Chiyou Jiuli City is located along the Wu River in Dianshui Subdistrict, Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing. It is one of the largest Miao architectural complexes in China, one of the country’s three major ancestral worship sites, and the only place in China dedicated to Chiyou, one of the “Three Human Ancestors of Huaxia.”
As one of the more ancient ethnic minorities in Chinese history, the Miao people originated from the Jiuli tribal alliance of ancient times. “Jiuli” was one of the three major tribal alliances in Chinese legendary history. Chiyou was the leader of the Jiuli alliance and, along with the Yellow Emperor and the Yan Emperor, is regarded as one of the three great cultural ancestors of the Chinese nation.
Works such as the Book of Documents and the Discourses of the States mention the relationship between the Jiuli clan and the Sanmiao tribes. The Sanmiao tribes were likely a branch of the Jiuli people. After Chiyou was defeated by the Yellow Emperor in the Battle of Zhuolu, his people migrated and scattered, eventually evolving into the Sanmiao and later the Miao people of today. For this reason, the Miao people honor Chiyou as their ancestor and regard the Jiuli tribal alliance as their forebears.
During their long period of displacement, the Miao people built Chiyou Jiuli City in order to settle down. This city became a place for the Miao to worship their ancestor Chiyou, a base for preserving and passing down Miao culture, and a showcase of Miao cultural traditions for the public.
Built in harmony with the terrain and mountains, Chiyou Jiuli City takes the culture of Chiyou, the ancestor of the Miao people, as its central theme. It covers a total area of 10 square kilometers. Its main structures include the landmark gate tower, the Nine Gates, Jiuli Palace, Jiuli Tribe, the Big Dipper Seven Stars, the Miao King’s Mansion, Chiyou Hall, Yu King Palace, Shantang Hall, Panhu Hall, the Hundred Miao Corridor, Jiuli Sacred Pillar, martial arts grounds, opera stage, and more. In total, it consists of over 40 individual scenic architectural sites. Among them, the Nine Gates, Jiuli Palace, and Jiuli Sacred Pillar have all been listed as “Guinness World Records of the Great World.”
Further Reading: [Chongqing Travel Guide]4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary Map + Accommodations + Trip Costs + Scam Prevention Tips
Chiyou Jiuli City Attractions
The Nine Gates
Each gate arch is carved with totems related to Miao folk customs and auspicious symbols. This is the only nine-tiered gate complex in the world and the signature landmark of Chiyou Jiuli City. Built along the mountain ridge, it consists of three stone gates, three wooden gates, and three brick-and-wood gates. From afar, it looks grand and majestic; up close, each gate has its own distinctive design.
Jiuli Palace
This is the tallest and largest stilt-house structure in the world, the largest courtyard-style complex in the world, and one of the most unusual building clusters featuring pavilions within buildings and halls within buildings. Built into the mountain slope, the stilt-house complex rises to 99 meters, symbolizing the return of all things to unity. Inside are many cultural elements, including the Miao Dragon Reception Hall, Hukoutang Sun-Drying Hall, a traditional courtyard, and the Eight-Character Front Gate.
Jiuli Sacred Pillar
This is currently the tallest Miao totem pillar in the world, with the largest diameter and the greatest number of carved spirit figures. The finely carved white marble pillar stands 24 meters high, symbolizing the twelve months of the year and the twenty-four solar terms. Carved onto it are the 36 Heavenly Spirits and 72 Earthly Fiends worshiped by the Miao people.
Signature Experiences
Here, you can see Miao cultural heritage everywhere; enjoy traditional Miao songs and dances; join the festively dressed locals wearing silver ornaments to watch Miao folk performances; locals wearing silver ornaments to watch Miao folk performances; and immerse yourself in a rich and colorful feast of ethnic culture.
Welcoming Gate Wine Ceremony
At the Nine Gates in front of Jiuli City, Miao girls sing traditional songs and offer the welcoming gate wine—one bowl of wine for each gate you pass through.
Miao Long-Table Banquet
At the Miao long-table banquet, you can enjoy local specialties such as steamed pork with rice flour, chicken tofu soup, and “Three Fragrances,” a true treat for your taste buds.
The Live Performance Miao Ancestor Chiyou
This large-scale indoor live-action performance centers on Chiyou, the ancestor of the Miao people, and presents the Miao people’s history of hardship, resilience, courage, and perseverance in chronological order. The story is dramatic and moving, while the scenes and music are both beautiful and powerful. The performance takes place at the Miao King’s Mansion in Chiyou Jiuli City.
Chiyou Jiuli City Travel Guide
Location
Chiyou Jiuli City Eco-Tourism Town, southern Pengshui County, Chongqing
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 08:30—22:00
Ticket Price
Adult ticket: 90 RMB per person (online booking is more cost-effective)
✅️Ticket Booking: Trip
Transportation Information
You can take a bus or train to Pengshui County. From the county town, take Pengshui Bus 809, Pengshui Bus 819, or the direct Mowei Mountain Scenic Area shuttle to Jiuli City (bus stop), then walk to the site.
Chiyou Jiuli City Map
Recommended Accommodation
Pengshui Huangdixia Bayu Homestay is located in Yingtao Village, Runxi Township, Pengshui County, Chongqing. It sits in Huangdixia of Mowei Mountain at an elevation of 1,200 meters and features a typical karst landscape. The climate here is pleasant, with average summer temperatures of 20–28°C, making it an ideal place to escape the heat.
Here, you can not only experience the culture of Chiyou, the Miao ancestor, and visit the Miao traditional architectural complex of Chiyou Jiuli City, but also organize family gatherings, hike through the primitive forest park of Mowei Mountain, take a soul-cleansing boat ride down the scenic Wu River Gallery, and enjoy rafting at the popular Ayi River. You can also sample local specialties such as wild giant mushrooms, mountain honey, mountain cabbage.
