The Miao people are an ancient minority and have spread all over the world, mainly to southern China and some southeast Asian countries such as Laos, Vietnam and Thailand. In China, the Miao people are the fourth largest minority.

Although there are many Miao settlers in China, the Changjiaomiao are unique. In Guizhou province, Changjiaomiao (also called Qing miao) mainly live in 12 villages which are located in the Suoga mountains. These 12 villages all have their own leaders and no intermarriage is allowed outside of the village. The village leader, elected by those that live here, is responsible for administrative affairs.