Miao village saves its historical charm

After years of cashing in on growing tourism, China's largest Miao ethnic minority village is urgently trying to retain its cultural allure in the face of a commercial boom.

In late October, residents of Xijiang Miao village, hidden in the mountains of underdeveloped Guizhou province in the country's southwest, formed a committee to protect its ancient dwellings.

"We have to stop the construction frenzy. If not, our future will be bleak," says Hou Tianxiang of the 17-member committee, which is made up of village officials and representatives.