Name: Kaili

Chinese name: 凯里市

Province: Guizhou

Status: District city

Population: 478,642 residents

Area: 1,306 km²

Kaili is a small city in Guizhou Province and the capital of the Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture of Qiandongnan, located approximately 195 km from Guiyang, the provincial capital of Guizhou.

While the city itself holds limited touristic appeal, Kaili benefits from an ideal location for accessing the highlands and river valleys inhabited by the Miao minorities and engaging with these distinctive peoples.

History

Kaili is a city inhabited by ethnic minorities whose history spans more than 500 years. It was settled by the Miao and Dong minorities drawn by its advantages, particularly its proximity to water and arable land for cultivation.

Today

Kaili is considered the epicenter of Miao culture. This charming small city serves as an excellent base for accessing the villages of ethnic minorities in the surrounding area and appreciating the countryside, dotted with hills and river valleys.

While the city lacks iconic scenic sites, Kaili nonetheless offers visitors a modern Minorities Museum, a reflection of the region's ethnic minorities, which will help you understand the history and diverse cultures of these communities before meeting them in person.

Kaili is an essential stop for currency exchange, as the surrounding villages lack money-changing facilities.

From Kaili, you can venture out to discover remote villages nestled on hillsides in the adjoining valleys.

Despite tourism's transformation of certain villages, most remain well-preserved and spared from the rapid modernization sweeping the country. Local festivals are frequent, and markets provide perfect opportunities for travelers to discover extraordinary ways of life. The Dong village of Zhaoxing and the Miao village of Biasha reflect authentic communities still living according to their traditions. Don't miss Xijiang, China's largest Miao village, and its picturesque weekly market.

Ethnic minority festivals can last several days, featuring singing, dancing, and sporting activities. The Lusheng Festival is among the most significant, taking place in spring or autumn depending on the village. Since these celebrations follow the lunar calendar, dates vary yearly—be sure to inquire before traveling to avoid missing them.

Markets and festivals constitute one of Kaili's main attractions, making it the natural departure point for experiencing them.

The surrounding landscapes merit the journey. If you wish to venture off the beaten path, the hills offer delightful hikes with stunning views over villages and valleys.

Climate

Due to its mountain location, Kaili has a humid subtropical climate. The sky is therefore regularly overcast with frequent rainfall year-round. Precipitation is most abundant in late spring and early summer.

Temperatures remain pleasant, with an average annual temperature around 15°C (59°F). Winters are mild and summers are agreeable.

Train

Kaili has a railway station located 2 km north of the city center. However, trains are infrequent and slow.

Trains arrive daily from Guiyang. Long-distance trains to Chongqing, Kunming, Beijing, and Shanghai stop at Kaili.

Buses are a better option for reaching Kaili.

Bus

Kaili has two bus stations: the long-distance bus station and the local bus station located on Yingpan Xilu.

Most major cities in neighboring provinces offer long-distance buses to Kaili.

The local bus station primarily serves the surrounding villages.

A few buses run through the city to drop you at key points.

Taxis are also available and very affordable.

What to do in Kaili?

• Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the province's ethnic minorities at the Minorities Museum.
• Venture out to discover one or more villages of the Miao and Dong ethnic minorities.
• Attend the Lusheng Festival and experience the traditional songs and dances of village communities.
• Shop at one of the typical local markets.
• Stroll through Dage Park or Jinquanhu Park in Kaili.