Jidao Long-skirt Miao Village in Kaili, Qiandongnan

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Jidao Long-Skirt Miao Village (季刀苗寨) is located in San Kesu Town (三棵树镇), Kaili City (凯里市), Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture (黔东南苗族侗族自治州), Guizhou Province (贵州省). Situated 20 kilometers southeast of the city center, it lies along the Bala River (巴拉河). This traditional Miao (苗族) ethnic village is home to a population of about 500 people across approximately 110 households, primarily bearing the Pan surname (潘姓). The village has a history of about 220 years.

The village is named “Jid Dob Vangl Eb” in the Miao language, which means “Deep Pool,” referring to the deep pool found in Bala River at the foot of the village. The village is set amidst mountains and water, preserving traditional stilt houses and ancient trees, and it retains scenic features such as old trails and century-old trees.

Introduction

Located by the Bala River, Jidao Long-Skirt Miao Village (季刀苗寨) is a picturesque village surrounded by mountains and rivers, with towering ancient trees and a pleasant landscape. The Miao people’s customs here are simple, charming, and rich in cultural heritage. Key festivals celebrated include the March “Climbing Festival” (爬坡节), the July “New Food Festival” (吃新节), and the October “Miao New Year” (苗年节).

In 2004, the village was designated as a key village in the Bala River Village Tourism Zone (巴拉河乡村旅游区) by Guizhou Province. Visitors to Jidao can enjoy activities like hiking on ancient paths, exploring century-old granaries, listening to ancient Miao songs, and tasting unique local dishes like sour soup fish (酸汤鱼).

Main Attractions

1. Century-Old Granaries

The century-old granaries (百年粮仓) in Jidao Village were originally constructed during the Daoguang Era (道光年间) of the Qing Dynasty (清朝). With a history of two to three hundred years, the granaries were built to prevent theft and fires, as the village once faced frequent thefts and fires due to its dispersed population. The granaries were relocated to a central location near the river, surrounded by defensive walls and a gate to safeguard them. These granaries are still preserved today, symbolizing the wisdom and efforts of the villagers.

2. Miao Ancient Songs and Folk Culture

Visitors can listen to ancient Miao songs (百年古歌), which narrate the origins of the universe and the history of the Miao people. The village also offers opportunities to participate in traditional activities, such as making Miao rice cakes (苗家糍粑) and learning to dance the “Spoon Dance” (瓢舞). The village retains its folk traditions and is a living museum of Miao culture.

3. Bala River

The Bala River (巴拉河) runs in front of the village, with its crystal-clear waters perfect for playing, watching waterfalls, and relaxing. Ancient trees line the banks of the river, offering ideal photo opportunities, particularly in the morning mist or evening sunset, when the ancient village and river present a magical scene.

Related Legends

1. The Legend of Cow and Horse Tracks

In ancient times, there were ten suns in the sky, scorching the earth. The ground was burned, trees withered, and water sources dried up. Only a small water source remained, and people from all directions came here to drink. Even celestial beings and their sacred cattle and horses came to drink from this water, leaving behind everlasting footprints, known as the cow and horse tracks.

2. The Legend of Mounding Altar Mountain

There is a story about Mounding Altar Mountain (埋坛山), where the village had suffered frequent fires. In an effort to prevent future disasters, the elders invited a shaman to conduct rituals. The shaman advised them to place an altar on a mountain behind the village to protect it. After the ritual, no more fires occurred in the village, and the mountain was named “Mounding Altar Mountain” (埋坛山), symbolizing the villagers’ desire for peace and safety.

3. The Story of the Drum-Congress Square

According to legend, the ancestors of the village loved to play copper drums and the lusheng (芦笙) during festivals. When the copper drum support beams rotted, the elders went to the mountains to find a new tree. Upon finding a suitable tree, they discovered a man who had been killed by a tiger under its roots. They deemed it unlucky and abandoned the tree. The elders then buried the copper drum and decreed that no future generations should ever play the drum again, and thus the drum tradition ended.

Travel Tips

Getting There

By Car/Taxi: From Kaili City (凯里市), take the Kailong Highway (凯榕公路) for about 20 kilometers. Be mindful of mountain roads.

By Foot/Bicycle: You can walk or bike along the Bala River (巴拉河), enjoying the views of Miao women washing clothes and the lush, green scenery.

Core Experiences

Ancient Trail and Granaries: Walk the ancient trail that records the Miao migration history, and visit the century-old granaries.

Miao Songs and Folk Activities: Listen to Miao ancient songs and participate in cultural activities like rice cake making and traditional dancing.

Bala River Scenery: Enjoy the crystal-clear waters and ancient trees along the river, perfect for photography.