Shanjiang Miao Village

　　   Shanjiang Miao Village, also known as Zongbingying, is called Bagu in the Miao language. It is located in a valley about 20 kilometers northwest of Fenghuang Ancient Town and is a small mountain village rich in Miao ethnic life. In the Miao language, Shanjiang is called Bagu, meaning “a place with caves,” as there is a cave near the village that has an abundance of them—hence the name.

　　   The name Zongbingying comes from the fact that during the Qing Dynasty’s suppression of the Miao uprising, troops were stationed here and a general’s barracks was set up. As for the name “Shanjiang,” it originated after the liberation when a Shanjiang Reservoir was built on the mountain northwest of the village. The Miao village had suffered from water scarcity, and once the reservoir was completed, it attracted large crowds. People began calling Bagu “Shanjiang,” and over time, the administrative name was officially changed to “Shanjiang.”

　　   Shanjiang preserves ancient Miao customs: dazzling Miao ethnic costumes, unique welcoming wine ceremonies, distinctive performances such as Ka Gu (drum music), Road-blocking Songs, and Bianbianchang (flirtatious courtship activities), as well as traditional festivals like the “April Eighth” Moon and Flower Dance and the “June Sixth” Mountain Song Duels.

　　   Transportation: Take a minibus headed for Shanjiang Miao Village from the Fenghuang Town bus station.

　　   Admission/Opening Hours: 20 RMB

　　    Hunan Xiangxi