The Miao people's history in Qiandongnan spans over 2,000 years. According to oral traditions, the Miao migrated southward from the Yellow River basin, settling in the mountainous regions of Guizhou to escape conflict and preserve their way of life. Their epic songs tell of this long migration across China.
The Dong people arrived later but have inhabited the region for at least 1,000 years. They are renowned for constructing magnificent wind and rain bridges and drum towers entirely from wood, without using a single nail. Their polyphonic choral singing, the Dong Grand Song (Kam Grand Choir), dates back over 2,500 years.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the region maintained a degree of autonomy under the chieftain system. The Qing dynasty launched several military campaigns to assert control over the Miao territories.
In 1956, the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture was formally established, granting the ethnic minorities administrative autonomy. Since then, the region has preserved its cultural heritage while opening up to tourism.