Zhuang Ethnic Minority

Zhuang people (壮族), also known as Bouxcuengh in Zhuang language and Bourau in English, are the largest ethnic minority in China. They speak the Zhuang language, which belongs to the Tai-Kadai language family of the Sino-Tibetan language group. Historically known as the Dong or Zhuang people, the term “Zhuang” was officially adopted in 1965 after the suggestion of Premier Zhou Enlai (周恩来), replacing the old “Dong” character, which had a weaker connotation, with the stronger “Zhuang” character. The Zhuang language and culture are deeply rooted in southern China, especially in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区), where they make up a significant portion of the population.

Population and Distribution

As of the 2021 Census, the Zhuang population in China is approximately 19.57 million people. The majority live in the southern provinces of Guangxi (广西), Guangdong (广东), Yunnan (云南), Guizhou (贵州), and Hunan (湖南), with the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region being the primary home of the Zhuang people. Zhuang communities are also present in small numbers in Vietnam, Thailand, the United States, and Europe.

Cultural Heritage

The Zhuang people have a rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional handcrafts, music, and medicine.

Traditional Crafts

Zhuang handicrafts, such as Zhuang brocade (壮锦), embroidery, and bamboo weaving, are important aspects of their culture. These crafts are not only beautiful but also practical, deeply embedded in the daily life and rituals of the Zhuang people.

Traditional Music and Dance

Music and dance are integral to Zhuang culture, especially the bronze drum (铜鼓) and mountain songs (山歌), which play a significant role in their rituals and festivities. These forms of expression represent their deep connection to nature and the community.

Zhuang Medicine

Zhuang medicine (壮医) is a vital part of their traditional healthcare, incorporating herbal remedies and unique healing practices passed down through generations.

Historical Origins and Development

Ancient Origins

The ancestors of the Zhuang, recorded in ancient Chinese texts, are believed to be descendants of the Baiyue (百越) peoples who lived in the Lingnan (岭南) region (today’s Guangdong, Guangxi, and parts of Yunnan). The Zhuang people trace their roots to the “Xi Ou” (西瓯) and “Luo Yue” (骆越) tribes, which were mentioned in pre-Qin (pre-221 BC) historical records. These tribes lived in a clan-based society and fought fiercely against the Qin Empire’s expansion in the 3rd century BC. After the Qin conquest, the region was gradually integrated into the Chinese empire.

From the Han Dynasty (汉朝) onwards, the indigenous groups in the Lingnan region were known by various names such as “Wu Hu” (乌浒), “Li” (俚), and “Liao” (僚) (or Liao Liao, 俚僚). Over time, the Zhuang adopted different regional and clan-based names, reflecting their diverse cultural identities.

Historical Uprisings and Resistance

Throughout history, the Zhuang people have resisted oppression and fought for their rights. Notable uprisings include the Yellow Qian Yao (黄乾曜), Pan Chang An (潘长安), and Huang Shaoqing (黄少卿)-led rebellions during the Tang Dynasty (唐朝). The Zhuang were also involved in several anti-imperial struggles, particularly during the 19th century, when they fought against foreign invasions and the Qing Dynasty’s control.

During the late Qing period, the Zhuang people participated in the Taiping Rebellion (太平天国), which significantly shaped China’s modern history. Numerous Zhuang leaders, such as Lu Liu (卢六) and Wei Changhui (韦昌辉), played key roles in the rebellion.

Contributions to the Chinese Revolution

In the 20th century, during the anti-Japanese resistance (抗日战争) and later the Chinese Revolution (中国革命), the Zhuang were at the forefront of the struggle, contributing greatly to the liberation of their homeland.

Modern Contributions

Participation in Revolutionary Movements

In the 20th century, the Zhuang people’s contributions to the independence movements in China were significant. They participated in many revolutionary movements, including the Taiping Rebellion and the anti-Japanese war. During the revolution, Zhuang leaders played important roles in organizing and leading uprisings in the Guangxi (广西) and Yunnan (云南) regions.

The Zhuang also played a key role in the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国) and in the development of the Zhuang Autonomous Region of Guangxi (广西壮族自治区). Their culture and traditions continue to thrive today, especially through Zhuang art, music, and language preservation efforts.

