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.