Abstract: The cultural ecology of Western Hunan includes closed natural envi ronment , backward economy and loose social and humanis tic surroundings. This unique cultural ecology preserves many primi t ive rel igious beliefs and deistical ideas.These beliefs and ideas are well reflected in its wu culture and ceremonial customs. Therefore, the culture of Western Hunan may well be considered as the alivefos sils of the ancient civi lization, especially of the ancient Chu and Wu civilization.

Key words: closed natural environment, backward economy, loose social and humanistic surroundings, the Wu culture