The living room on the second floor has a wooden floor, and several wooden pillars supporting the roof . The focal point of the living room is the fireplace, made from stone slabs, where a fire burns the whole year round. The fireplace is also where family and friends gather to celebrate weddings, births and festivals.

Another fascinating feature of Taoping village is its complex and highly effective water supply network. Subterranean channels run beneath each street, enabling water to be fetched simply by lifting a stone slab. The sound of running water pervades, yet not a drop is in sight.

Qiang dress and ornamentation

Qiang people have a strong aesthetic sense, as can be seen from their daily dress and ornamentation. They sew their own garments and footwear and embroider them with various motifs. Women's wearing, from hats to shoes, is elaborately decorated with floral patterns, sometimes giving the impression that the scent of flowers emanates from the clothes.

Tourism information

Festivals: The Qiang New Year falls on the first day of the tenth lunar month. Celebrations last three to five days, during which sacrifices are made to the god of the heavens, the god of the mountain and the god of the village.

Food: Qiang people like medicinal dishes, particularly soup, that have specific functions for body organs.

Taboos: Qiang households should not be visited when a family member is sick, or if the wife is pregnant. Stepping over the fireplace is also a taboo.

Shopping: Qiang women excel at embroidery, and the embroidered wallets, handbags and local costumes make ideal souvenirs and gifts.

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