Zhaitou

Zhaitou

Zhaitou

Zhaitou — Where a Thousand Miao Homes Drown in the Joy of Reed-Pipe Music. Originally called Qianjia Miao Village, Zhaitou is located in the southwestern part of Sansui County, about 20 kilometers from the county seat. It serves as the gateway to the vast Miao region. This was once the battleground where the peasant rebellion army led by the Miao hero Zhang Xiumei fought fiercely against Qing dynasty troops. Come here to see the legendary Qianjia Miao Village, admire Miao girls in their traditional finery, watch performances of the lusheng (reed-pipe) dance, listen to delicate melodies played by young women, and immerse yourself in the emotions of village maidens. Though the stilted wooden houses of the past can no longer be seen, what greets your eyes now are neat rows of elegant new buildings. The beauty of the thousand Miao homes remains undimmed, and charming Miao girls are everywhere. The sound of reed-pipes and the rustling of leaves from the hills drift pleasantly into your ears, sure to enchant you in this Miao village. The ethnic festival “Er Yue Er” (the second day of the second lunar month), celebrated with reed-pipe music and bridge-worship rituals, will leave you spellbound. The local customs, the welcoming horns of home-brewed wine, graceful dances, and stunning ethnic costumes are sure to stir your imagination.

The unique “Er Yue Er” (the second day of the second lunar month) bridge-worship festival begins on the second day of the second lunar month and lasts through the fourth and fifth days. In the lusheng performance area, beautiful Miao girls and handsome young men play the reed-pipes and dance in the center, spinning gracefully in their splendid traditional attire. The crowds watching them are immense, creating an ocean of reed-pipe music. With melodious tunes, smiling faces, and rhythmic movements, the dancers sway left and right. The silver ornaments atop the girls’ heads and the silver collar plates over their chests sparkle brilliantly under the sunlight and amidst the singing. Visitors from across China and around the world are left amazed and inspired.

The festival attracts over 10,000 visitors each year. As it lies along National Highway 320 and serves as the main gateway from Sansui to the Kaili prefectural capital, traffic flows incessantly. Travelers passing by always stop to witness this spectacular scene. At the antiphonal singing grounds, the place is packed with people and filled with melodious songs. Everywhere you look, young men and women engage in singing duels—sometimes gently harmonizing, sometimes whispering sweet nothings. This is how many local couples meet and eventually tie the knot for life.

In the bullfighting arena, fierce water buffalo engage in intense clashes, charging, ramming, and spinning in dramatic displays that draw constant admiration. The event is lively every year. Here, you can see Miao girls like you've never seen before, enjoy the vibrant lusheng performances, witness thrilling bullfights, and listen to heartfelt duets between young men and women. Sip the horn-held home-brewed wine you've never tasted, try the special Miao sisters' rice you've never eaten, and listen to folk mountain songs you've never heard. This scenic journey will add joy to your life. The area is easily accessible via National Highway 320, with various vehicles able to reach the mountain village with ease.