The women of the Red Yao tribe are known to have the longest hair in the world. Here’s how to visit and learn about their culture at Huangluo Yao Village on a day trip from Guilin, China.
“And men, be careful because the women will pinch your butt.”
Those were the tour guide’s words as we approached the village of the Red Yao tribe. She winked and chuckled as she said this, so we weren’t sure whether she was trying to pull our naive legs or whether she really meant it.
The Spaniard sitting behind me thought something must have been lost in translation so he repeated her words, “Pinch? What do you mean they pinch the butts?”
More laughter ensued as those around him demonstrated what he had indeed heard correctly.
Visiting the Red Yao tribe in China
One of the most unique places I visited during my trip to southwestern China was Longsheng in Guangxi Autonomous Region, an area which is home to the Longji rice terraces and the famed women of the Red Yao tribe. We specifically visited the Huangluo Yao Village.
Despite what our tour guide told us, what makes the women of the Huangluo Yao Village world-renowned isn’t their playful practice of butt-pinching, but rather their hair. You see, the women of the Red Yao tribe have some of the longest hair in the world – as in their hair is almost the same length as their height!
The Women with the Longest Hair in the World
The women of the Red Yao tribe only cut their long, black hair once in their life (at 16 when they are ready to start looking for a husband), and as a result, many of them boast a mane that is 1.4 to 1.8 meters in length depending on their age.
There are different hairstyles for every stage in life and you can tell a lot about a woman by the way she wears her locks. For example,
- A young unmarried woman will wear her hair covered by a black scarf
- A married woman with no children will wear her hair down in two braids
- A married woman with children will wrap her hair around her head like a turban and wear it with a bun in the front
Up until 1987, the women’s hair was considered so sacred that it could only be seen by her family. If a man accidentally came across a young woman without her black headscarf on, he would have been forced to live with the girl’s family for 3 years as their son-in-law.
However, ever since that tradition was abandoned, the village has become somewhat of a tourist destination drawing curious travellers who want to to catch a glimpse of the longest hair in the world and learn more about this village’s way of life.
What do the women of the Red Yao tribe use in their hair?
A common question from us visitors was, how do the Red Yao women wash their hair and what do they put in it?
After all, if you’re a girl with shoulder-length hair you already know the amount of work that goes into brushing, washing and conditioning those locks. Now imagine doing that with hair that reaches the floor!
Well, the secret to the long, healthy hair of the Red Yao women is their traditional method. They wash their hair in the river using a special homemade shampoo which is essentially fermented rice water made from Longsheng rice.
Dating rituals of the Red Yao tribe
After learning about the different hairstyles from our guide, we also got a lesson in dating and what men look for when it comes to finding a bride. So what does it take to get hitched around these parts?
A big voice – This is because the man is often far from home tending the rice fields, therefore, the wife needs a loud voice in order to call her husband back home when lunch is ready to be served.
Large feet – Because the people of this tribe live in the hills, they need to be strong climbers, and nothing says ‘I’m a strong climber‘ better than Hobbit-sized feet.
A big butt – Any woman who is going to be good at childbearing needs to have a large, curvaceous, plump derriere. Think Beyonce style.
Small hands – The women from this tribe do a lot of needlework and small hands are best for such fine, delicate work.
Now moving on to dating rituals – it appears that there is a bit of a dating game in this community. Literally.
If a woman is interested in a man, she will throw a ball at her suitor to express her interest and he will catch it. If there happens to be a lot of competition among the males for this one particular female, the men will battle it out and fight to get the ball.
Whoever catches this ball will then enter into a courtship with the potential bride and they will get to know each other over the course of a year.
If everything goes well, a wedding will be in order at the end of that time frame.
The only worry – what if your love interest isn’t strong enough to beat out the others?
How to visit Huangluo Yao Village
The best way to visit the Red Yao tribe is by joining a guided tour departing from Guilin. This tour is typically a full-day experience and you are accompanied by a local Chinese guide.
This Longji Rice Terraces Full-Day Private Tour visits the rice terraces, Huangluo, Ping’An and Dazhai Village.
It’s a 1.5-hour drive there and then a 2-hour drive back.
To end things, here is a little video Sam and I made during our visit to the Huangluo Yao Village, and yes there is plenty of butt-pinching and awkward singing by the foreigners who got pulled on stage. Enjoy!
