Shiju Ancient Land Scenic Area

Shiju Ancient Land Scenic Area

Shiju Ancient Land Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a classic red tourism destination, and a patriotic education base.

Shiju Ancient Land Scenic Area is located in Shihai Town, Xingwen County, Sichuan Province, adjacent to the Xingwen Stone Forest Scenic Area, with an altitude of approximately 600 to 800 meters. The scenic area covers a total area of about 2 square kilometers. Its distinctive ancient Miao culture, eco-cultural settlement landscapes, and rural tourism projects that balance sightseeing and leisure have become new tourism highlights and economic growth points for the Xingwen Stone Forest, thereby promoting the interactive development of culture and tourism, as well as agriculture and tourism.

The scenic area is divided into four major functional zones: the "Rural Pastoral Experience Zone," the "Qiankun Pool Leisure Zone," the "Ancient Miao Village of the Ming Dynasty," and the "Stone Chrysanthemum Sea Viewing Zone." Centered around the stone chrysanthemum sea and inspired by Miao culture, it organically integrates red culture and local traditions to create the unique cultural landscape of Shiju Ancient Land. During the Long March, the resilient and brave Red Army soldiers formed deep bonds with the simple and kind-hearted Miao people. The fields once shimmered with the light of red stars, laughter and songs accompanied the aroma of rice wine, and tales of revolutionary and ethnic unity were forged here.

The development of Shiju Ancient Land Scenic Area has enabled the entire Daqi Village in Shihai Town to achieve poverty alleviation and prosperity. It has also incubated projects such as an outdoor adventure base and the Wenjia Tea Plantation, driving industrial development in over 10 surrounding villages, creating wealth opportunities for local Miao and Han residents, and promoting shared development between the scenic area and indigenous communities.

1. Mountain Gate

A building featuring distinctive Miao ethnic elements, integrating bull horns and the traditional Miao instrument, the lusheng. The Miao people’s reverence for the ox stems from various aspects of their life, with ox patterns commonly found in Miao homes and clothing, as well as ox horns used in ancestral worship. The Miao regard the ox as their closest and most loyal companion, thus naturally considering it an auspicious symbol that brings peace and happiness to their lives. The lusheng, an essential instrument during Miao festivals, can be found wherever there are Miao people across China. Historical records indicate the lusheng has a history of over 3,000 years. As early as the Tang Dynasty, it was played in the imperial court, known then as the "piaosheng." Qing dynasty scholar Lu Ciyun provided a detailed description in his book *Dongxi Qianzhi* of the lusheng's structure and the scene of Miao men and women playing it during the "Jumping Moon" festival: "(Men) hold the lusheng. The instrument has six pipes, each two feet long... The pipes are unevenly arranged, as they blow and sing, their hands flutter and feet leap, eyes turn and bodies sway, spinning with mesmerizing grace. At first, they seem to approach yet stay apart, then gradually grow bold, dancing wildly, swiftly chasing one another." This illustrates how, during the Qing Dynasty, Miao lusheng-playing techniques and dance movements were incredibly refined, as well as the role and status of the lusheng in the lives of ancient Miao people.

2. From the Mountain Gate to the Wooden Boardwalk

Shiju Ancient Land is divided into four main scenic areas: the Ancient Miao Village, the Rural Pastoral Area, the Stone Chrysanthemum Sea, and Qiankun Pool. Among them, the core Ancient Miao Village covers 30 acres and consists of 16 restored stone-and-wood Miao stilt houses, recreating the production and living scenes of ancient Miao people. Strolling through the area allows visitors to experience Miao culture and enjoy activities such as exploration, shopping, accommodation, and wellness. The other three supporting scenic areas—the Stone Chrysanthemum Sea Agricultural Sightseeing Zone, Qiankun Pool Leisure Zone, and Rural Pastoral Experience Zone—combine "rich local culture, leisurely romantic ambiance, and elegant rural scenery." They organically integrate natural landscapes with local traditions, forming a uniquely expressive rural tourism landscape. (Miao ethnic introduction interspersed)

3. Rural Pastoral Area

The Rural Pastoral Area uniquely blends ancient Miao farming culture, red culture, and local traditions, collectively shaping the distinctive cultural heritage still present today. This is also where the Red Army and Miao people forged deep bonds during the Long March—the fields once shimmered with the light of red stars, and tales of revolutionary and ethnic unity unfolded alongside the aroma of rice wine.

