Ethnic Groups

Yao People

The Yao people in Guangxi are concentrated mainly in Guilin, Wuzhou, Baise, Hechi and Liuzhou, with a total population of more than 1.3 million.

As there are many branches of the Yao people here representing those in other regions, Guangxi is regarded as the home of the Yao people in China.

It is customary for the Yao man to marry into the woman's family. The first child takes the mother's surname, and the second the father's.

There are differences in the spoken languages of the various Yao branches. As they have no written language of their own, they generally use the Zhuang and Han languages. The Yao people have a rich store of folk literary works. Besides belief in witchcraft and Taoism, nature, ancestor and totem worship is also popular.

Miao People

There are over 4.2 million Miao people in Guangxi. They live in compact communities mainly in the Rongshui Miao Autonomous County and Longsheng and Sanjiang counties.

The ancestors of the Miao people lived in Hubei and Hunan provinces during the Zhou Dynasty. By the Qin and Han dynasties, the majority of the Miao people had already settled in the Wuling, Zangke, Yuesui, Ba and Nan areas, while a small number in the Liujiang River valley.

The Miao people believe in ancestor and nature worship, and that everything has a soul. They believe that their ancestors and spirits can help them avoid disasters and disease, and answer their wishes for children and wealth.

The Miao people celebrate their New Year in the 12th month of the lunar calendar. Another important Miao festival is held in the fourth month in memory of their national hero, Yanu.

Dong People

With a population of over 280,000, the Dong people live mainly in the Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County.

The Dong people have their ancestral origin in the Baiyue people and have grown out of a branch of the Xi'ou people of the Qin and Han period. They are creators of colorful art and literature, and are skilled architects of wooden and stone structures. Their drum towers and the wind and rain bridges are the most famous of their masterpieces.

The Dong women favor silver jewellery. After a woman gets married, she visits her husband only on holidays or on special occasions, until she becomes pregnant. The Dong believes in polytheism and worship natural objects, such as an ancient tree, huge rock, well or bridge.