She was using a long sword usually use for troops fighting on horseback. Tang Dynasty straight sword was copied by the Japanese who made the sword curved which is now know as Katana in Japan.. Even Karate was originally from China too.
Fan is a really good weapon. Is like multiple small knife stich together. It can block enemy vision or provide a better vision (weather). It can block poison dust. Of course it can provide cooling as well.
Fans usually supposed as elegent stuff for high class people. In ancient China, some guys from rich family use fan with iron blade on the edge as weapons, shows they are not rude people and not have to fight frequently. Some assasins also disguise themselves like high class people and kill the target with dangrous fans.
I purchased a flute made out of iron years ago thinking it's so cool, and it's too heavy for me and so it's just sitting in the corner gathering dust now...
The name Miao Dao is not because the blade comes from the Miao minority, but because its body is long and slim. Miao苗 has the meaning, such as the word "苗条Miao Tiao" (slim and long)
1:55 mark, she is using the Chinese 2 handed long sword. It is a double edged sword. Often used by soldiers in military combat. The extra range is needed more in military battle where 1 VS many from all directions. Shorter 1 handed swords are more suitable for 1 on one fights, The japanses 2 handed katana is a technically a single edge long knife.