China, inhabited by over 1 billion people, is often considered a homogeneous country population-wise – 92% is Han Chinese. However there are 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities. Many argue that with its distinct language, indigenous homeland within the boundaries of China, distinctive customs and strong sense of identity, the minorities create the most unique ethnic spectrum in the world. They are mainly encountered in the West, South and North of the country and 25 of them are recognized in Yunnan alone! Chinese government has created 5 autonomous regions (Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, Guangxi, Ningxia and Tibet) and numerous autonomous townships and counties in order to provide the minorities with self-rule. Check China Tours and China Flights for tours to tribal areas
With population of over 18 milion, residing mainly in Guangxi Zhuang Autononmous Region, Zhuang is China’s largest minority. It has its own Zhuang language, which used to have its Chinese written form. However, nowadays it’s based on Latin alphabet. Zhuang people believe in inanimate nature (e.g. sun, water, earth, trees), totem and their ancestors. They are famous for their handicrafts, especially their distinct Zhuang brocade. Zhuang frescos carved on steep cliffs are proof for over 2000 years of existence of Zhuang minority.
Manchu (Man)
Man minority exerted a significant impact on Chinese history. Having originated almost 1,400 years ago, it established Jin and Qing dynasties. Today, it consists of over 10m people, concentrated in northern China, in Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces. Manchu people used to have their distinct Mongolian-based language, but overtime they adopted language of Han Chinese. Believing in Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism, they made a great contribution to Chinese arts and culture over centuries.
Hui
With an estimated population of 10 million, Hui is the biggest Muslim minority in China. It is located mainly in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. In general, it has similar culture to Han Chinese, with strong influences of Islamic way of life. Hui people are the descendants of Silk Road travellers from Central Asia, Arabia and Persia. They have rise to a unique Chinese Islamic cuisine and distinct Muslim Chinese martial arts.
Having originated in South East Asia, Miao minority consists nowadays of nearly 9m people. Miao people inhabit mainly Guizhou, Yunnan, Hubei and Hainan provinces in. It is an extremely diverse minority, divided into many branches. It has its own Miao language, divided into 3 main dialects. The language gained its written form only in 20th century. Miao people believe that everything in nature has a spirit. The minority is well-known for its detailed Miao embroidery.
Tujia
This minority of 8 million inhabits the provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan and Guizhou. It has over 2000 years of history. Its indigenous Tujia language, originating from Tibetan, has no written form, hence Chinese is widely used. Tujia people believe in power of ancestors and gods. They are famous for a folk Nuo drama, combining drama, poetry, music and dance, as well as for the Baishou dance – a 500 year old collective dance which uses 70 ritual gestures to represent war, farming, hunting, courtship and other aspects of traditional life.
Zang minority has a population of over 5m, and inhabits Tibetan Autonomous Region. The Tibetan language has many dialects and its distinct alphabet. Historical records of Tibetans in China date back to Han Dynasty (206BC – 220AD). They developed a distinctive form of Tibetan Buddhism – Lamaism. Tibetan crafts and textiles are known all over the world. Less famous but equally precious is masked Tibetan opera.
Uyghur
With over 2 thousand year history, it’s one of the most recognizable minorities in China. It has over 8mln people, located mainly in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. It has its own language and alphabet, originating from Turkish. The religion of Uyghur people is Islam and the name of the minority means ‘alliance’. Influenced by Sufism, Uyghurs are famous for their folk dance and Muqam – traditional music style.
Each of the 55 minorities is a hub of unique customs, history and way of life. Find out with Tibet Tours how to get to the most remote areas in Western China.
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