Shanjiang Miao Village (山江苗寨), also known as Zongbing Camp, is a picturesque mountain village rich in Miao culture. The village’s Miao name, bleat gud (meaning “toad cave”), comes from a nearby cave teeming with toads. It was referred to as Zongbing Camp due to the military presence during the Qing Dynasty when troops were stationed here to suppress Miao uprisings. The name “Shanjiang” originated from the construction of the Shanjiang Reservoir to the northwest of the village after the liberation, which alleviated the local water shortage and attracted many visitors.
The best time to visit Shanjiang Miao Village is between April and November. Historically, this area was a settlement for the Miao people along the border of Hunan and Guizhou provinces, who built numerous fortified houses and defensive walls to protect against government attacks. The village is characterized by its military-style architecture, particularly the watchtowers known as “baojiaolou,” which stand tall and proud, showcasing the village’s historical significance. These towers are made of stone and earth, featuring narrow windows for observation and defense, and were once common in every household.
Shanjiang Miao people belong to the eastern dialect group of the Miao, formerly known as the Red Miao, and they maintain ancient customs. The village is vibrant with traditional Miao attire, unique welcoming rituals with lanmenjiu (doorway wine), distinctive kagu (drums), and folk songs that create a captivating atmosphere. Special festivals like “April 8” with its moon and flower dances and “June 6,” featuring duet singing, are highlights of the local culture.
The most striking feature of Miao clothing is the women’s attire. When venturing out, women adorn their heads with colorful silk scarves and wear embroidered, collarless tops and trousers with decorative borders. Their outfits are embellished with an array of silver jewelry, including silver hats, crowns, necklaces, bracelets, rings, toothpicks, chains, and belts, creating a luxurious and elegant appearance. The vivid colors and exquisite silver designs make Shanjiang’s women’s clothing a true masterpiece of Miao culture.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 – 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
Location and Transportation
Shanjiang Miao Village is located in the Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi, Hunan Province, approximately 20 kilometers northwest of Fenghuang Ancient Town.
To reach the village, it is common to join a one-day tour, which can be arranged through local guesthouses that help book tickets and provide transportation. Alternatively, visitors can head to the end of Dixi Road at the Erqiao Bridge in Fenghuang and take a minibus to Shanjiang. However, these minibuses wait until they are full, so there may be a delay before departure.
