May 28, 2006

CONGJIANG COUNTY, CHINA - A Miao ethnic minority child sits on a Diaojiaolou house, a typical Miao wooden building supported with wood columns at Gaodiao Village on May 27, 2006 in Congjiang County of Guizhou Province, China. The Gaodiao Village, home to about 200 families of 1,100 Miao people, is characteristic with its well-protected primitive features and customs. It still keeps the Miao traditions of about 2,000 years ago. Residents there live an almost isolated and self-sufficient life. With a population of 8,940,116, the Miao people is one of the largest ethnic minorities in southwest China. The Miao have a highly diversified culture, including music, dancing, folk literature and craftworks. (Photo by China Photos/Getty Images)