Ethnic groups look to raise living standards, preserve cultures

A woman from the Mulao ethic group makes traditional tofu using the group's age-old recipes. [Photo by Yang Jun/China Daily]

A widespread problem

The challenge of preserving their traditional cultures is also affecting minority groups in other parts of China.

Zhou Jian, deputy director of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, said the shrinking use of ethnic languages is common and the number of radio broadcasts and publications in the Zhuang dialect falls far short of demand.

"Interest in using and learning ethnic languages is diminishing among young people because society assesses a person's abilities through his or her mastery of Mandarin. Learning their own languages will not help them to get out of the mountains," he wrote in a 2015 article for China Ethnic News.

Zhang, the ethnic affairs official in Guizhou, said traditional festivals and clothing are key symbols that help people to maintain their ethnic identities.

He explained that one reason for the loss of traditional culture among many young people from the She and Mulao peoples is their inability to attend gatherings and festivals.

Hu, the Qiang village head, said the key to attracting young people back to their home villages lies in the development of tourism.

Last year, in addition to the tarmac road, Qishuping saw the construction of an exhibition hall and outdoor gallery, where traditional Qiang culture and handicrafts are displayed, in the hope of attracting more tourists.

He hopes an enterprising tourism company will see the potential for development in the village, which would create jobs, raise living standards and bring people back together as in days gone by.

"I keep telling my family that being a migrant worker can improve their lives, but it can't change their destiny. Some young people have said they want to come back - they just don't know how," he said.