The word “basha” means “lots of plants” in the Miao language. This ancient village nestles in green mountains and dense forests. The villagers still keep their tradition and mode of production for thousands of years. The men here usually carry shotguns, gourds, ox horns and machetes around their waists and muskets on their shoulders all year round. The village is called “the last tribe of gunmen”, listed as one of “the 21 most mysterious primitive village on the earth”. It is also the only place where people use sickles to shave hair.

Legend has it that Chi You, ancestor of the Miao ethnic group, had three sons. Basha people were the descendants of the third son. At that time, Chi You was defeated by the Yellow Emperor, so he led the tribes to embark on a millennium-long march to southwestern China. The ancestors of the Biasha Miao ethnic group were at the lead of the great migration.

Basha people’s livelihood mainly rely on farming and hunting. The men are specifically approved by the public security authority to own firearms so that the ancient lifestyle can be retained. When visiting the Basha Village, tourists can experience an ancient and unique custom. Some villagers will play the Lusheng (a local instrument) for visitors, while others will line up in two rows and fire muskets into the air in turn. According to the residents, this custom not only informs the villagers of the guests, but also shows a warm welcome to them.

Besides, Basha people have a special tool for shaving, that is, a sickle. They will shave most of the hair with sickles, only leaving the hair in the middle and coiling it into a bun. The bun is called “hugun” in the Basha Miao language, which is the most important gender symbol. It is also said that this hairstyle and attire were handed down from the age of Chi You. This is the oldest male hairstyle in China that can be seen so far.

The village consists of Lao Village, Zaige Xinzhai Village, Wangjia Village, Darongpo Xinzhai Village and Zaizhuang Village, with a population of nearly 2,500 in over 500 households. Due to the secluded environment, the ancient lifestyle can be retained till today. The village is called the “living fossil” and “museum” of the Miao culture.