting you feel close to the lives and wisdom of Miao ancestors, and see how rich this ethnic tradition is.

Ancient Lane Stone Path

Jidao Miao Village’s Ancient Lane Stone Path is made of old stone slabs. As you walk along it, sunlight comes through the gaps in wooden houses, making spotty patterns that feel like taking you back in time. The lane is lined with Miao stilted wooden houses, giving off a simple, country charm. Visitors can put on bright Miao clothes and walk slowly, feeling the ethnic atmosphere as if stepping into a real Miao story. Old craftswomen by the path sell handmade batik, embroidery and other traditional crafts. Each piece is carefully made with nice patterns that hold the Miao cultural heritage. Travelers can pick their favorite souvenirs to take home, keeping tangible memories of their trip.

Scenery Along the Bala River

Jidao Miao Village stands by the Bala River, where clear water flows like a green ribbon around the village. Along the banks, old Miao women wash vegetables and clothes in shallow water, and kids splash and play—scenes full of real daily life. When dusk comes, the setting sun turns the water golden and shimmering; its rippling light blends with green mountains, thick trees and old Miao houses to make a poetic view. Visitors can stroll riverside paths, breathing fresh air in calm natural beauty. This peaceful break from city noise refreshes both body and spirit.

Educational Value

Miao embroidery is a special way the Miao people express their culture. Since they have no written language, they’ve long used detailed symbols and patterns on traditional clothes to show what they know about nature, cosmic rules, life rhythms and ethnic history. Jidao Miao Village, a well-preserved old Miao settlement in Guizhou, is known for keeping great embroidery skills. Visitors can see rare methods like double-needle lock stitch, which shows the art in this living heritage.

Activities to do at Jidao Miao Village

Experience of Miao Intangible Cultural Heritage Skills：The Jidao Miao Village offers immersive workshops for two nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage crafts: Miao embroidery and batik. Under the guidance of master artisans, visitors may practice the wrapped-thread embroidery technique or create batik textiles—from designing motifs to dyeing fabrics—experiencing firsthand the artistry of these traditions. Participants take home their handmade creations as unique cultural keepsakes.