Abstract: Waxiang culture refers to the culture along Yuanshui River,and it is a kind of primitive and regional culture in Xiangxi.With the change of time and social development,some of the customs of Waxiang people,such as those of livelihood,house-building and marriage,are endangered.It is important to establish Waxiang cultural ecological protection zones and improve local people's cultural self-confidence so Waxiang culture could be preserved.To achieve these goals,first of all,Waxiang cultural ecological protection zones should be of authenticity and integrity and be approached in a scientific way to a protective system of originality.Secondly,Waxiang culture should be integrated with tourism to achieve economic benefit by means of exploring the essence of Waxiang culture and enhancing the cultural quality of Waxiang people.Thirdly,a market-oriented mechanism led by the government and run by the society is expected to be established so as to benefit some groups and protect the original culture.Finally,it is necessary to make innovation in the protection mode of Waxiang culture,i.e.the Waxiang culture workshop and community.

Key words: Waxiang culture, cultural ecology, inheritance, protection