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Day 5: Congjiang - Basha - Gaozeng - Xiahuang - Zhaoxing: Possibly the best part of the journey, visit Basha, home to the “last Gunman Tribe in the world” and one of the top ten most favorable sites for traveling for Chinese bachelors” (apparently because of the numerous beautiful single women?); the village ranks fourth in China behind Lijiang, Yangsu and Dali. In this particular village, both the housing and the women’s headdresses are quite different from those of the other villages. Although it is an ancient culture, it has blended well with modern civilization and earned a designation as a “living fossil” and “museum” of the ancient Miao culture. You can still witness the rare style of cutting hair with a sickle (must be seen to be believed) as well as very special ceremonies for weddings and funerals. Get up close and personal with the Gunman Tribe and hopefully you’ll be lucky enough to witness the initiation ritual for new gunmen tribe members. A visit to this village will give you the feeling of being transported back in time 2,000 years.
After lunch, journey on to Xiaohuang, with a stop midway at Gaozeng, a place famous for its beautiful women. It is quite possible that one of them will sit directly on your lap and sing a Dong minority traditional song; this village has a reputation as a “truly magical and idyllic place”. Emerald green mountains surround the village and a photogenic creek runs right through the village. Nestled amongst the flowing waters and green-covered hills, hundreds of suspended, multi-storied wooden houses add to the ambiance of the village and your unique experience. Upon arrival in Xiaohuang, you’ll have the opportunity to continue to enjoy the traditional Dong minority dancing and singing with yet another celebration in Zhaoxing, where you will spend the night.
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