Visiting Huangluo Yao Village: Practical Tips for an Ethical & Enjoyable Trip
Quick-Glance Fact Sheet
| Topic | Fast Facts |
|---|---|
| Location | Huangluo (黄洛瑶寨), in Jinzhu Township, Longsheng County, Guangxi Province |
| Tribe | Red Yao (a branch of the Yao ethnic minority) |
| Population | ± 70 households / 400 residents |
| Hair Record | Avg. 1.7 m; UNESCO-listed as “Village of Long Hair” |
| Language | Yao (Mienic family) + Mandarin |
| Altitude | ~400 m above sea level (foothill zone of the Longji rice terraces) |
| Entry Fee | ¥80 at gate • included on most guided tours |
Bookmark this table; it covers the basics you’ll end up Googling at midnight the day before.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Cheats
| Season | Daytime Highs | Landscape Palette | Visitor Density |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar – May | 15-24 °C | Emerald terraces, peach blossom pockets | Low-moderate |
| Jun – Aug | 28-34 °C + high humidity | Lush green, heavy rain showers | High (domestic summer holidays) |
| Sept – Oct | 20-28 °C | Golden rice paddies pre-harvest | Moderate |
| Nov – Feb | 5-15 °C | Misty hills, sparse rice; clear air | Quiet, some homestays closed |
Transport Options—From Guilin to Pinch-Proof Territory
DIY Public Bus
Guilin Qintan Bus Station → Longsheng Bus Terminal (2 h, ¥40).
Transfer to Longji Tourist Bus bound for Ping’An/Dazhai; ask driver to stop at “Huangluo” (45 min, ¥20).
Walk 700 m from roadside ticket gate into the village.
Pre-Booked Minivan
Hostels in Guilin & Yangshuo bundle round-trip van + village ticket for ¥180-¥220.
Departs 08:00, returns 18:00—nice if you’re short on time but want Freedom-with-a-capital-F to roam inside the terraces.
Full-Day Private Tour (recommended for first-timers)
| Inclusions | Going Rate | Pros / Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Guide, air-con car, Huangluo & rice-terrace stops, bilingual commentary | ¥750-¥1,100 per car (1-3 pax) | Set your own pace; pricey if solo |
Cultural Etiquette: “Hair-dos” and “Hair-don’ts”
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Greet elders with a slight head nod + “Nong-vou” (hello in Yao). | Pat children on the head (an adult-only sanctum in Yao culture). |
| Offer small bills when buying crafts; they may not hold change for ¥100 notes. | Photograph a woman re-wrapping her hair without asking; it’s akin to snapping someone getting dressed. |
| Accept a splash of homemade hongjiu (red rice wine) if offered; sip slowly. | Litter—every wrapper must be packed out. Waste removal is the village’s biggest tourism pain point. |
Butt-Pinching Truth Bomb: Yes, during the folk-dance routine the performers may cheekily pinch a male spectator pulled onstage (it’s staged fun, not harassment). Take it in stride and bow out gracefully if you’re uncomfortable.
What Exactly Happens in the Stage Show?
| Segment | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hair-Unfurling Ritual | 5 min | Women unwind three bundles: ① original childhood lock; ② post-marriage daily shed strands woven into a “wig;” ③ present-day hair; then knot them together into a sculptural up-do. |
| Courtship Skit | 7 min | Village “bachelors” battle (comically) for the embroidered love-ball a maiden tosses. |
| Drum & Dance Finale | 8 min | Rapid hip beats; select tourists get pulled in—brace for surprise spins. |
Total show time ≈ 20 min; repeated 2-3 times daily (roughly 10:30, 13:30, 15:00—confirm on arrival).
Beyond the Stage: Five Additional Micro-Experiences
Rice-Water Shampoo Demo (¥20 / 15 min) – Peek inside a kitchen hut, watch fermented rice soak, learn ratio (1 kg rice : 3 L water : 2 days). You’ll receive a 50 mL vial—TSA-friendly!
Broderie Workshop (30 min) – Try your hand at stitching geometric Yao motifs on indigo cotton. Fee varies by materials (¥30–¥60).
Riverside Bamboo-Tube Cooking – Bookable through village co-op. Stuff sticky rice, mushrooms, & pork into bamboo, roast by open flame. Lunch served on banana leaf (¥80).
Terrace Viewpoint Hike – 1 h return, moderate incline. Sunset tint on the paddies; fireflies in late May.
Homestay Story Circle – Overnight guests gather at 19:30 for tales of the 1987 hair-veil rule change, told in Chinese with guide translation.
