LeShan to ShiDong
           Via PaiKa, TaiJiang:
This morning before we head for TaiJiang we take a small detour to the "Famous" Lusheng making Miao Village of PaiKa. Here, every family produces the Miao's favorite traditional musical instrument - the bamboo lusheng - which are "exported" far and wide throughout the Miao Homelands.

Arriving well after 11:30 AM at TaiJiang Town, the Miao "Sisters Festival" (more about the Festival) with markets and celebrations already in full swing and still we are not at the "center of activities", this is held in the next village of ShiDong another 30 or so minutes away. As we follow the crowds moving in the general direction getting closer and closer towards ShiDong our first "sight" of the festival is the low booming of a wooden drum, following the crowds further we are ushered into the village square of GaoYang, it is here we are then told, the Sisters Festival will started and then move to ShiDong the following day - we have arrived just on time.

After the opening celebration we are invited to join one of the local unmarried girls "coming of age" and "carry" her to the place of gathering - which is what the Sisters Festival is all about.

The complete generation of "sisters" - Great grand mother, grand mother, mother, aunts, sisters and daughters.

DAY SIX