A photo of a Bouyei family relaxing in their yard, taken by Wang Peichou in 1957. [Photo/ China Photographers Association]

Bouyei ethnic group

The Bouyei ethnic group, inhabiting Guizhou province, dwell along nearby valleys and rivers, so they benefit from fertile land and mild climate. Their agriculture and forestry are advanced rice as their staple food. Their tea culture is all their own, making tea themselves that includes honeysuckle and other plants. Among those, there is a very precious tea named 'Girl's Tea' (Guniang Cha), made by unmarried girls. Usually this is not for sale and only sent as gifts to friends and the girl's boyfriend to indicate her chastity.

Besides, the Bouyei are versatile musicians and are able to play well so many of their traditional instruments such as the Atabal, Gong, and Suona horn. They are also good singers and dancers. The Weaving dance was created in the course of laboring, imitating Bouyei girl's diligence; and the Dragon Lantern dance, that derived from their fondness for dragon.