On February 3, 1935, during the Long March, the Central Red Army crossed the Chishui River four times, entered Da’mu Miao Ethnic Township in Xingwen County via Xuyong, and arrived at Yanzhoujie Village. To shake off the pursuing main force of the Kuomintang and secure passage to Yunnan, the Central Military Commission ordered the elite forces of the First Red Army Corps, led by Commander Lin Biao, to feint toward Xingwen’s Shihai Town via Yanziyan the next day. At that time, the vanguard of the First Red Army Corps, led by Political Department Director Li Fuchun (later Vice Premier of the State Council), encountered local militias at Manlang River near the foot of Yanziyan. Without firing a single shot, they scared off the militia and successfully passed through the site of the ancient Miao village. Continuing along the ancient path toward Qiankun Pool in Shiju Ancient Land, they engaged in a minor skirmish with local militias, who quickly fled. That night, the main force of the First Red Army Corps arrived at the area between Shiju Ancient Land and Xingyanjie Village for rest. An incident occurred where Yuan Shuyun, a farmer on Shidikang, panicked and fled home after hearing rumors, accidentally leaving his 40-day-old child, Yuan Guizhi, behind. When he returned, he found the house spotless, his child with sweet potato paste on its mouth, holding two copper coins. Touched, he wept. On the second day of the Lunar New Year (February 5), as the Red Army departed, Li Fuchun personally wrote a propaganda slogan: “Overthrow the landlords, kill the corrupt officials, what’s it to you poor folks?” He also left behind over ten wounded soldiers and two Red Army medics. These soldiers recovered with the help of local poor farmers and continued their journey. This history is recorded in Xingwen County annals. To showcase the story of the Red Army’s passage and their bond with the Miao people, Shiju Ancient Land has created 45 sculptures depicting their deep friendship. (Each sculpture is explained individually.)

4. (Explained during performance) Miao Wooden Drum

The Miao people of Xingwen belong to specific clans and subgroups, referring to themselves as "Menglou," a branch of the White Miao. Their primary beliefs include primitive religious forms such as nature worship, totem worship, and ancestor worship. Among these, the wooden drum is one of the most important totemic symbols of the ancient Miao people of Xingwen. They believe the spirits of their ancestors reside in the wooden drum, and drumming is a way to summon these spirits to partake in offerings from their descendants. Hence the saying: “To worship the deceased, play the lusheng, strike the wooden drum three times, and the ancestors’ spirits will return.” As a symbol of the clan, drumming and dancing rituals centered around the wooden drum are rich in ancestral and nature worship, embodying distinct primitive cultural characteristics. Although wooden drums have largely been replaced by cowhide or bronze drums over time, and their use extends beyond rituals to daily life, production, and struggle, the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Miao people carried by the wooden drum have been preserved. Thus, the Miao wooden drum of Xingwen is a cultural essence and living fossil, a unique flower of Miao culture among the Chinese nation. The wooden drums are often made from the lower trunks of century-old trees like *Cyclobalanopsis glauca* or *Toona sinensis*, typically measuring 1.5–2.2 meters in length with a top diameter of 40–60 cm. A narrow groove is carved along the center of the log, with hollows on the sides forming resonant chambers. Drums are distinguished as male and female, with the larger female drum producing deeper, heavier tones, and the smaller male drum yielding higher, brighter sounds, reflecting the matrilineal society’s vestiges of female dominance.

