Basha Miao Village

Basha is a very special and old Miao ethnic village. The villagers still practice their unique traditions dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC). Basha Village is almost untouched by China’s rapid modernization. Residents there still live in their wooden houses, practice centuries-old customs and have their own unique beliefs.

Basha Miao Village is located about 2km south of the county town of Congjiang.

On important occasions and some traditional festivals, villagers burn incense under big ancient trees to pray for health and happiness. Basha people have developed a special respect for the ancient trees, which have been protected as carriers of ancestor's spirits for generations.

Basha is a place where ancient culture is more completely protected, and this community is quite different from other Miao communities in terms of clothing and daily life. Basha people dress like ancient warriors, wearing guns and knives everyday. They make their unique clothes themselves. Their hair is mostly shaved except in the middle, where it is twisted and knotted.

Basha is a relatively big village with 2,140 residents, but they rarely connect with the outside world. They live in their community and lead a self-sufficient life in their mountainous surroundings.