Zhuang in Modern China

In recent years, the Zhuang people have made efforts to maintain their language and customs while embracing modernization and economic development. The Zhuang remain an important part of China’s ethnic diversity, contributing to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Politics

The Zhuang people (壮族) are an indigenous group from the southern regions of China. Before the Qin and Han Dynasties, they were in a stage of independent development. After the Qin and Han Dynasties, they came under the governance of central Chinese dynasties, which influenced their social, political, economic, and cultural development. This influence grew stronger as the central government’s control deepened and the number of Han Chinese migrants increased. Due to regional differences, the Zhuang people’s social and political systems before the founding of the People’s Republic of China exhibited diverse characteristics.

In areas where Zhuang and Han populations lived together, such as the eastern parts of Zhuang territory, Zhuang society was significantly influenced by the Han, and their social and political systems were in a feudal landlord phase. However, in the western regions of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) and Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州) in Yunnan, the Zhuang were mostly under the rule of local Zhuang chieftains (土司) from the Tang and Song Dynasties, developing a feudal serfdom system with a more unique social and political structure.

Tusi System (Chieftain System)

In Tusi (土司) regions, the Tusi controlled all political, economic, and cultural power. They established various institutions to govern, and the structure of these institutions varied based on the size of the Tusi’s territory, their political rank, and economic strength. In larger, more developed Tusi regions, such as large Tusu counties or Tusu states, there were both civil and military officials in the Tusi government offices. These areas also had prisons under the control of the Tusi.

Under the Tusi government, there were several administrative units, including districts, sectors, posts, and villages, with officials in charge of various duties such as spying on traitors, settling disputes, organizing military training, and collecting taxes. These systems formed the local rural governance structures. The Tusi used these organizations to extend their control to villages and households, governing the local people.

After the mid-Ming Dynasty (明朝), the Tusi system became increasingly outdated and corrupt. The rule of the Tusi became more tyrannical, leading to dissatisfaction from both the central government and the Zhuang people. This made the “Tusi system reform” (改土归流) inevitable. From the early Qing Dynasty (清朝) to the Republic of China period, the feudal serfdom system was gradually dismantled, bringing about a transformation that allowed landlord economies to develop fully.

Clan System

The Zhuang people have long followed the custom of living in clan-based communities. Ancient Zhuang clans such as Mo (莫), Huang (黄), Nong (侬), Wei (韦), Tan (覃), Luo (罗), Cen (岑), Meng (蒙), Bi (闭), and Gan (甘) are derived from the original clan-based systems. These clans have traditionally lived together, often within the same villages. Influenced by Han culture, clan-based organizations and traditions are especially developed in some Zhuang regions, where they build ancestral halls, establish clan rules, and maintain family genealogies.

In Zhuang villages with the same surname, the members of three generations or fewer are called “house clans” (房族), while those beyond three generations are referred to as “door clans” (门族) or “ancestral clans” (宗族). The entire clan structure is generally called “family.” Marriages within the same clan are prohibited. The relationships within the clan are maintained through the clan leader, family properties, ancestral halls, and clan rules. The clan leader is usually a male and is sometimes inherited by the eldest son in direct-line blood relationships. The clan leader’s duties include managing the ancestral hall, overseeing communal property, organizing and leading sacrifices and other public activities, mediating internal disputes, managing inheritance, and handling external affairs.

Since the 1950s, many ancestral halls in Zhuang regions have fallen into disrepair, and clan activities have weakened or ceased. However, in recent years, there has been a trend of clan activities making a comeback in some areas.

Village Governance: Dou Lao System

In regions where clan influence and culture were not as strong, the Zhuang used an older form of village governance called the Dou Lao System (都老制). This system, led by the “Dou Lao” (都老), also known as village elders, chief elders, or headmen, was composed of a management organization, an elders’ council, and a village assembly. The Dou Lao were usually selected by the community or appointed by local authorities. They did not receive a salary and were responsible for maintaining social order, managing public property, organizing communal sacrifices, leading public construction projects, and mediating disputes both within the village and with neighboring communities.

