The One-Thousand-Household Miao village of Xijiang.[Photo by Zhu Yinwei/Asianewsphoto]

If you are bored with the steel and concrete in cities and want to try something unique and fresh in your upcoming travel plans, villages that embody pastoral beauty and precious cultural heritage can always serve as satisfying getaways.

Known as the biggest Miao village in the world, the One-Thousand-Household Miao village of Xijiang is located 36 kilometers Northeast of Leishan county in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture, Southeastern Guizhou. It consists of more than ten naturally formed villages that have been long inhabited by nearly 1,300 Miao households (hence the name).

The village cluster, known as an open-air museum, displays the authentic and well-preserved distinctive culture and customs of the Miao people. Visitors can take a peek at original Miao dances, customs, rites, costumes and silver ornaments.

The Miao people have their typical architectural characteristic: wooden houses built tier upon tier on the hillside, dotted with bamboo groves. Lying amidst green mountains, the village enjoys beautiful settings, with the terraced fields rising up along the slopes and the crystal-clear Baishui River flowing through. It offers a more spectacular view when it's lit up in the evening.