The single most compelling reason to time a visit to Taijiang is the Miao Sister Festival on the 15th to 17th of the third lunar month — usually late April or early May. This is when Shidong village hosts dragon boat racing, and when the villages throughout the county see the full assembly of Miao community members in traditional dress. Accommodation books out early; arrive a day before the main event if you can.
Outside festival periods, the spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) months are the most pleasant for walking between villages. Summer brings heavy rain to the Qingshui River valley, making paths slippery and rivers occasionally dangerous. Winter is cold, quiet, and has the advantage of empty guesthouses.