The name "Kaili" is from the Miao Hmu language, meaning "newly cultivated land".[4]
Kaili has a long history as an administrative center, earning the nickname "Little Capital" during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Ethnics
A significant population of Miao and Gejia (officially classified as Miao) live in Kaili. Kaili is host to more than 120 Miao festivals throughout the year. The Miao are known for arts and crafts, including jewelry, embroidery, brocade, batik, and papercutting.[2]
Geography and climate
Kaili City is located on the eastern side of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, characterized by a terraced large slope zone. It has a subtropical humid monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 16.1°C, ranging from a maximum of 37°C to a minimum of -4 to -7°C. The city is traversed by 153 rivers and streams, including the Qingshui River, Chong'an River, and Bara River, with a total runoff of 3.989 billion cubic meters and theoretical hydropower resources of 54,000 kilowatts.
Kaili is home to hundreds of species of wild animals, 428 species of medicinal plants, and mineral resources primarily consisting of coal, iron, quartz sandstone, petroleum, and natural gas, with one each of oil and gas mining sites.
Climate data for Kaili, elevation 720 m (2,360 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1971–2010)
The natural landscapes mainly include Xianglushan (Incense Burner Mountain), Jinquan Lake (Golden Spring Lake), and a number of uniquely scenic caves.
Festival
Kaili City is home to a total of 136 ethnic festivals, earning it the title of the "Town of a Hundred Festivals." The main traditional festivals include the Miao New Year, Climbing Festival, Eating New Year's Food Festival, Sisters' Festival, June Sixth Festival, Gucang Festival, and Reed Pipe Festival.
Craft
Kaili City is renowned for its diverse ethnic crafts, with notable specialties including embroidery, cross-stitching, brocade weaving, batik printing, and silver jewelry.