The Rural Pastoral Area covers 144 acres (including 104 acres of dry land, 22 acres of paddy fields, and 18 acres of wetlands), making it one of the four major scenic areas of Shiju Ancient Land. With its ancient paths, murmuring mountain springs, fertile soil, and abundant water, it has long been a hub of Miao agricultural activity. It produces traditional rice, sweet potatoes, rapeseed, millet, *Houttuynia cordata*, and *Chrysanthemum indicum*, as well as natural ingredients like fish, sheep, chickens, and ducks nourished by mountain spring water. (This section is explained in conjunction with the sculptures.)

5. Wetland

The wetland is one of the main attractions of the Rural Pastoral Area, formed by the convergence of multiple mountain springs into a clear pool covering about 12,000 square meters. Fish swim freely in the water, while the banks are lined with lush trees and flowers, and the woods are home to dozens of bird species. Known as the “Kidney of Shiju Ancient Land,” it provides a steady supply of high-quality water to nearly 500 acres of downstream farmland.

Beyond its refreshing natural beauty, the wetland holds unique cultural significance—Miao people once bid heartfelt farewells to the Red Army here, while young Miao men and women sang love songs and cast nets from boats. The picturesque scenery, romantic ambiance, and remnants of ancient Miao farming culture evoke nostalgia and captivate visitors. (Explanation of farming tools provided.)

Miao household items are crafted from a wide range of materials, including iron, wood, bamboo, rattan, bone, pottery, grass, hemp, and stone, with thousands of varieties used for living, travel, food, clothing, work, and production. Their shapes, styles, and crafting methods have been passed down through generations, some for a thousand or even two thousand years, giving them an ancient, rustic appearance yet high practicality—testaments to Miao ingenuity. (Only a small portion is displayed here.) (Brief introduction to the "Sending Off the Red Army" sculpture scene.)

6. Ancient Path

Known as Bangdou Jielou, or the Flowering Ancient Path, its Miao name means “an old road covered in wildflowers.” Built in the late Ming Dynasty by local Miao and Han people to facilitate trade in mountain goods and the purchase of necessities like salt, cloth, and iron tools, this path has a history spanning hundreds of years. Stretching over 200 kilometers from Yongning (now Xuyong County, Luzhou City) through Yanzhou, Jiusi, and Jianwu to Zhaxi and Zhenxiong in Yunnan, it was once traversed by the Red Army during the Long March. The well-preserved sections of this ancient path carry many legends and red memories.

The path follows the contours of the mountains along Butterfly Valley. Looking down, steep cliffs rise, with hanging ancient trees and trickling streams. Walking here, one feels the weight of millennia-old stone steps and the fleeting nature of time.

7. Butterfly Valley

Stretching approximately 1,800 meters, the valley is perennially watered by streams and boasts seasonal exotic flowers and plants, exuding a mysterious, pristine beauty. In March, thousands of butterflies flutter through the valley in vibrant colors, a spectacular sight that amazed local Miao people, leading them to name the place "Butterfly Valley" and adopt the butterfly as a totem symbolizing "good fortune and beauty." Butterfly motifs are widely used in Miao art, including clothing, embroidery, paper-cutting, jewelry, batik, brocade, and paintings. Since ancient times, Butterfly Valley has been a joyful place for Miao people to pledge lifelong bonds and pursue a better life. (Explained in conjunction with the ancient path.)

8. Cockfighting Arena

A venue showcasing Miao folk culture, featuring ancient Miao cockfighting, competitions, and shamanic activities. The fighting cock, an ancient breed with a history of about 2,000 years, is first mentioned in *Zuo Zhuan·Zhao Gong 25th Year*. In a match, two fierce roosters are placed together, and they fiercely peck and slash at each other with their spurs. If the fight drags on and the roosters tire, water is sprayed to revive them for renewed combat until one is defeated. The matches are intense, with the roosters locked in battle, bloodied combs, and exhausted cries.

