Experience Chinese ethnic minorities’ culture in Sanya Areca Valley

"Why not? You said patting the frogs would bring me riches.”

"Yes, but if you sit down it means you are asking to pass to the other side. Um, death.”

Yikes! Up until now, my trip to China’s tropical island had entailed nothing more culturally mind-expanding than a warm jade-stone massage. This tour of the Areca Valley Aboriginal Culture Spot (Binlang Valley or Binlanggu), however, where adjacent Li and Miao villages sit crouched among the betel palms, was proving to be an eye-opening experience, filled with bizarre instructions.

For example, before entering the Miao village, you’re supposed to shout “hoha, hoha, hoha,” or — the theory goes — you’ll be shot. But don’t say “haho” or you’ll be challenging them.

And be forewarned: there may be some ear pulling and hip bumping by the elaborately costumed Miao, a mountain people known for their silver ornamentation and potent herbal remedies. It’s fun, it’s touristy, more of a cultural theme park than a serious anthropological tour, but it does provide a glimpse into the Hainan Island that was.

Hainan was a mysterious place. Today, resort-style modernity has swept the image of remote isolation into the South China Sea. But, for centuries, this Belgium-sized island at China’s southern tip was considered the Tail of the Dragon, a place of barbarous tribes and home to exiles such as the famous 11th-century poet Su Shi.

The Li were the original inhabitants and their existence on the island can be traced back to the Stone Age. Although many of their ancient customs have died out, and expensive condos and upscale hotels have altered the face of the island, traces of the old ways remain.

As I shuffled through the village, I saw an elderly Li woman. She was weaving and her face was lined with tattoos.

Motioning with my camera, I asked if I could take her picture. Her fingers stopped fluttering and she gave me a big thumb’s up, a striking image of both tradition and change.