Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

Enshi Tujia and Miao is an autonomous prefecture in southwestern Hubei, consisting of mountainous terrain crossed by river valleys and several administrative districts. The landscape features dramatic peaks and waterways that define how settlements and communities are arranged throughout the territory.

The region became an autonomous prefecture after 1949 to protect the native cultures of its inhabitants. This new status followed centuries of rule under Chinese imperial systems and aimed to preserve the identity of the local population.

The Tujia and Miao peoples maintain their own traditions through clothing, festivals, and daily customs that shape how the region looks and feels. Visitors can experience these living practices directly in villages and during local celebrations.

Train and air connections link the territory to major cities, while local mountain roads serve communities in the valleys. Plan ahead for travel, as mountain distances can take longer to cover than flat terrain.

The soil here contains high levels of selenium, earning the region the title of China's selenium capital. This geological feature shapes what grows locally and influences products available in the area.