9. Miao Shamanism

Most Miao people devoutly believe in shamanism. Key practices include soul journeys, divination, divine judgment, ghost worship, and sorcery. These rituals are conducted by shamans, who are often non-professionals. They lead various primal worship and shamanic activities, sometimes also serving as village elders. In addition to mastering ritual methods, shamans are well-versed in clan genealogies, major historical events, migration routes, myths, ancient songs, and folk tales. Some also act as singers and dancers. Thus, shamans are vital cultural custodians in Miao society, fulfilling intellectual roles. Many also possess medical knowledge, using herbal remedies alongside spiritual practices to heal.

10. Competitions

The ancient Miao people mainly engaged in farming and hunting. Their hunting techniques were diverse, and they used a wide variety of hunting tools, primarily including —, bows and arrows, —, iron traps, snares, pole darts, slingshots, and more. Hunting methods included shooting, trapping, setting, encircling, snaring, throwing, netting, and slinging. They could hunt in groups or alone. The Miao people have their own traditional sports, many of which retain ancient forms and possess unique styles. Current competitive activities such as walking on blades, walking on fire, dart throwing, and archery all evolved from the Miao people’s labor and daily life.

11. Red Army Reconnaissance Battle Site

When the Red Army marched through what is now Shiju Ancient Land during the Long March, a reconnaissance skirmish occurred at Mao’er Zui. On the early morning of New Year’s Day in 1935, Li Fuchun (who later became Vice Premier of the State Council after the liberation), then the Director of the Political Department of the First Red Army Corps, led the vanguard — an independent reconnaissance squad — marching swiftly to Mao’er Zui in Shiju Ancient Land. There, they encountered a small unit of a local militia mixed force lying in ambush. Meeting in a narrow path, the brave triumphed. In the end, the heroic Red Army soldiers emerged victorious.

12. Shouting Peach Grove

Located around Qiankun Pool in Shiju Ancient Land, the peach trees are a local specialty. They bloom brilliantly, and their fruits are fragrant, crisp, and sweet, making them a premium variety of peach tree. Legend has it that during the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty, a wealthy family from Kunming, Yunnan, seeking a geomantically auspicious site, hired Yunnan’s most renowned Tuan Gong (a type of shaman) with a large sum of money to search along the Wumeng Mountain Range for a dragon vein cave. After more than two years of arduous trekking, braving wind and rain, the Tuan Gong finally found, with great effort, the long-sought site at the junction of present-day Yanzi Rock and Ma’an Mountain. Overjoyed, he was about to complete his mission when he suddenly spotted a stream (now known as Mulang River) cutting through the mountain like a knife or axe, severing the dragon’s head and breaking the dragon vein. He was immediately struck with horror, cried out “Heaven condemns me!” three times, turned black in the face, vomited blood violently, and fell off his horse to his death. At that moment, the horse he rode neighed, reared up, threw off its saddle and dashed into the rocks, following its master in death. The saddle landed where it formed today’s Ma’an Mountain. At that very time, two swallows flying side by side in the sky, carrying a peach pit in their beaks, were so frightened by the scene that they cried mournfully for the Tuan Gong’s misfortune and grieved deeply for the horse’s loyal death. In the end, the two swallows collided and fell to the ground, transforming into today’s Yanzi Rock. The peach pit carried by the swallows dropped near Qiankun Pool, took root, and grew into a peach tree, which later multiplied into a vast peach grove. Thus, this grove came to be called Shouting Peach Grove. Legends aside, there is indeed a tomb beside the Mulang Bridge on the Mulang River today, with a gravestone still standing and faintly visible inscriptions. It was erected by locals moved by the Tuan Gong’s story. The Shouting Peach Grove also truly exists and has become one of the scenic highlights of Shiju Ancient Land.

