Tujia Folk Custom Garden


With an area of over 5 hectares, Tujia Folk Custom Garden is a large-scale cultural tourist attraction,
which is mainly built to demonstrate Tujia people's folk custom in various aspects such as architecture,
food, agriculture, military art etc. Most of the buildings here are constructed with wood and stone with the
characteristics of carved girder and painted columns, upturned eaves, especially the exquisite
workmanship and ingenious construction are greatly acclaimed by the tourists.

With a population of approximately 8 million people, the Tujia are an ethnic minority found in the
provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, and Guizhou. The Tujia have a long history, dating back 2,000
years, when their ancestors first immigrated to the western parts of Hunan and Hubei.

Their language is very similar to the language used in Tibet and Burma. Because it has no written form, many Tujia people use Chinese. The Tujia
believe in the power of ancestors and gods, and hold sacrificial ceremonies during festivals.

Tujia women are good at weaving. "Xilankapu," also known as "Knitting Floral Bedclothes", is the masterpiece of the Tujia crafts. Woven on a
simple wooden machine, this kind of brocade, thick and durable, simple but gorgeous, is reputed to be one of the three most famous brocades in
Southwestern-China.

The houses of the Tujia, known as Diaojiaolou are very functional and similar to those of the Miao. On the lower floor, there is livestock; while the
girls' bedrooms are kept upstairs. This design focuses on the use of small rooms but is also well ventilated, damp-proof and clean.

What's more, tourists express much admiration on the programs held in the park of its splendid culture
and magnificent folk custom. In April, 2001, former premier Zhu Rongji visited the park and gave his
lavish comments on it. In September, 2002, the park successfully held a large-scale Maogusi Dance
Party, and 1,000 dancers participated. This activity and the Nine-layer Diaojiaolou Building were listed in
the Record of World Genis. The park was rated as one of the 4A National Tourist Attraction in China in
January, 2004.