A route to see the beauty of Miao villages

In Xiangxi, Miao villages are a must-see.
There are so many Miao villages in Xiangxi. If you want to see the beauty of all Miao villages, the road between Dehang and Hongping is the best option. It’s 28 kilometers long and 6.5 to 7 meters wide, and connects eight Mao villages of different styles.

Dehang Village

Dehang means a “beautiful canyon” in the Miao language. Dehang Village in Aizhai Town of Jishou City is the important component of the only national 5A scenic area in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, the “Aizhai·Shibadong·Dehang Canyon”.  In Dehang, Aizhai Bridge is a landmark of the new era. As a Miao village, it conserves traditional customs of the Miao ethnic group, such as Miao drums, Miao songs, Miao boxing, Miao lion dances and Miao embroidery. Traditional festivals such as the Miao New Year, the Bullfighting Festival and the Sisters’ Festival are usually held in the village. The village’s live drama presentations also get high appraisal from domestic and overseas visitors.

Budian Village

Budian Village in Aizhai Town was selected in the fourth batch of traditional Chinese villages and the third batch of villages with Chinese ethnic group characteristics. It was named a national civilized village in 2020. The village’s paths lead in all directions. The interconnecting laneways connect every family into a whole. Visitors touring the village may feel they are walking in a maze. The design and layout with typical military defense functioned effectively to protect the ancient village.  

Zhonghuang Village

Zhonghuang Village in Aizhai Town is listed in the first batch of traditional Chinese villages and in the second batch of villages with Chinese ethnic group characteristics.
The village currently has 57 Miao ethnic ancient buildings with more than 200 rooms, making up a representative residential group with Miao architectural style. The tallest building in the village is named the village-guarding building. It has four layers including a watch tower at the top that was used for resisting bandits in ancient times and is now a center for Miao embroidery.
 
Pingnian Village

Pingnian Village in Aizhai Town is in the fourth batch of traditional Chinese villages. It’s the hometown of Long Yingtang, the first drum king of the Miao ethnic group in Xiangxi. It has been a geomantic treasure place since ancient times. The charming Xiangxi intangible cultural heritage cultures are fully displayed here, including Miao medicine, Miao embroidery, Miao songs, Miao drums and other folk arts and techniques.

Hangsha Village

Hangsha means “the sound of singing in the valley” in the Miao language. Hangsha Village in Lyudongshan Town of Baojing County is in the first batch of traditional Chinese villages.
The Miao people are romantic and like to sing in their daily life to express their emotions, and in festivals for celebration. Especially, the March 3rd Festival (the 3rd day of the third lunar month) provides unmarried young people an opportunity to find their loved ones by singing songs.  Hangji Village

Hangji means “a valley full of tea fragrance” in the Miao language. Hangji Village in Lyudongshan Town of Baojing County is in the fourth batch of traditional Chinese villages. As the Yudai River runs through the village, Hangji Village is reputed as “the first village of Miao territory”. The village currently has three remaining ancient tea plantations. According to historical records, Hangji Village was an important supply point and courier station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road which was the Ming and Qing Dynasties’ route for delivering Baojing Golden Tea to the imperial court as a tribute.  

Hangtuo Village

Hangtuo means “woods on a mountain” in the Miao language. Hangtuo Village in Jilue Town of Jishou City is fully planted with tea trees.
Since most of its lands are on a cliff, the village is called “the Miao village on the cliff”. Lush trees, clean stone roads, and flowers in front of local people’s houses constitute beautiful Miao village scenery.

Hongping Village

Hongping Village in Jilue Town is reputed as a garden of Jishou. The village has been promoting the integration of agriculture and tourism. In its Lingshuige holiday leisure base visitors can camp, fish, or take a motor vehicle tour to appreciate flowers, enjoying every moment of their day.