Chongqing Tujia Ethnic Group

Brief Introduction of Chongqing Tujia Ethnic Group

There are two quiet and beautiful rivers running among the mountains in the south-east part of Chongqing: Wujiang River and Youshui River. They look like two glitter belts fitted into the land. The industrious and simple Tujia Ethnic Group inhabit on this beautiful and richly-endowed land. The Tujia Ethnic Group is the descendant of the Ba people in ancient China. Due to the breaking of mountain block, the Tujia Ethnic Group here is not as original as the other ethnic groups; it had merged into the Han nationality, but it still has retained some traditional customs as before. They worship the white tiger, reside in the stilt houses, drink oil tea, sing Tijia folk songs, dance the hand-waving dance, jump funeral, and weep the marry-off.

Folk Customs of Chongqing Tujia Ehnic Group

There are quaint and simple folk customs, rich and colorful national culture resource. There is Flower Lantern of Xiushan County which is characterized by singing and dancing, beautiful and lyric, and witty. There is the hand-waving dance which is characterized by thousands of lights, understated words, and sprightly rhythm. There is the folk song which is characterized by improvisation, loud and sonorous. There is the Nuo Opera which is characterized by regular structure, beautiful tones, and smooth melody. It is also called the living fossil of the Chinese Opera. There is the sweeping-song which is characterized heartfelt, abundant, and touching. There are the stilt houses which are characterized by varied styles, beautiful and practical. They have a high ornamental and research value. The Sheba Day and the hand-waving dance epitomize the Tujia nationality's flavor: brave and active, good at dancing and singing, and blessing. They are the most apparent in the Tujia nationality's customs. The derivative old folk art makes you feel you are drinking old wine. The Xilankapu - a brocade of Tujia People was hanged in the Great Hall of the People. The Tujia percussion caused a stir in New York City, resounding in the sky of Warsaw Poland. It was lauded as "a specialty of China" by the officers at the World Bank and the specialists from America and Japan. It is appreciated by foreign friends.

Tourism of Tujia Ehnic Group Inhabitation Area

The Tujia Ethnic Group mainly inhabit in the following areas: Youyang, Xiushan, Qianjiang, Pengshui, and Shizhu in Chongqing Qianjiang Development zone; the Ensi Tujia Autonomous Prefecture in Hubei province, the Xiangxi Autonomous Prefecture, and the Tongren Area in Guizhou province. There are many folklore tour activities here; you can have a Tujia-style meal, take a rest in the stilt houses, and learn the Tujia dance and song. You can also enjoy the beautiful natural landscape of Wujiang River, Apeng River and Youshui River. Taking part in the drifting on Wujiang River is also very funny.