Zhuang minority and the Li River


The Zhuang people (壮族) are an ethnic group who mostly live in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China.  With the Buyi, Tay–Nùng, and other northern Tai speakers, they are sometimes known as the Rau or Rao. Their population, estimated at 18 million people, makes them the largest minority in China.

The abbreviation of the region is “桂” ( Guì), which comes from the name of the city of Guilin, the provincial capital during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The current capital is Nanning.

Most Zhuang follow a traditional animist faith known as Shigongism or Moism, which include elements of ancestor worship. The Mo have their own sutra and professional priests known as bu mo who traditionally use chicken bones for divination. In Moism, the creator is known as Bu Luotuo and the universe is tripartite, with all things composed from the three elements of heaven, earth, and water.

Guangxi is partly a mountainous region. Many rivers cut valleys through the mountains. Most of these rivers form the tributary basin of the West River.

The Li River  漓江 is a river in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It flows 83 kilometres (52 mi) from Guilin to Yangshuo, where the karst mountains and river sights highlight the famous Li River cruise.

The 437-kilometre (272 mi) course of the Li and Gui Rivers is flanked by green hills. Cormorant fishing is often associated with the Lijiang.


Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here