Basha Miao cultural performance for visitors at the village square
As I See It
Basha Miao Village ’ s Unique Architecture , Building Construction and Culture By Dato ’ Ir . Fong Tian Yong
Basha Miao Village , often referred to simply as Basha Village , has a population of 2,200 villagers , mostly of the Miao tribe . It is situated in Congjiang County , a part of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture southeast of Guizhou Province , PR China .
The village is nestled in a mountainous area surrounded by lush forests and terraced fields . The natural beauty of the region is a significant aspect of its charm and appeal to visitors .
The village is known for its well-preserved Miao buildings , culture and traditions . It is one of the few places where the ancient customs — including their unique architecture , traditional dress , and cultural practices — of the Miao people are still actively practised and maintained . It is also the only village which allows the possession of guns as it is part of the Basha Miao tradition for local folks to carry guns and knives .
The Miao people , also known as the Hmong in some regions , are an ethnic minority group primarily located in southern China , particularly in the provinces of Guizhou , Yunnan , Hunan , and Guangxi .
Their traditional houses , known as “ Diaojiaolou ” or “ Diaolou ,” which means hanging or stilt houses , are distinctive in design and construction , reflecting the unique cultural and environmental characteristics of the region .
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