Abstract: Guidance for Guarding Miao People,written by Yan Ruyi during the dynasties of Emperors Qianlong and Jiaqing,is a local chronics about the development of the Miao People in Xiangxi,including the folk tradition and customs of the Miao People and the strategies to manage them.The chronics is divided into 8 books,containing 22 volumes and 14 categories.Though a giant project,it covers three subjects:the author’s field investigation and feelings,and the cultural features and distribution of the Miao People;the history of the Miao People in Hunan and Guizhou,and the strategies to manage them;and the purpose of the chronics,that is,to serve as a guidance to guard the Miao People.

Key words: Guidance for Guarding Miao People, Yan Ruyi, interpretation；Miao People in Xiangxi