Laozhai village counts around 48 families who all go by the last name ‘Zhao’.The total population is 200 people all of which belong to the Yao ethnic minority, which are mostly known for their yearly unique festivals, clothing and mountainous, sustainable lifestyles. 

 

Located deep into the mountains above Guilin, and only having access to a road as of July 2015 this village has seen very little development and has remained very self sufficient over the years. The completion of the road obviously has changed things a bit

 

As of 2013, the Chinese government has given the village an ‘ancient village’ status which implies protection of the environment, old architecture and culture and other regulations preventing over-commercialization.

 

Most of the households operate quite similar. The men are usually the ones who generate the income by means of chopping wood or bamboo or working on their new houses. The women are the ones taking care of the household, which includes: raising stock, growing vegetables, cooking and cleaning. In some cases grandchildren are also added of this list!