Souvenir Buying Guide
| Product | Price Range | Authenticity Clues |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-woven red headscarves | ¥60–¥120 | Look for uneven dye gradients; machine-printed ones are too perfect. |
| Wood Hair Combs | ¥45–¥90 | Locally carved versions have a faint camphor smell (insect-repellent wood). |
| Black Rice (500 g vacuum pack) | ¥35 | Harvest date stamped in Chinese characters; avoid faded labels. |
| Silver Sabre Earrings | ¥120–¥300 | Pure silver pieces feel cool to touch and tarnish mildly over time; alloy fakes stay shiny chrome. |
Bargain Gently: Opening offer ~10 % off is acceptable; remember, this is supplemental income for subsistence farmers.
Sustainable Tourism Pledge
Carry in / Carry out: Village bins are for organic waste only.
Book local: Choose tours/homestays that channel at least 50 % of profits to residents (ask!).
Respect sacred zones: Marked water pits are hair-washing wells—no feet dipping.
Sample One-Day Itinerary from Guilin
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Depart Guilin by private car or minivan. |
| 09:30 | Quick photo stop at Longji “Seven-Star With Moon” terrace viewpoint. |
| 10:30 | Arrive Huangluo; catch first stage show. |
| 11:00 | Rice-water shampoo demo + comb shopping. |
| 12:00 | Bamboo-tube lunch by river. |
| 13:30 | 1-h terrace stroll to panoramic ridge; return. |
| 15:00 | Second show (if you want varied angles). |
| 16:00 | Depart for Guilin, coffee stop en route. |
| 18:30 | Arrive Guilin city / Yangshuo interchange. |
Final Prep Checklist
☑ Offline Baidu or Google maps cache (cell signal patchy)
☑ 200 ¥ small notes (no ATM on-site)
☑ Travel towel (possible light drizzle + sweaty hikes)
☑ Lightweight rain shell (subtropical micro-showers strike fast)
☑ Mandarin phrase: “Kě yǐ yòng nǐ de bǐng zhào xiàng ma?” (“May I take your photo with your hair?”)
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Fascinating! It seems like much of this involves dating and marriage. Must speak to older traditions, but thankfully they abandoned forced courtship if a guy sees one of the girls’ hair! Yikes!
What an interesting look at a unique tribe. I’ve never heard of them, but you’ve piqued my curiosity. Time to learn more! What beautiful hair. Mine would never grow that long, even if I never cut it!
Wow, that is some serious hair. I would love to know how they get it that long…I’ve gone years without cutting mine and it just stops mid-back! And I couldn’t stop laughing at the butt-pinching!
I was told that they wash it with rice water and that they only use combs made out of ox bone. That might contribute to it.
Hair has a natural growth pattern… it’s normal for hair to stop growing at some point. Like… for the same reason your leg (or other hair :s) doesn’t just keep growing and growing. Maybe it’s rice water and ox combs, but it may very well also be genetics!
I am sure you are right. Like you said there’s a natural GENETIC growth cycle it’s usually from two to about seven years with 6 inches of growth per year. So if a persons growth cycle is three years before the hair falls out and a new one comes in the longest hair that person can grow is 18”. A six year growth cycle would result in hair.36” long. The length of a persons growth cycle is genetically determined. Apparently, since long hair is valued in this culture women with long growth cycles are valued as mates cuz they will produce children who have long growth cycles, and those children will grow up and marry other people who have long growth cycles, and after a few generations , you have a whole tribe of people with genetically long hair. People without genetically long hair, probably will not be able to grow super long hair, no matter how much rice water they use but it might make the hair that they do grow reach its maximum length.
That is pretty awesome :). I like the pictures.
Thanks Julio!
And I thought my hair was getting long…!
This is fascinating. Thanks so much for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
Haha getting lost in translation can be hilarious! I’ve never heard of the Red Yao tribe, but I definitely won’t forget them any time soon. China is so fascinating, I can’t wait to go back. Out of interest, did you book this tour when you arrived in China?
P.S Glad to read that lotus feet are no longer the things to lust after!
Yes, I booked it once I was in China. It’s an easy day trip from the Guilin/Yangshuo area.
P.S. I just spent the last 15 minutes googling lotus feet and I am so disturbed! I knew about the practice of feet binding, but I didn’t realize it caused them to become so deformed.
I agree…the tradition of foot binding is so sad!
