China has a long history behind it,the civilization being an important contributor to the evolution of mankind.China is also a multinational country.The cultures of its ethnic minorities are vital components of Chinese civilization.Today,the 56 nationalities,including the Han nationality,live on China's 9.6-million square kilometers of territory.Although 55 ethnic minorities take up just 8.41% of the Chinese population,they are widely dispersed over 50% to 60% of the land,mostly on plateaus,grasslands or in forests.

Today,the 56 nationalities,including the Han nationality,live on China's 9.6-million square kilometers of territory.Along with the Han people,these minorities have added to the profound Chinese civilization with their own fascinating cultures.Their beautiful costumes with unique accessories,diverse food customs,fascinating traditions,celebrations and history represent significant elements of Chinese civilization.Such diversity is the basis from which China,as a multi-national country,continues to develop.China's sustainable development and prosperity can also be ascribed to this diversity.

When you travel with us to the "homes" of these families of China,you will find their lives and customs endlessly fascinating and their cultures,ancient and mysterious.No matter where you're from,you won't fail to be charmed.Let's begin our journey now.

PREFACE

MONGOLIAN: THE PEOPLE ON HORSEBACK

 Nomadic Life on Grasslands

 The Three Necessary Skills of Mongolian Men

 The Ancient Urtiin duu (long-song)

HEZHEN: FISHERMAN'S SONGS ACROSS THE WUSULI RIVER

 Fishing in All Seasons

 Fish-Skin Clothes and Birch-Bark Boats

 Merry Dog Sleds

DAUR: THOUSAND-YEAR HISTORY OF PLAYING HOCKEY

 Home of Hockey

 Shaman: A Bridge to the Supernatural

EWENKh THE LAST HUNTING TRIBE

 Following Reindeer Anywhere

 Birch-Bark Fascination

UYGUR: LITTLE FLOWERY HATS BY THE TIANSHAN MOUNTAINS

 The Singing and Dancing of Twelve Muqams

 Beautiful Costumes

 Delicious Food on the Silk Road

TU: THE RAINBOW NATIONALITY AND ITS UNIQUE SONGS

 The Popular Regong Art

 Rainbow Costumes

 Folk Songs

KAZAK: LOVERS OF HORSES AND EAGLES

 Training Eagles in Mountains and on Grasslands

 Musicians Who Play Dombera

 The Exciting Game of "Girls'Chase"

HUI: DEVOUT MUSLIMS

 Entering the Islamic Culture

 Unique Islamic Constructions

KIRGIZ: BORN FROM A HEROIC EPIC

 Homeric Epic in China-Manas

 Beautiful Artwork of Tu xi tu ke

 Countless Uses of Camel Hide

TIBETAN: ON THE ROOF OF THE WORLD

 Age-Old Tibetan Buddhist Culture

 New Looks of Old Tibetan Opera

 Fascinating Costumes

DAI: BUDDHIST TEMPLES AND BAMBOO HOUSES

 Devout Buddhist Followers

 Water-Splashing Festival

 Elephant-Foot Drums

DONG: GRAND SONG SINGERS

 Singing across the Mountains

 The Charm of Unique Drum Houses

 Wind-and-Rain Bridges

HANI: PAINTING MASKS FOR HEAVENLY GODS

 Thousand-Year-Old Terraced Fields

 Mushroom Houses

MIAO: WEARING HISTORY ON COSTUMES

 Chiming Silver Ornaments

 Graceful Wax Printing

 Elegant Pictures on Woven Brocade

NAXI: THE LAST LAND OF WOMEN

 Strange but Romantic Weddings

 Grand Ceremony for Adulthood

 Dongba Culture-The Naxi People's Encyclopedia

QIANG: WATCHTOWERS IN HENGDUAN MOUNTAINS

 Watchtowers

 Ancient Paths

 Rope Bridges

VA: DRUMBEATS THAT TRANSCEND HISTORY

 Thunderous Drumming

 Fascinating Dances

TUJIA: LIVING IN HIGH MOUNTAINS

 Joyful at Funerals

 Weeping at Weddings

 The Age-Old Nuo Opera

ZHUANG: THE ETHNIC MINORITY OF THE LARGEST POPULATION

 The Singing Festival

 Brocade Embroidery

 Raised Houses Sitting on Stakes

LI: AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

 Tattoos about to Disappear

 Dancing to Get Blessings

GAOSHAN: CALLS FROM MOUNT ALl

 Colorful Clothes

 Highly Spirited "Hair-Shaking" Dance

 Twin-Cups Wine Offered with Utmost Sincerity

APPENDIX: DISTRIBUTION OF THE ETHNIC GROUPS IN CHINA