Why China Miao ethnic group moves houses at night, dances with soot on faces upon completion

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Yating YangJanuary 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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short article 1 min

The Miao ethnic group in China, primarily located in the mountainous regions of southern China, observes a unique tradition of "moving house at night." This custom, practiced in a Miao township in Xiangyun county, Yunnan province, involves young men smearing soot on their faces, dancing, manipulating lights, and firing a hunting rifle before sunrise to mark the completion of the move. The tradition is believed to have originated in the old society as a way for Miao villagers to secretly relocate and avoid landlords demanding rent or debt repayment. The Miao people have a population of around 11 million.

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Key Player Opposition Context

Hainan 60% Guizhou 60% Sichuan 60% Guangxi 60% Guangdong 60% Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture 70% Xiangyun county 70% Yunnan province ×280% China ×390% Miao ethnic group ×695%

Keywords

miao ethnic group 100% moving house at night 90% cultural tradition 70% yunnan province 60% ethnic customs 60% cultural heritage 50% social customs 50% xiangyun county 40%