There are two famed festivals for Miao minority people in Guizhou. One is Lusheng Festival in Kaili which is from Jan 11 to Jan 15 (Lunar Calendar). Perfomances like Lusheng Dance, Bullfight and Horse Race will come to the stage during the festival. The other is East Sister's Meal Festival which is from Mar 15 to Mar 16 (also the Lunar Calendar). Local minority people from surrounding villages will gather together and celebrate their traditional festivals. The scene is astonishingly grand and amazing. If your travel schedule is flexible, it would add lots of interests to your journey if you choose this periods to visit Guiyang and Kaili.

Client's information:

Ms.Joan , China , 2008-4-7 15:23

We traveled to Kaili on July 2007. Our first afternoon in Kaili starts with a trip to the bird and flower market. It was really fascinating with baskets of spices: cages of birds, exotic animals; interesting plants and piles of local fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately we were caught in a torrential downpour and were not able to fully enjoy the market scene. Later we went to a regional museum that had minority dress and cultural artifacts on display. The most interesting parts of this museum, however, were the women artisans who were working on traditional arts and crafts. They were the weavers, silversmiths and batik artists. They are really great!

Later we headed for the Miao villages. On our way we saw a large crowd of people gathered, they were doing the water buffalo and cattle trade. One of an older Miao women in the group attracted me, I gave her a small souvenir book about Texas (We were going to visit a Miao home later, so I had this book as a little gift to the host). She happily became the center of attention after we left.

During our time in Miao villages, we visit both the Long-skirt and the Short-skirt Miao. They were warm-hearted and fascinating people. Their costumes were rich of silver and hand embroidery and embellishment. They were so welcoming and open that showed us some of their ethnic dances. I felt so lucky and happy.

Our last day in the villages we spent in a traditional, not-tourist place. We had a picnic by the roadside, watched fishermen on the river and helped a woman gather rocks for building a house. As we left, the children gathered and shouted "Bye bye". Their sweet voices echoing across the rice fields until we had been out of their sight.

That's really a wonderful trip. We heard from our guide that Guizhou is more isolated and natural in keeping the ethnic flavor, compared with Guangxi, Yunnan and Sichuan etc... You will not feel disappointed after the trip ended.

Client's information:

Ms.Melissa Wafer  2008-4-7 14:39

The visitors who come to Kaili should not miss the local Sunday Market. When every Sunday comes, the local minorities from the surrounding villages put on their costumes and carry shoulder poles trading in the market. It is a perfect place for there are so much to browse through. The delicate embroidery silks, silver rings and earrings, all sorts of decorations absorb the coming visitors. Herbal remedies are also available here. Rat poison vendor even display dead rats to show how effective the poison is. The local beautiful plaited bamboo baskets in every shape, size and function are waiting for your selection. You can also find the pottery jars, kites, paper money and incenses in the market. There is also special area for the livestock trade. Pigs, donkeys, dogs, chickens and rabbits are locked in the cage, are waiting to find their new masters. A very interesting even to look out for the bird singing competitions. These birds are raised by some senior citizens. They bring their pets in bamboo cages with fitted covers here to attend the competition. You can also find stalls selling varieties of local snacks. Choose whatever you fancy and try as well. You will definately not regret visiting Kaili.

Client's information:

Ms.Josephine , China , 2008-4-7 14:05