Molao Village

Molao Village

Molao Village is situated on the alluvial terrace on the eastern bank of the middle reaches of the Qingshui River in the southwestern part of Bianshi Town, a border town in Huayuan County, Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture. It lies 9.7 kilometers from the town center of Bianshi. Here, the centerline of the Qingshui River serves as the boundary between Hunan and Guizhou provinces. Crossing the river takes you to Houtiaozhai in Wanshen Village, Yajia Town, Songtao County, Guizhou Province, making Molao Village a true “village straddling two provinces.” The village covers an area of over 600 acres, including 300 acres of arable land. It currently has 117 households with a population of 545, all of whom are ethnic Miao, predominantly surnamed Long, with a few surnamed Ma, Shi, and individual families surnamed Yang. The common languages spoken are the Miao language and the local Chinese dialect. To the east, the village is flanked by Duimenpo and Baihu Mountain, while to the south it nestles against Houbeishan. The Qingshui River flows around the village, making it a typical place surrounded by mountains and water. Due to significant variations in terrain and notable vertical temperature differences, the area enjoys a distinct mountain microclimate, rich in flora and fauna, and is well-suited for human habitation, production, and daily life. According to archaeological surveys in recent years, the history of Molao Village can be traced back as early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Surrounding the village are ruins, kiln sites, ancient tombs, cliff tomb clusters, and more dating from the Shang-Zhou, Warring States, Han dynasties, through to the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing periods. These sites feature a wide variety of types and strong historical continuity.

Molao Village is a typical Miao ethnic settlement where traditional customs are well preserved and Miao craftsmanship continues to thrive. Cultural elements such as the Hou’er Drum, Miao medicine, Miao embroidery, climbing the blade ladder, treading on the plowshare, Miao martial arts, and the intangible cultural heritage of Badai all reflect the Miao people’s spirit of resilience and pursuit of a better life.