GettingThere

Traveling to Miao areas is getting easier, but you will need to use Chinese language to get around. If you can't bring someone who speaks Chinese or hire a guide, then a good option is to get a phrase book, such as Lonely Planet's Mandarin Phrasebook. The book is well laid out, using a system developed in China called "pinyin". Pinyin uses the Roman alphabet to spell out Chinese words. Pronounciation is a bit difficult, especially when you remember that Chinese uses "tones" for each word. This means that the word "ma" can be pronounce four ways and have many meanings (for example, "mother", "hemp", "horse", or "swear"). Even if you cannot pronounce the words, you can always point to the Chinese characters and have someone read it. Also remember that China is one of the largest English speaking countries in the world with over 200 million people who can speak English. You can sometimes find someone who speaks English well enough to help you out in a jam. Also remember that people around you might be practicing their English by listening to you speak, but won't approach you. Always watch what you say and assume someone can understand you.

To visit Miao areas you have several options. Probably the best opportunities can be had in Guizhou and Yunnan, but remember that the Miao are found in 7 provinces, with most in Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Hunan and Guangxi.

Guiyang in Guizhou Province. This province has the most Miao in all of China (about 52% of the Miao live here). You will need to begin your trip by flying into the Provincial capital of Guiyang. Guiyang's new International airport is just about the best in China. Unfortunately they still have only two international flights a week, both from Hong Kong. The flights are on Tuesday and Friday afternoons, so you will need to time your arrival in Hong Kong carefully to make the international connections. You have the option of connecting through Hong Kong to Guangzhou or Shenzhen. Both have multiple daily flights to Guiyang. Without Chinese language or a guide, this can be a little difficult, though possible if you are a daring traveler and like adventure. Once in Guiyang, Miao can be found in almost any direction.

A favorite place for tourists and hosting several large festivals each year is Southeast Guizhou Prefecture (Qiandongnan Prefecture). The main gateway city for the Miao in this area is Kaili about 4 hours east of Guiyang by train (unless you get on the slow train, which makes the ride about 9 hours). A new road means you can get there in 2 hours on a comfortable air-conditioned bus. The train is relatively comfortable, and you will see fantastic scenery on the way (not to mention the great cultural lesson you will have watching the Chinese on the train.) In Kaili Miao live in any direction you choose to travel. China Travel Service can help you on your tour if you don't have a tour guide. Also, Gina Corrigan's guide book on Guizhou is fantastic for identifying Miao areas where you can go.. Other favorite tourist areas for Miao in Guizhou are Bijie and Weining. These areas are a little more difficult to reach, but you will be rewarded with rich experiences of seeing many different types of Miao. Aj new road will get you to Bijie in about 4 hours. You can actually hire China Travel Service (CTS) or maybe even someone from your hotel to arrange a trip to a Miao village about 40 minutes outside of Guiyang. You will see a good performance and experience a little of Miao culture, though it will cost you. Expect to pay up to $100 for this treat.

Kunming in Yunnan Province: This is another good jumping off place for seeing the Miao. Numerous Big Flowery Miao live in Yunnan, a group that is approximately 70% Christian today. You can also travel to see many other Miao language groups in Yunnan.

	Hunan: Most Miao can be found in the Northwest in the Jishou area. Travel to there can be difficult, but daily flights to the Zhangjiajie scenic area near Jishou get you pretty close. The Miao in this area number about 1 million.
	Guangxi: Miao area also found in several areas of Guangxi, mostly on the areas bordering Guizhou Province. They can be a little difficult to get to, but provide rich experiences of seeing Miao in many areas untouched by tourism.

Don't forget: you need a visa to enter China. Americans can contact the China Consulate in Washington D.C. and get all the information you need for getting a visa.