13. Qiankun Pool

Located in the heart of Shiju Ancient Land, these two naturally formed ponds are less than a hundred meters apart. Viewed from the air, the two pools resemble the Qian and Kun trigrams of the I Ching, hence the name. Within Qiankun Pool, two mountain springs bubble up, producing water that is clear, warm in winter and cool in summer. The pools are home to various fish such as carp and salamanders, as well as shrimp, crabs, snails, and shellfish. A local fish species known as “cave fish” grows in the pond. Its flesh is tender and smooth, with a delicious taste and high nutritional value. There is a local custom where, after childbirth, a woman’s first postpartum meal includes soup made with cave fish caught from these pools. If the baby is a boy, the fish is caught from Qian Pool; if it’s a girl, it’s caught from Kun Pool. This custom has been passed down to this day. The two pools reflect the harmony of heaven and earth, perfectly connecting yin and yang, and are widely regarded among locals as a geomantically auspicious site.

14. Miao Wind and Rain Tower

Most Miao people live in cold, high-altitude mountainous areas where the terrain is steep, making it extremely difficult to dig foundations. Coupled with the region’s changeable, rainy, humid, and foggy weather, brick houses have heavy dampness at the ground level, making them unsuitable for living. Therefore, the Miao people have traditionally built ventilated, dry wooden houses by the mountains and rivers, called “stilt houses.” Stilt houses are a traditional Miao architectural form — an ancient building style unique to southern China — with living quarters upstairs and open space below, considered by modern architects to be the optimal eco-friendly architectural form. Stilt houses are a marvel of Miao village architecture. Built along the mountains and rivers, they are densely arranged and tiered upwards. (Interspersed with horn culture)

15. Ancient Tree Miao Tea

Known as “Nonglou Tea” in the Miao language, this is the Miao people’s ancient tree tea. Nonglou Tea grows in the Xingwen Miao Mountains at altitudes above 800 meters, and the ancient tea trees are generally over 50 years old. Harvested within ten days before and after Qingming Festival each year, the tea undergoes traditional Miao manual processing and secret fermentation methods. The tea has a rich, yellowish-bright liquor, a mellow and fresh taste, and an elegant, subtle fragrance. In the Miao villages, it is hailed as the “medicine for a hundred ailments.”

16. Shiju Stone Chrysanthemum Sea

Covering an area of over 200 acres, the Shiju Stone Chrysanthemum Sea has planted more than ten varieties of flowers. The entire sea of flowers is shaped like a butterfly. The Miao people regard the butterfly as a totem, symbolizing “good fortune and beauty.” The flower sea corresponds with the Butterfly Valley. (The low-lying central area of the flower sea represents the body of the butterfly, while the sloped areas on both sides represent the butterfly’s wings.)

17. Ancient Miao Village

The Ancient Miao Village covers an area of 30 acres. Sixteen stone-and-wood Miao stilt houses have been restored on the original site of an ancient Miao village from the Ming Dynasty, recreating the production and living scenes of the ancient Miao people. Each of the 16 buildings showcases a different Miao cultural theme. For example: the Miao Liquor Workshop displays and sells traditional Miao rice wine, white liquor, infused wine, medicinal wine, fruit wine, and more. Visitors can enjoy Miao-style banquets, stay in Miao wine-themed rooms, explore Miao liquor culture, and experience the Miao liquor-making process.

Shihai Town: Xingwen County’s Shihai Town is located 25 kilometers southwest of Xingwen County’s county town. The town covers an area of 82 square kilometers, governs 12 administrative villages (96 villager groups) and one community (4 resident groups), with a total population of 17,000 (including 2,430 Miao people). The forest coverage rate is 34.8%. It is the location of the central scenic area of the Xingwen Stone Sea, a national scenic spot and UNESCO Global Geopark.

The Stone Sea Scenic Area is known as the kingdom of karst landforms, where magical karst natural landscapes and the mysterious Bo and Miao cultures complement each other. The scenic area features surface stone forests… Detailed information on Shihai Town ++