
Basha Miao Village
Basha Miao Village, located in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province, China, is one of the last remaining Miao ethnic villages that has retained its ancient customs and traditions. Known as the "Last Gunmen Tribe of China," the men of Basha are uniquely permitted to carry muskets, a rare privilege in modern China. The village is nestled among lush forests and rolling hills, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has changed little over centuries. The Basha Miao people are also famous for their distinctive hairstyles, where men shave most of their heads, leaving only a central bun, a tradition believed to date back to the Qing Dynasty. The village also practices tree worship, where every newborn has a tree planted in their name, which will eventually be used to craft their coffin, symbolizing the cycle of life. Visitors to Basha can experience traditional firearm-wielding performances, cultural dance showcases, and the fascinating "sickle haircut" ceremony, where elders use sickles to shave young men's hair—a practice that has been passed down for generations.