This system operated based on Zhuang traditional legal systems and customs. Since the mid-Ming Dynasty, with increasing state intervention, the Dou Lao System started to decline, eventually being replaced by the Baojia System (保甲制) in the Qing Dynasty.

Baojia System

The Baojia System (保甲制) was implemented during the Qing Dynasty to strengthen government control over rural society. It was gradually introduced to Zhuang regions. In 1726, the Qing government issued an order to establish the Baojia system in ethnic minority areas, such as where the Zhuang and Miao people lived. The system was intended to maintain social control by organizing people into groups for military and administrative purposes.

In the Zhuang areas, the Baojia system was initially implemented in urban and suburban areas of mixed Zhuang and Han populations. However, due to the dispersed nature of Zhuang settlements, especially in remote areas, the system’s implementation faced significant challenges. In these areas, traditional systems like the clan and village management structures continued to be more effective.

Modern Ethnic Autonomy

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, with the completion of land reforms, traditional village power structures among the Zhuang were dismantled, and the Baojia System gradually declined. The Communist Party of China promoted democratic governance and established village-based administrative systems. The original landless farmers were mobilized, and traditional clan and family networks were further broken down. The central government’s power gradually penetrated the Zhuang villages in a way that was different from the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China periods.

By the time of the People’s Commune system, state authority over Zhuang communities reached its peak. After the commune system was dismantled in the early 1980s, village-based systems, including townships and village committees, took over the governance of Zhuang communities, continuing the process of political unification and modernization.

Establishment of Autonomous Regions

In 1951, the Longsheng Autonomous Region (龙胜各族自治区) was established, including Zhuang, Dong, Yao, and Miao people. In December 1952, the Western Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (桂西壮族自治区) was set up in the western part of Guangxi. In March 1956, it was upgraded to an autonomous prefecture. In 1958, the region was reorganized, and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) was formally established. In 1962, the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州) was set up in Yunnan Province. Additionally, the Lianshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County (连山壮族瑶族自治县) was established in Guangdong Province in 1962. Many Zhuang-populated areas also gradually established ethnic townships.

Economy

During the Tang and Song Dynasties (唐宋), the Zhuang people’s ancestors experienced new developments in their social and economic life. Agriculture, primarily based on rice paddies, began to heavily rely on ox-drawn plowing, with farming techniques evolving to include deep plowing, irrigation, regular weeding, and careful pest control. This led to prosperous agricultural yields, with reports of “double cropping rice,” “fields like those in Hunan and Hubei,” and abundant grain reserves. Livestock such as pigs, cows, chickens, and ducks were also raised in large numbers, contributing to a prosperous rural economy.

Handicrafts flourished, including copper, iron, and textiles. Zhuang brocade (壮锦), which was known as “Xuan Cloth” (緂布) in ancient times, became famous across China. Known for its “clean, fine, and light texture,” it was prized for its cooling properties. Zhuang brocade featured distinctive patterns and was considered one of the finest garments of the southern regions. Despite these advancements, the development of social production in Zhuang areas lagged behind the central plains, with many regions still practicing extensive farming techniques such as broadcasting seeds without transplanting, irrigating, fertilizing, or weeding.

By the Ming and Qing Dynasties (明清), the social and economic development in Zhuang areas had progressed further. In regions such as the current Wuming (武鸣) and Pingguo (平果) along the Youjiang River (右江), the land was vast and fertile, surrounded by winding mountains and rivers, making the area a hub for commerce. Agricultural methods improved, with more detailed cultivation of rice and the introduction of crop rotation techniques in hilly areas. Livestock farming continued to thrive, with many households keeping large numbers of cattle. The social and economic structure in these areas was comparable to that of neighboring Han communities.

Distribution

China

The Zhuang people are spread across all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in China, with the majority living in the southern regions. Their distribution stretches from Lianshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County (连山壮族瑶族自治县) in Guangdong Province (广东省) in the east, to Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州) in Yunnan Province (云南省) in the west, reaching Congjiang County (从江县) in Guizhou Province (贵州省) in the north, and down to Beibu Gulf (北部湾) in the south.

The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区) is the main area of Zhuang population, with about 14.2 million people (2000 census), accounting for 87.81% of the Zhuang population in China. Major Zhuang communities are found in Nanning (南宁市), Chongzuo (崇左市), Baise (百色市), Hechi (河池市), Liuzhou (柳州市), Laibin (来宾市), and Guigang (贵港市), among others.

