The Yao Villages of the Shiwandashan Mountains

The Yao Villages of the Shiwandashan Mountains

Yao Villages and Yao Ethnic Culture

Yao Villages and Yao Ethnic Culture The Yao villages scattered across the Shiwandashan Mountains are mostly nestled against high mountains at the back and face steep slopes in the front. Most households’ houses are woven from bamboo strips; the drying platforms in front of the houses are built with wood, and water is piped to the kitchen through bamboo tubes. Women’s clothing is made of dark blue or black fabric, with tops in dark blue or black adorned with red trim. Their heads are covered with embroidered cloth and beaded strings, giving them a look that is both simple and elegant. Young men and women love singing and dancing, using songs to express themselves, giving souvenirs to convey affection, singing “road-blocking songs” during wedding processions, and performing traditional dances with ancient rhythms and graceful movements. The Yao people are hardworking, brave, and hospitable, treating guests to wild game such as hunted civets, bamboo rats, and mountain frogs, as well as their own home-brewed distilled spirits and sweet rice wine.