Live Your Best Lives
Basha Miao Village is located in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province. Basha means "abundant vegetation" in the Miao language. The Miao people are a branch of the Heimiao tribe, said to be descendants of Chiyou's third son. Basha Miao Village still maintains ancient customs such as wearing muskets, shaving with sickles, and worshipping ancient trees. It is known as "the last gunman tribe under the sun."
The village is built layer by layer along the mountainside, making it often difficult to tell where you are. Lush trees abound in the valleys above, and rare species over hundreds of years old can be found everywhere. The Basha people's ancestors, fleeing peril from pursuit, were saved by the virgin forests that blotted out the sun. The Basha people believe that humanity cannot live without trees, and since ancient times, they have established strict regulations regarding the felling of trees for timber. These regulations are incorporated into the Basha Village Regulations, with severe penalties for violations, and are passed down from generation to generation without change.
Basha has a subtropical humid climate with mild weather all year round. The best seasons to visit are spring, summer, and autumn.
Recommended play time: 1 day
100 yuan/person
Basha (also Biasha) Miao Village, in Congjiang County, Qiandongnan, Guizhou, is known as “the last gunmen tribe” of China. It is a remote, culturally preserved Miao community in which men traditionally carry rifles in ceremonial use, and many ancestral customs—such as tree worship, sickle haircut, and traditional dress—are still practiced today. ([turn0search13])
It’s composed of five natural villages with over 2,000 people, and is often described as a “living fossil” of Miao culture. ([turn0search10])
The entrance fee is about ¥60 RMB per person, which includes the cultural show. ([turn0search5])
In addition, the shuttle bus from the visitor center to the village requires ~¥20 RMB. ([turn0search5])
Advance booking is not strictly required. However, during peak periods or for group tours, it’s safer to book a day or two in advance via local travel operators.
Spend 2–3 hours in the village to see the performance, museum, walk through stilt houses, and enjoy surroundings. If combining with nearby attractions, half a day is ideal.
Guided tours are generally in Mandarin via local operators. There is no widespread evidence of English audio guides in the village.
Start from the tourist center → shuttle bus to village gate → walk through main village lanes → visit museum → attend cultural show → meander into peripheral pathways among houses and trees → return by bus.
There is no indication of formal night lighting shows; the village is quieter at night, so most activities occur during daylight.
Peak crowding occurs during holidays, weekends, and festival days. Weekdays and off-peak months are less crowded.
The village terrain is sloped and walking paths are uneven, so care is needed for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can manage with supervision.
Mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) are likely accepted in shops; having some cash is useful in case of remote stalls.
Local eateries serve Miao specialty dishes like sour soup fish, cured meats, pickled fish, and oil tea fried noodles. ([turn0search17])
Vegetarian dishes (stir-fried vegetables, rice, tofu) are available; halal options are limited and should be requested in advance.
Homestays and guesthouses in Congjiang or in the immediate village are available for overnight stay.
You can return to Congjiang via taxi or local bus, then continue by train or bus to your next destination in Guizhou (e.g. Kaili, Zhaoxing, Guiyang).
