Legend has it that the valley housing the field of ancient rocks, adorned with intricate carvings of characters and patterns, was once a desolate and perilous place. It was said to be the lair of a massive tiger that frequently lurked behind the rocks and dense bushes, ambushing animals and passersby. Due to its danger, no one dared to set foot here, and the locals called it the Khe Ho rock field.

The field is nestled in the heart of the 50-hectare valley in Hang Chu hamlet. Interspersed among the terraced fields of the Mong ethnic group, 14 granite (or marble) blocks are scattered across six clusters, with each separated by 50 to 200 meters. The stones, still in their natural weathered state, were meticulously carved with intricate designs, about 2 cm wide and 2.5 cm deep. The carvings on these ancient stones are rich and diverse, with their own beauty in the shaping style of ancient art, depicting natural scenery, mountains, hills, rivers, terraced fields, and dancing people.

The drawings on the stones contain mysteries, challenging researchers to study and decode. As for the Mong people in Hang Chu, the ancient rock field is the biggest book left by their ancestors. People always believe that it is the residence of gods who protect crops, and fight against demons that disturb their daily lives.

On this occasion, students of the Hang Chu Boarding Secondary School for Ethnic Minorities drew the rock field. Through experiential activities, students can understand the history of the field and the Mong ethnic group’s unique culture, which was recognised as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2015.