Some of the villages we visited greeted us with potent, homemade rice wine. Looked to me like an excuse for a PARTY! I wouldn’t have minded trying a slug or two but they kept passing these huge jugs from person to person to drink out of. I have a real problem sharing with many strangers, and had Andy tell them that we were strict “teetotalers” then he drank our share. A perfect solution.

A visit to Flag Stone Village to see “Xi Family Miao’s Customs, and a short trek to Gee Family Village to see their batiks. …passing people carrying the daily, heavy loads…View image… …View image… The Ge Family is a special ethnic group that is not included in the 55 minorities of China as they number only around 10,000 people. They have their own customs and language with unique garments and adornments.

Back to Kaili for a fast lunch, and then a transfer up to the Lei Gong Mountain, center of Miao culture in southeast Guizhou. Kaili is a 2,500 year old city with a population of 450,000. More than 65% of that amount consists of the Miao.

The Wu Dong Village was 1,400 meters above sea level (about 5,000′), typical of the “Long Skirt” Miao,” who are known for their singing and dancing.

We watched a performance along with many other Chinese tour groups and then they tried to sell some of their goods and embroideries. “ex-Marine” was inundated by the women waving items in front of his face and trying to get his attention.

The entire area was surrounded by beautiful fields and rice terraces along with people busily harvesting. After cutting the rice, they bang the sheaves on the edge of this box and the grains fall in. I never got tired of the changing scenery and watching the people.

harvesting rice in Guizhou Province, China
The Dongs usually live in villages of 20-30 households but, occasionally, we came across a large village with up to 700 households. Similar to most ethnic people, the Dong live in houses with several floors…their animals (pigs, cows, etc.) and firewood on the main level…the family above. The most interesting part of Dong villages are the Drum Towers and “Wind and Rain” Bridges (more about that later). Many years ago, the Dong and Miao were hostile to each other until the dispute was resolved. They now live in harmony.

Tonight’s stay was at the Hua Du Hotel, a two ** , in Leishan…and tomorrow, more villages…