History and Origin of "Lao Han"

In 1381, the first emperor of Ming Dynasty led an army of 300 thousand men to southwest China to put down the remaining resistance of Yuan Dynasty (i.e. the period Han Chinese were ruled by the Mongolian invaders). The Mongolian army was defeated, however guerrilla warfare would not end for soon.

The emperor wanted to pacify the border without sacrificing the country’s economy. He made a decision to order the army to stay permanently in the area, starting "Tuntian" (i.e. quartered meanwhile farming the land) to become a self-sufficient "Tuntian Army". Following the emperor's edict, more Han people from inland China were immigrated to the area to live with the "Tuntian Army". These ancient Han Chinese were the ancestors of the "Lao Han" ethnic group. As the area is every difficult to access and isolated from the outside world, the life and the society of "Lao Han" has changed very little since 600 years ago.

Clothing of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644)

The clothing of "Lao Han" women are called "Feng Yan Clothing" originated in Anhui, a wealthy eastern China province, where the Queen of the first Ming Emperor was born. After the Qing Dynasty took the power from the Ming Dynasty, the "Feng Yan Clothing" was no longer allowed to wear, however it dramatically survived in the isolated "Lao Han" villages.

"Lao Han" women wear "Feng Yan Clothing" not only during festivals and ceremonies, but also during daily lifes. It is now a symbol of "Lao Han" people, and they are very proud of their authentic "Han" traditions.

Villages Built for Military Defense

As the ancestors of "Lao Han" Chinese were "Tuntian Army", all their villages were built with military defensive purpose. In a typical "Lao Han" village, the road system is in the formation like a tree. All the branches have only one connecting point with the main road. If there was an invasion, the intruders would be mostly likely to be trapped in several branches, and the defender’s reinforcement would come quickly through the main road. All the houses in the "Lao Han" village were built of stones, and the roofs are tiled with stone pieces. Each house is a courtyard house making itself is a strongpoint, along with the watch towns, village gates, forming a comprehensive military defensive system.

Art & Architecture

When the first Ming Emperor ordered his army to "Tuntian" in the troubling remote area, he also moved many skilled workers from inland China to live with the "Tunitian Army" and their families. These skilled people made the "Lao Han" villages communities rather than barracks.

You will discover many sophisticated carvings and artworks in the old houses of "Lao Han" Chinese. Many of them express good wish of prosperous life, longevities, peace and harmony.

Ground Opera is a local folk art featured with wooden-made mask. It was evolved from Anhui Opera (i.e. the origin of Beijing Opera), however more in a military style combining many fighting and martial art movements during performance.