Additionally, there are approximately 980,000 Zhuang people (2000 census) in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, 129,000 scattered in other parts of Yunnan, and 42,000 in Lianshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County in Guangdong. Around 16,000 Zhuang people live in Congjiang County in Guizhou, and over 5,000 in Jianghua Yao Autonomous County (江华瑶族自治县) in Hunan Province.

The Zhuang population is largely concentrated in a continuous area, though some Zhuang people live alongside other ethnic groups such as the Han, Yao, Miao, Dong, and others.

Vietnam

The Zhuang people are also present across the border in Vietnam, particularly in the northern regions near China. The Zhuang population in Vietnam is known as the Tày-Nùng (岱侬族), with their language and culture closely related to the Zhuang people in China. The Tày-Nùng people share many cultural practices and customs with their Chinese counterparts, and often participate in festivals and ceremonies together.

According to records, the Tày-Nùng people in Vietnam number around 2.7 million (2013), making them the largest ethnic minority in Vietnam. As cultural exchange between Vietnam and China continues to increase, traditional Zhuang art forms such as Tienqin (壮文: den, Vietnamese: then) have become more popular in both countries.

Culture

Beliefs

The Zhuang people do not have a unified religion. Their folk beliefs are polytheistic, worshiping gods of heaven, thunder, land, large stones, trees, frogs, flowers, and ancestors. Since the Wei and Jin Dynasties (魏晋), with the introduction of Taoism (道教) and Buddhism (佛教), Zhuang religious beliefs have undergone changes. This created a religion with a combination of Taoism, Buddhism, and indigenous practices, known as Maoism (麽教). Shigong (师公), semi-professional religious figures, became prominent, performing rituals that blend the characteristics of shamanism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

While Taoism had some influence, with Taoist priests referred to as Daogong (道公) in Zhuang language, Buddhism did not have a strong impact on Zhuang society. Buddhist principles such as karma, reincarnation, and charitable deeds were recognized, but the religion did not have as much of a presence as in the central plains of China.

In the mid-19th century, Christianity and Catholicism were introduced to the Zhuang regions. Some towns built churches, and a small group of followers emerged, but the influence remained limited to certain urban areas.

Diet

The Zhuang people (壮族) are one of the earliest ethnic groups to cultivate and grow rice, and rice farming culture is highly developed among them. Rice naturally became their staple food. Various rice dishes are popular, including steamed, boiled, stir-fried, braised, and fried rice, along with rice porridge, rice noodles, rice cakes, glutinous rice balls, zongzi (rice dumplings), and tangyuan (sweet rice balls). These are daily favorites of the Zhuang people. When mixed with other ingredients, these rice dishes can be turned into more nutritious and flavorful foods such as Eight-Treasure Rice, Eight-Treasure Porridge, Bamboo Tube Rice, Pumpkin Rice, and Colored Glutinous Rice.

For the Zhuang people living in dry, mountainous areas where rice cultivation is not suitable, corn is the primary staple food.

The Zhuang people also enjoy consuming aquatic products like fish, clams, and snails, which are considered delicacies. In addition, wild mushrooms, fruits, cicadas, snakes, birds, and other animals from the mountains are commonly enjoyed as daily meals.

Chewing betel nut is a traditional custom of the Zhuang people. In areas like Longzhou (龙州) in Guangxi (广西), many Zhuang women still engage in this practice. In some regions, betel nuts are even considered an essential offering when receiving guests.

Architecture

The architecture of the Zhuang people is generally similar to that of the Han Chinese. In some regions of southwest and northwest Guangxi (广西), Zhuang villages still preserve the ancient traditional housing style known as Ganlan (干栏) or “Malan” (麻栏). This style consists of two levels, with people living on the upper floor and livestock or stored goods kept on the lower floor.

This housing style has been a characteristic feature of the Baiyue (百越) peoples for thousands of years. It is particularly well-suited to the mountainous terrain and climate of southern China, while also protecting against venomous snakes and wild animals. As a result, it continues to be used to this day.

