Basha Miao Village: Traveling Through Millennia to Encounter China's Last Tribe of Gunmen

Nestled among the towering mountains of Southeast Guizhou lies the mysterious Basha Miao Village, China's last legally armed tribe. Here, men carry flintlock rifles on their shoulders, wear curved knives at their waists, and sport distinctive topknots, as if stepping out of ancient times. They worship trees as deities, adhering to the life philosophy of "a tree at birth, a tree at death," and still preserve ancient customs like sickle haircuts, tree burials, and gun salutes to welcome guests. If you crave a primitive, wild, and ritual-filled journey, this guide will take you deep into Basha to experience the most authentic Miao culture! 📅 Best Time to Visit - Spring & Autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant weather, emerald terraces, ideal for hiking and photography. - Summer (June-August): A great summer retreat, but crowded; avoid the National Day holiday peak. - Winter (December-February): Fewer tourists, chance to experience traditional festivals like Miao New Year, but colder in the mountains. 🚗 Transportation Guide 1. How to Get There? - High-speed rail: Take a train from Guiyang North Station to Congjiang Station (~1.5 hours, ~¥100), then taxi or shuttle (~1 hour, ¥30) to Basha. - Self-drive: From Guiyang, take the G76 expressway to National Highway 321 (~4 hours); parking available outside the village. - Long-distance bus: Direct buses from Guiyang East Bus Station to Congjiang (~4 hours, ¥120), then transfer to local transport. 2. In-Village Transport - Shuttle: Tickets include short-distance rides, but walking through the core area enhances the primitive experience. 🎫 Tickets & Fees - Admission: ¥80 (includes welcome performance), half-price for students. - Tip: Some agencies sell cheaper tickets without performances—buy officially. 🏡 Accommodation - Village homestays: Like "Gunmen Tribe Inn," offering stilt-house stays (¥200-300/night) with misty mountain views. - Congjiang town: For more comfort, try hotels (e.g., Congjiang Grand Hotel) and visit the village next day. 📸 Must-Do Experiences 1. Gun-Salute Welcome - Time: Daily at 9:30 AM & 3:00 PM (arrive early for spots). - Highlights: Gunmen fire salutes, Lusheng melodies play, and Miao girls offer "block-the-door" wine. 2. Sickle Haircut Demo - Location: Village performance square. - Unique: Basha men trim hair with sickles, leaving only a topknot—**China’s oldest male hairstyle. 3. Life Tree & Tree Burial - Legend: Each Basha child gets a "life tree" at birth; at death, it becomes their coffin, with a new tree planted atop—no tombstones. - Best spot: Ancient forest behind the village, ethereal at dawn. 4. Miao Dance & Wedding Shows - Features: Lusheng dances, gun dances, and "bridal kidnapping" customs, showcasing bravery and romance. 5. Stroll the Ancient Village - Route: Cobblestone paths wind past stilt houses, where Miao women carry baskets—pure, unspoiled life. 🍜 Food Recs - Sour Fish Soup: Miao specialty, spicy and tangy, best with wild ferns. - Bamboo Sticky Rice: Sweet and soft, pairs well with cured meat. - Beef Bile Hotpot (for the bold): A regional dish made from undigested grass, bitter yet sweet. ⚠️ Tips 1. Respect customs: Ask before photographing villagers, especially during haircuts. 2. Shop wisely: Silver and herbs vary in price—compare first. 3. Wear grippy shoes: Cobblestones get slippery when wet. 🌟 2-Day Itinerary Day 1: Guiyang → Congjiang → Basha (welcome ceremony → haircut → village walk → stilt-house stay). Day 2: Dawn mist → life tree exploration → Miao performances → return. “Basha people say: We come from nature, return to nature; bringing no thread at birth, taking no wood at death.”