Exploring China's Multicultural Tapestry: Star8s Introduces the 56 Ethnic Groups
China, an ancient and mystical land, has long been a unified multi-ethnic nation. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, 56 ethnic groups have been officially recognized by the central government. Among these, the Han ethnic group constitutes the majority, while the other 55 ethnic groups, with relatively smaller populations, are commonly referred to as "ethnic minorities." These groups not only enrich China's cultural diversity but also add unique colors to the world's cultural treasury.
Diverse Religions, Harmonious Coexistence
China is a multi-religious country, with major religions including Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianity. Many ethnic minority groups have religious beliefs, and some even have entire communities devoted to a particular faith. For instance, Tibetan people predominantly follow Tibetan Buddhism. In accordance with the Constitution of the People's Republic of China, which guarantees citizens the freedom of religious belief, the Chinese government has established specific policies to respect and protect the religious freedom of ethnic minorities, ensuring their normal religious activities.
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Tibetan Buddhism: Ethnic groups such as the Tibetan, Mongolian, Tu, Yugur, Monba, Pumi, and Naxi practice Tibetan Buddhism.
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Theravada Buddhism: The Dai, Blang, De'ang, and some Wa people follow Theravada Buddhism.
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Islam: The Hui, Uygur, Kazakh, Dongxiang, Bonan, Salar, Kirgiz, Tatar, Uzbek, and Tajik ethnic groups practice Islam.
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Christianity: Some members of the Yi, Miao, Lahu, Jingpo, and Lisu ethnic groups are Christians.
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Orthodox Christianity: A small number of Russians and Ewenki people practice Orthodox Christianity.
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Primitive Beliefs: Ethnic groups like the Derung, Nu, Wa, Jingpo, Gaoshan, Oroqen, and Lhoba maintain primitive nature worship and multiple beliefs.
Regardless of their religious affiliations, the normal religious activities of all ethnic groups are protected by law. In regions where ethnic minorities live dispersed, their rights to religious freedom are fully respected and protected.
A Glimpse of the 55 Ethnic Minorities
China's 55 ethnic minorities include: Mongolian, Hui, Tibetan, Uygur, Miao, Yi, Zhuang, Bouyei, Korean, Manchu, Dong, Yao, Bai, Tujia, Hani, Kazakh, Dai, Li, Lisu, Wa, She, Gaoshan, Lahu, Sui, Dongxiang, Naxi, Jingpo, Kirgiz, Tu, Daur, Mulam, Qiang, Blang, Salar, Maonan, Gelao, Xibe, Achang, Pumi, Tajik, Nu, Uzbek, Russian, Ewenki, De'ang, Bonan, Yugur, Jing, Tatar, Derung, Oroqen, Hezhen, Monba, Lhoba, and Jino.