In areas like Debao (德保), Jingxi (靖西), and Bama (巴马), although houses have evolved toward modern structures with brick and steel or concrete designs, the basic structure of the Ganlan houses is still retained in some buildings. The Longji Zhuang Ethnic Area (龙脊壮族聚居区) in Longsheng (龙胜) is a prime example of the most well-preserved Ganlan-style buildings.

Clothing

The clothing of the Zhuang people is largely similar to that of the Han Chinese, but in rural areas of northwest Guangxi, especially among middle-aged and elderly women, distinctive ethnic clothing is still preserved. For example, in the northwest of Guangxi, middle-aged and elderly Zhuang women typically wear collarless clothes with embroidered edges, wide-legged pants, embroidered waistbands, pleated skirts, and embroidered shoes, often adorned with silver jewelry. In the southwest of Guangxi, such as in Longzhou (龙州) and Pingxiang (凭祥), Zhuang women still wear collarless, left-overlapping black tops, square-shaped black headscarves, and wide-legged black trousers.

In ancient times, the Zhuang practiced customs such as tattooing and tooth carving. The Tang Dynasty literary figure Liu Zongyuan (柳宗元) mentioned that the people of Liuzhou (柳州) were tattooed, and the Song Dynasty historical text Taiping Huanyu Ji (太平寰宇记) recorded that women in the Guigang (贵港) area would carve their teeth before marriage. These practices are now rare and mostly preserved in remote areas.

Language and Writing

Language

The Zhuang language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family, specifically the Zhuang-Dong language group. There are two main dialects, with the grammar and basic vocabulary being quite similar between the two. The northern and southern dialects are roughly divided by the Yujiang (郁江) and Youjiang (右江) rivers, extending into Wenshan (文山) in Yunnan Province (云南省). The northern dialects account for approximately two-thirds of the Zhuang population and are divided into eight sub-dialects, including Yongbei (邕北), Youjiang (右江), Guibian (桂边), Liujang (柳江), Guibei (桂北), Hongshuihe (红水河), Qiubei (邱北), and Lianshan (连山). The southern dialects make up about one-third of the Zhuang population, with five sub-dialects: Yongnan (邕南), Zuojiang (左江), Dejing (德靖), Yanguang (砚广), and Wenma (文麻).

Writing

Since the Tang and Song Dynasties, the Zhuang people used a form of written script known as “native characters” (土俗字). This script was based on Chinese characters and used combinations of sounds and meanings. According to the Zhuang Ancient Dictionary (古壮字字典) published in 1989, over 10,700 characters were recorded, with 4,918 considered standard characters. These characters were used in ancient texts such as genealogies, letters, and folk songs.

However, due to regional differences and the lack of standardization, the Zhuang people relied heavily on Chinese characters (汉字) for written communication. In 1955, the Chinese government assisted the Zhuang people in developing a written Zhuang language based on the Latin alphabet, and literacy campaigns in the Zhuang language were launched. This effort played a significant role in literacy and promoting government policies. In the 1980s, the Zhuang writing system was further revised, and Zhuang characters became widely used in schools at all levels.

Literature

The Zhuang people have created a rich body of folklore, including myths, legends, folktales, and proverbs. One of the most famous works is the long epic “Buluotuo” (布洛陀), which is based on the creation myth of the Zhuang people. This epic, passed down through generations, is considered an ancient and magnificent creation story, serving as an encyclopedia of Zhuang society in prehistoric times. It narrates the origins of the earth, humans, livestock, and crops, and praises the mythological figure Buluotuo (布洛陀), the legendary ancestor of the Zhuang people.

In the 1950s and 60s, Zhuang writers such as Lu Di (陆地) with his novel “Beautiful Nanning” (美丽的南宁) and Liu Yufeng (刘玉峰) with his novel “Mountain Village Revenge” (山村复仇记) paved the way for modern Zhuang literature. Zhuang poet Wei Qilin (韦其麟) created the narrative epic “The Clothes of a Hundred Birds” (百鸟衣), which was recognized as one of the outstanding works in China during the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

In recent years, Zhuang literature has flourished, with works such as Lu Di’s (陆地) novel “Long Night” (长夜) winning the National Minority Literature Award. Zhuang poets like Sha Hong (莎红) and Lan Hong’en (蓝鸿恩) have also contributed to the translation and preservation of Zhuang folk poetry.

