Tujia people

The Tujia people are one of the largest groups in the People's Republic of China. They mainly live in the beautiful Wuling Mountains, which stretch across Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, and Chongqing.

Their name, Tǔjiāzú, means “local families.” This shows they have always lived in one place. This is different from the Hakka people, whose name means “guest families.”

The Tujia have their own special language. In Northern Tujia, they call themselves Bifjixkhar, and in Southern Tujia, Mongrzzir. Their own word for their people is Bizika, meaning “native dwellers.”

The Tujia people love music and dancing. They have a special dance called the Baishou dance, which has been performed for over 500 years. They also make beautiful patterned cloth called brocade.

During their spring festival, they make and eat special handmade glutinous rice cakes called ciba cake. People gather around a fire to sing folk songs and enjoy the cakes.

Many Tujia people live in Hunan Province, Hubei Province, Guizhou Province, and Chongqing Municipality. These places are home to most Tujia people.

Some famous Tujia people include Dai Bingguo, a top official, and Shang Chunsong, an Olympic gymnast. The Tujia have fit well with Chinese culture and have many talented people.