The name of the pond has been passed down from generation to generation. With a depth of over one meter, the oval-shaped “Guifei Pond” boasts crystal-clear water, through which one can peep at the pebbled bottom. As a good place for swimming, it can accommodate more than ten people at the same time. Surrounded by rocks on both sides, the pond embraces a gurgling mountain spring upward, which flows downward to form a natural river. The scenery around the pond echoes “the Small Tarn West of the Knoll” written by Liu Zongyuan, a renowned poet and philosopher in the Tang Dynasty. On sunny days, one can not only swim but also catch fish and crabs in the pond leisurely.
The cliffs and waterfalls behind the village also deserve a visit.
Pingnian Village is the hometown of Long Yingtang, the first generation of the Miao Drum Queen in Xiangxi.
As a characteristic village of ethnic minorities in Hunan Province and traditional Chinese village, Pingnian Village is blessed with well-preserved traditional Miao culture like the Miao Drum, Miao embroidery as well as Miao songs. It is acknowledged that the Miao girls are good at dancing and singing the Miao songs. In addition to Lanmenjiu (a ceremony to welcome guests), one can enjoy passionate Yulong Dance and Tiaonian Dance in the village.
Badai culture and intangible cultural heritage like batik and the Miao silver jewelry have been carried forward from generation to generation. Apart from the Miao embroidery workshops in the village, one can find embroidery girls, with needles and threads in hands, embroidering splendid patterns. In Pingnian Village, one can not only soak up the authentic Miao folkways and culture, but also visit craftsmen to learn skills including the Miao embroidery as well as Miao Drum.
More importantly, the influence of commercialization does not penetrate Pingnian Village, where visitors can find unsophisticated villagers, gurgling streams, playful children and grannies working in a tea garden. All of the scenes can touch your hearts.
After admiring the original Miao village, one can sample such delectable Miao food as smoked meat and free-range chicken, and taste the self-made liquor named “Baogushao”, which is stronger than the rice wine.
Stunning scenes like ancient bridges, villages, trees and wells are not always hidden in remote places, and sometimes they are just in front of you.
In time-honored Pingnian Village, one can enjoy himself by playing water in the “Guifei Pond”, appreciating the intangible cultural heritage of the Miao people, strolling along the riverside, having a barbecue and listening to the story of Yang Yuebin, a famous general of the Hunan Army in the late Qing Dynasty.