Martial Arts

Martial arts have a long-standing tradition among the Zhuang people. As early as the Ming Dynasty (明代), young boys in Guangxi (广西) were taught martial arts as part of their upbringing. Local chieftains encouraged the practice of martial arts, and the communities highly valued it. Every winter, villages would invite martial arts masters to teach the villagers.

This custom persisted for centuries and continued to be a significant part of Zhuang culture even before and after the establishment of the People’s Republic of China.

Science and Technology

Zhuang Medicine

In the 1980s, in addition to traditional Chinese medicine institutions, the Guangxi Natural Medicine Research Center (广西天然药物研究中心) and the Guangxi Ethnic Medicine Research Institute (广西民族医药研究所) were established. These institutions focused on the study of Zhuang medicine, conducting surveys and publishing works such as “Zhuang Medicine and Moxibustion Therapy” (壮医药线点灸疗法).

The Guangxi Ethnic Medicine Institutes have actively researched minority medical practices, achieving notable success. Projects like “Basic Theories and Clinical Research of Zhuang Medicine,” “Study and Experimental Research on Zhuang Medicine’s Internal Medicine,” and “Study on the Standardization of Zhuang Herbal Medicine” have won the Guangxi Science and Technology Progress Award (广西科技进步奖).

A number of national and provincial Zhuang medical research projects have passed certification and acceptance.

Textile

Zhuang Brocade (壮锦) is a unique handicraft created by Zhuang women. Made with cotton yarn for the warp and velvet for the weft, the brocade features colorful patterns woven into stunning designs. The warp is usually in its natural color, while the weft is woven with a variety of colors to create intricate and beautiful patterns.

Zhuang brocade is known for its bright colors, exquisite craftsmanship, soft texture, and durability. A popular motif is the phoenix, symbolizing auspiciousness, which is often depicted in the brocade. As a result, it is said that “nine out of ten Zhuang brocades feature the phoenix.” The designs are lively and full of character. The fabric is used for many purposes, such as blankets, quilts, aprons, belts, handbags, headscarves, and clothing decorations.

Zhuang brocade dates back to the Tang (唐) and Song Dynasties (宋), and during the Ming (明) and Qing Dynasties (清), Zhuang women became renowned throughout China for their weaving skills. After the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, Zhuang brocade further developed, maintaining traditional patterns and creating over 40 new designs.

Bronze Drums

The Bronze Drums (铜鼓) have a history of over 2,000 years, with more than 600 discovered and collected in Guangxi (广西) alone. Over 1,400 drums are documented in private collections. These drums vary in size, with the largest having a diameter of 1.63 meters and weighing nearly 500 kilograms.

Bronze drums are considered both practical instruments and exquisite works of art. They feature both bas-relief patterns and three-dimensional sculptures, showcasing the Zhuang people’s advanced casting and artistic skills. While they have been used for military, ceremonial, and music purposes, bronze drums are also symbols of power and wealth.

Art

Musical Instruments

Common traditional Zhuang musical instruments include the suona (唢呐), honey drum (蜂鼓), bronze drum (铜鼓), big drum (大鼓), bronze cymbals (铜铙), gong (铜锣), sheng (笙), xiao (箫), flute (笛), horsebone hu (马骨胡), and tianqin (天琴).

The Tianqin (天琴) is the oldest stringed instrument of the Zhuang people and is mainly found in the southwestern part of Guangxi near the border with Vietnam. It has a history of over a thousand years. According to the popular legend “Malle Visits the Edge of the Sky” (妈勒访天边), the Zhuang ancestor Malle played the Tianqin while searching for the sun at the edge of the sky.

Dance

The Zhuang people are known for their vibrant dances such as the Chongtang Dance (舂堂舞), Embroidered Ball Dance (绣球舞), Shrimp Catching Dance (捞虾舞), Tea Picking Dance (采茶舞), Shoulder Pole Dance (扁担舞), and Bronze Drum Dance (铜鼓舞).

These dances feature distinct themes, energetic steps, and lively expressions, vividly reflecting the Zhuang people’s hardworking nature and their passionate, expressive character.

