Geographical Distribution of Shui Ethnic Minority

he Shui ethnic group in Yunnan primarily resides in Fuyuan County (富源县) of Qujing City (曲靖市), with the Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (古敢水族乡) being the province’s only Shui-established township. This group has a rich cultural heritage and is deeply connected to the traditions of the region, with a population of around 13,000 people. The Shui ethnic minority is known for its unique cultural practices, traditional architecture, festivals, and its symbolic worship of fish as a totem.

Cultural Highlights

The Shui people are renowned for their vibrant festivals such as the Duān Jié (端节, Shui New Year) and the Ji Long Jie (祭龙节, Dragon Festival), where traditional performances like tonggu (铜鼓, bronze drum playing), duige (对歌, song duels), and lusheng dance (芦笙舞) take place. These festivals are an integral part of Shui life, marking significant cultural and agricultural events. The Shui people’s craftsmanship is also evident in their traditional wooden stilt houses and beautiful stone arch bridges, which are characteristic of their villages.

Distribution and Population Overview in Yunnan

1. General Distribution and Population Data

Distribution Area: The Shui ethnic group in Yunnan primarily resides in Fuyuan County (富源县) of Qujing City (曲靖市), with Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (古敢水族乡) being the only Shui-established township in the province. There are also Shui communities in Huangnihe Town (黄泥河镇). According to the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Shui population in Yunnan was 8,834 people, with 6,232 residing in Fuyuan County, accounting for over 70% of the province’s Shui population.

Population Proportion: The Shui ethnic group is one of the smaller ethnic minorities in Yunnan, with a population of about 13,000, making up 0.03% of the total ethnic minority population in the province.

2. Autonomous Administrative Areas

Autonomous Prefectures: Yunnan does not have a specific autonomous prefecture for the Shui ethnic group. The Shui population is mainly distributed in Fuyuan County.

Autonomous Counties: There is no Shui autonomous county in Yunnan. The only Shui autonomous county in the country is Sandu County (三都县) in Guizhou Province (贵州省).

Towns and Villages:
Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (古敢水族乡) is the only Shui township in Yunnan, consisting of three village committees and 38 natural villages. The total population is 15,100, with Shui people accounting for about one-third of the population. Buzhang Village (补掌村) is the core settlement of the Shui, and together with Duzhang (都章), Re Shui (热水), and other nearby villages, it is known as the “Five Shui Villages” (Shui Wu Zhai 水五寨).

3. Notable Villages and Cultural Symbols

Traditional Villages:

• Buzhang Village (补掌村): Known for its picturesque “small bridge, flowing water, and homes” landscape, this village retains traditional wooden stilt houses, stone arch bridges, and ancient trees, making it the core area for showcasing Shui culture.

• Shui Wu Zhai (水五寨): Located along the Huangnihe River (黄泥河), the village architecture is built by the mountains and water, with “swallow mouth” masks hanging above the doorways to ward off evil spirits.

Festivals and Activities:

• Duān Jié (端节, Shui New Year): This is the most important festival for the Shui people, often celebrated with tonggu (铜鼓, bronze drum) performances, duige (对歌, song duels), and lusheng dance (芦笙舞).

• Ji Long Jie (祭龙节, Dragon Festival): Another major festival where Shui people hold various traditional activities, including the playing of drums and other cultural performances.

Geographical Significance:
Gugan Shui Ethnic Township (古敢水族乡) was recognized as one of the “2016 Top Ten New Tourist Landmarks in Yunnan” and is home to natural attractions such as the Buzhang Hot Springs (补掌温泉), which has a daily flow of 1.7 tons.

4. Summary Table