At massage school we did a module on Oriental massage that was held by a TCM practitioner, and as part of it he gave us a crash course on Chinese foot reading – basically identical to palm reading. He said that if the toes, particularly the smaller toes, are very close together, this indicates the person has bowed to social convention and is very influenced by societal norms. Some people said, “Um…maybe it means they just have bad shoes?” To which he replied, “Well is it not bowing to social convention to wear a certain kind of shoe, even if it is ill fitting? What do you think foot binding was all about?”
Such a lightbulb moment for me. 🙂
it seems kind of pointless to have such long hair and just wrap it around your head
Amazing…
googled travel bloggers and came across yours… so glad i did! thank you for this detailed peek into another culture. what fascinated me most was the different “beauty standards”…what men look for in a women. i always love hearing what is desirable in other cultures, as it’s usually so different from ours! on another note- you have a beautiful blog. love the colors + layout.
—michaela @ two handfuls of
Love this. Now I have to add Longshen to my list….this is why it keeps getting longer and longer. thanks and keep enjoying yourself.
……………………………………………………………………………………..sounds like my kind of place 😉
Neat! I know this Chinese minority group (Asian studies and all) but somehow missed on the long hair fact. Boy, I can only imagine washing this hair… I go crazy when mine is past shoulder length!
Seems a fascinating village with some very interesting traditions. Although considering they don’t cut their hair after 16 I kind have would of expected some of the hair to of been trailing on the floor. The son-in-law thing sounds like quite a big commitment for accidentally seeing their hair!
Sounds very unique and very interesting though!
I absolutely loved both your article and video, which are absolutely hilarious as well as being incredibly educational in regard to the cultural practices of the Red Yao tribe! Thank you for the fun and enlightening introduction!
I’m sorry I missed this when I was in China!
So fascinating!
I love Chinese Culture and that’s why its my dream land.
It’s really funny to be pinched on your butt.
I have heard this women on Chinese TV and in some photos, but never actually made it there. This is extremely fascinating. Maybe we can go there during the national holiday next week. Great description Audrey!
Wow, this is the most unique way of showing your status. I was on an island once in South America where they had hats to show their status of single, living with someone and married.
Living in Guatemala, I always wonder if the Maya women ever cut their hair too, but it’s never mentioned as a ritual or tradition.
Such an interesting culture and fascinating village! Do you know how short they cut their hair at 16?
So funny! Interesting about the large feet; I guess for hill climbing big feet would be useful, but at first I was thinking mountaineering style climbing, in which case the smaller the better, no?! Anyway, sounds like a fun time. Did the show feel really contrived and put on just for tourists? That was often how I found such things to be in China, but maybe this was different if it was a very small village.
Finally, a culture that appreciates large feet. Although, I find it interesting that they need to have dainty fingers. Usually, those two features don’t mesh with eachother.
Wow that is some seriously long hair! Wish mine would grow! I have the big feet and loud voice down pat but I dunno about the rest of it. What happens if they throw a ball and the guy drops it?
Haha, two out of three isn’t so bad… 😉
This is so interesting! I love it! And I wish all I had to do is throw a ball at the guys I like! Having said that, my aim is so bad, it could lead to some very awkward situations!
Haha, I know, it makes dating sound so simple. Unless the guy doesn’t share the same feelings and simply ignores your ball… :/
I wonder what they would make of my red hair with emerald green and teal tips! Great article – so interesting!
I bet they would find it fascinating! 😉
I enjoyed this post hahaha. Interesting!
I loved that woman at the window.
Very interesting! The qualifications to be a bride is just so sensible according to their culture and lifestyle. How about qualifications as a groom? I am interested to know if there are. 😀
I’m curious too! Our tour guide didn’t really mention much about what makes an ideal groom, though I imagine he would have to be quite strong the beat out the competition.
Men think in mysterious ways. How can you have big feet and small hands at the same time? Usually if one is big, the other one is big too. So what criteria do men have to have?
Haha, I was wondering the same… 😉
wow! I had never heard of this, its so interesting… I shall be putting this on the to do list!
Very cool write-up. Lol, I can just imagine myself practicing ball in this community.
Hmm.. 1 out of 4 isn’t too bad on that list, right? 😉
Wow, that’s fascinating, and some great pictures too. The only part I don’t understand though is when a passerby sees a woman’s hair… How on earth could they force him to spend three years with them?
Very interesting article Audrey!
I’ve been to Longsheng few weeks ago and loved the place so much, but I didn’t know all these things. Thanks for sharing!
Happy to hear you enjoyed your visit! I really enjoyed Longsheng and Yangshuo a lot.
Very informative. Thanks for sharing it. What about the men in the tribe? Did you get to meet any of them? What were their hair like?