Murals

The Left River Cliff Murals (左江崖壁画) have a history of over 2,000 years and are primarily located along the cliffs of Left River (左江) and its tributary Ming River (明江) in the southwestern part of Guangxi. These murals are found in counties such as Ningming (宁明), Longzhou (龙州), Chongzuo (崇左), and Fusui (扶绥).

A total of 183 mural sites have been discovered, with the Huashan Cliff Mural (花山崖壁画) in Ningming being the most famous. On this large cliff, about 200 meters wide and 50 meters high, over 1,800 images have been identified. The murals primarily depict humans, animals, and objects, with a strong, bold style. These murals are a remarkable artistic achievement of the Zhuang ancestors, reflecting their social life during ancient times.

Drama

Zhuang Opera (壮剧) is a form of stage art that integrates Zhuang folk literature, music, dance, and craftsmanship. It can be divided into several regional styles, including Shigong Opera (师公剧), Northern Zhuang Opera (北路壮剧), Southern Zhuang Opera (南路壮剧), Funing Zhuang Opera (富宁壮剧), Guangnan Zhuang Opera (广南壮剧), and Leixi Local Opera (乐西土戏).

Shigong Opera is popular in regions like Hechi (河池) and Liuzhou (柳州) and developed from the “jumping god” performances, with traditional plays like “King Mo Yida” (莫一大王) and “White Horse Girl” (白马姑娘). Northern Zhuang Opera is performed in Baise (百色), including areas like Xilin (西林) and Tianlin (田林), while Southern Zhuang Opera is popular in the southwestern regions like Debao (德保) and Jingxi (靖西), influenced by puppet shows and traditional performances from local folk customs.

Zhuang Opera is known for its lively and healthful performance style, with music, singing, and acting featuring distinct ethnic characteristics and rich national flavor.

Customs

Festivals

The Zhuang people celebrate many of the same traditional Chinese festivals as the Han, such as Spring Festival (春节), Lantern Festival (元宵), Qingming Festival (清明), Dragon Boat Festival (端午), Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋), Double Ninth Festival (重阳), and New Year’s Eve (除夕). However, the Zhuang also have festivals that are unique to their culture, such as the Third Month 3 Singing Festival (三月三歌节), Cattle Soul Festival (牛魂节), and Zhongyuan Festival (中元节).

The Third Month 3 Singing Festival is the most important. The Zhuang are known for their love of singing, and their folk songs are rich in variety and emotion. These songs cover a wide range of themes, from daily life and farming to political events and history. The “Yue Ren Song” (越人歌) from the Han Dynasty is a famous example of Zhuang songs. The songs are known for their lively lyrics and emotional depth, often using imagery and riddles to convey powerful messages.

Legend has it that a famous Zhuang singer, Liu Sanjie (刘三姐), created songs with a sweet and meaningful melody, celebrating happiness in labor and love, while exposing the greed and cruelty of the ruling class. She is revered as the “Immortal of Song” (歌仙) and remains a celebrated figure in Zhuang culture.

Another significant festival is the Cattle Soul Festival, also known as the Cattle King Festival (牛王节) or Planting Festival (开秧节), which takes place after the spring plowing, traditionally on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. The Zhuang honor the Cattle King, a legendary figure who helped people with farming, by giving thanks for his contributions with offerings to the cattle.

The Zhongyuan Festival (中元节), occurring on the 14th day of the seventh lunar month, is a time for ancestor worship and offering sacrifices to spirits. It is considered the second most important festival after the Spring Festival. Traditionally, families prepare offerings of food, such as roasted ducks, and perform rituals both at home and in the wild to appease wandering spirits.

Marriage

The Zhuang people traditionally practice monogamy. In the past, the custom of “woman marries man, and the husband lives with the wife” was prevalent, but over time this shifted to a patrilocal system where the wife moves in with her husband’s family.

In rural areas, it was once common for brides not to immediately move in with their husband’s family after marriage. Instead, they would return to their parental home the day after the wedding, often staying with their sisters to sing songs and celebrate the night. They would later move into their husband’s home after some time, typically after a couple of years or after becoming pregnant. This custom is seen as a transitional phase from matrilocal to patrilocal living arrangements.

