This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
Laodong Miao Village, located in Fenghuang County, Xiangxi, is one of the better-preserved Miao villages. Electricity only arrived in 2000, and roads only arrived in 2005, so compared with other places, its ethnic customs have been relatively well preserved. It is called Laodong (Old Cave), reportedly because the Miao ancestors lived in caves, and it has a history of more than 600 years.
When you come to the beautiful Fenghuang Ancient Town, are you disappointed by the assimilated ancient town folk customs? Then you can visit what can be called the splendid hall of the Miao people, the first ancient Miao village of Xiangxi—Laodong Miao Village.
This is a stone city, laid out in the pattern of the Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams, ingeniously designed, with quite complete offensive and defensive systems and drainage systems. It once had a prosperous and glorious history. Until the 25th year of the Republic of China, more than 1,000 bandits from Wulong Mountain attacked Laodong Miao Village for 12 days and 12 nights, burning down 2 ancient building complexes of Laodong, seizing more than 10,000 silver dollars, over 10,000 catties of copper coins, and more than 300 catties of silver ingots. From then on, Laodong Miao Village declined into the deep mountains, fell into poverty, and gradually became unknown.
The features here are unique: every household is connected, every door leads to another, and there is the massive Miao-exclusive military stone-slab building "Ma Family Compound" used to resist Xiangxi banditry.
This place is full of legends: it is where the residence of "King of Xiangxi" Chen Quzhen, who ruled Xiangxi for thirty years, was located; there is the former residence of Ma Jiafu, the richest Miao man in the four-province border region, whose silver dollars broke the roof beams; and there is also the former residence of Ma Zhi, the first Miao general of the Republic of China.
The culture here is mysterious: there is the most primitive Miao culture—Liangcai (in Miao language); there is Xiangxi's most primitive, most mysterious, and most terrifying witchcraft culture—"corpse driving," "poison placing," "spirit summoning," and "thanksgiving to the gods." The Miao people here are simple and honest: warm and sincere, praised by all visitors.
Take a cruise to view the landscape, cross canyons for wild exploration, pass through karst caves, and enter Miao villages to see folk customs—this is a journey through Xiangxi's primitive ecology, natural scenery, and famous folk customs.
1. Crossing the Calm Lake: From Fenghuang Ancient Town, take the Laodong special bus 6 kilometers to Changtangang Reservoir, then transfer to a cruise boat. Vast blue waves, water and sky merging into one color, mountains in dark blue, fishing songs occasionally heard, scenery on both banks too much to take in—30 li of waterway full of poetic charm.
2. Crossing the Canyon: Abandon the boat and go ashore, seeking tranquility in the canyon. See China's third Elephant Trunk Hill, the Thousand-Year Turtle Rock, remarkably true to life and full of wild charm. Climb up to Laodong Slope, ascend high and gaze far—beautiful! magnificent!
3. Visiting the Miao Village: Pass through a natural stone cave crafted by the gods and enter Laodong Miao Village. Gongs and drums resound, music fills the air, and the warm villagers sing welcome songs. Taste the welcoming wine, eat farmhouse meals, visit the ancient and unique stone-style architecture listed as a historical and cultural village, and watch the interactive programs arranged for you by the Miao village. At 4 p.m., take the Laodong special bus back to Fenghuang Ancient Town and begin a new pleasant journey.
