From our Southeast Guizhou Travel Guide.
A relaxed loop is about six days: Xijiang, Zhenyuan and Zhaoxing, with villages in between.
Sisters' Meal Festival (spring) and New Year (autumn/winter) are the biggest; check dates as they follow the lunar calendar.
Xijiang is commercialised at the main square, but walk the upper lanes and the village's Miao character remains.
Kaili is the transport hub; buses and private cars link Xijiang, Zhaoxing and Zhenyuan along the loop.
Sour-soup fish, Miao cured meats, glutinous rice and rice-noodle soups are hearty and distinctive.
Miao silver ornaments, batik (蜡染) cloth and hand-woven Dong textiles make lasting souvenirs.