Funeral Customs

The traditional funeral customs of the Zhuang people include both earth burial and cremation.

After the mid-Qing Dynasty, earth burial became the main method. The Zhuang often practice “second burial”, also known as bone collection burial (金罈葬) or bone pot burial (金钟葬). In this practice, after the body is buried initially, it is exhumed several years later, and the bones are placed in a ceramic pot, which is then reburied in a more carefully selected location.

In modern times, some wealthy families have moved away from the second burial tradition, opting instead for a grand single burial, known as “big burial” (大葬). However, this practice is not widely accepted by the general population, who continue to favor the traditional second burial method.

Notable Figures

Yi Xu Song (译吁宋)

Yi Xu Song was a leader of the Xiyou (西瓯) people in the Qinxiou (秦瓯) area. During the Qinxiou War, he led the tribal alliance of the Xiyou people in resistance against the Qin (秦) army.

Jie Jun (桀骏)

Jie Jun was a military leader of the Qinxiou (秦瓯) people, known internationally as the founder of mountain warfare.

Huang Qian Yao (黄乾曜)

Huang Qian Yao was a leader of the Huangtong (黄峒) Zhuang people in the Western Yuan (西原) region.

Huang Shao Qing (黄少卿)

Huang Shao Qing was the leader of a peasant uprising in the Western Yuan (西原) region during the Tang Dynasty (唐).

Nong Zhi Gao (侬智高)

Nong Zhi Gao was a prominent leader who founded the “Dali Kingdom” (大历国) and the “Southern Heavenly Kingdom” (南天国).

Madam Wa (瓦氏夫人)

Madam Wa was a legendary anti-Japanese hero who fought bravely against foreign invaders.

Tan Gong Bing (谭公柄)

Tan Gong Bing was the Northern Zhuang (北壮) King, who moved the capital to Mianjiang (迁江). He was one of the first to advocate for gender equality, marriage reforms, democratic changes, and the strengthening of ethnic unity.

Lu Rong Ting (陆荣廷)

Lu Rong Ting was a leader of the old Guangxi (桂系) military forces and the Governor of Liangguang (两广) during the Qing Dynasty. He was originally from Wuming (武鸣) County.

Wei Baqun (韦拔群)

Wei Baqun was a prominent leader in the modern Chinese peasant movement and a well-known figure in Zhuang history.

Wei Guoqing (韦国清)

Wei Guoqing was a Zhuang leader who served as the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and as a founding general of the People’s Liberation Army.

Huang Xian Fan (黄现璠)

Huang Xian Fan was a Zhuang scholar and one of the founding figures of modern Chinese ethnology.

Wei Jie (韦杰)

Wei Jie, a Zhuang, served as the Deputy Commander of the Chengdu (成都) Military Region and was a member of the Central Advisory Committee.

Xian Heng Han (冼恒汉)

Xian Heng Han was the first secretary of Gansu (甘肃) Province and a central committee member and military committee member from the Zhuang ethnicity.

Gan Ku (甘苦)

Gan Ku was a former Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, hailing from the Zhuang ethnicity.

Tan Ying Ji (覃应机)

Tan Ying Ji was the former Chairman of the Autonomous Region, representing the Zhuang people.

Zheng Jian Xuan (郑建宣)

Zheng Jian Xuan, a Zhuang from Ningming (宁明), was a physicist.

Luo Ying Xiong (罗应雄)

Luo Ying Xiong, a Zhuang from Xincheng (忻城), was a physicist.

Yin Han Hui (尹汉辉)

Yin Han Hui, from Wuming (武鸣) County, was a key figure at the Institute of Geodynamics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and made significant contributions to the successful detonation of China’s first atomic bomb.

Zheng Zhi Peng (郑志鹏)

Zheng Zhi Peng, a Zhuang from Ningming (宁明), is a physicist and an academician of the New York Academy of Sciences in the United States.

Wei Yu (韦钰)

Wei Yu, from Guilin (桂林), is an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

Zhou Shao Ning (周少宁)

Zhou Shao Ning, a Zhuang from Wuming (武鸣), is a world-renowned Chinese-American artist.