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Two minority groups currently inhabit Hainan, based
largely around the highland area and the central part of this tropical
island.
 Anthroplogists
estimate that approximately one million Li people live on Hainan and
their history of dwelling on this island can be traced back to 2000BC.
The Li (literally translated as "top knot" due to the style of the
men's hair), arrived here from Guangxi province, gradually displacing
the aboriginals on the island and forming their own unique culture
with tunnel-shaped houses and shamanitic religious practices. Li women
are renowned for their vivid tattooed faces decorated with geometric
patterns. Although tattooing is no longer often seen, many of the
older women still have richly decorated faces and body paint. This
group also have a fairly radical history. Five rival clans make up
the entire group and especially after Hainan's assimilation into mainland
China, this group have become increasingly negative in their attitude
towards the Han people and the  mainland.
To outside visitors however, they remain friendly and open and despite
the fact that many aspects of traditional life have disappeared here,
a visit to the highland towns or countryside provides a fascinating
insight into an unusual culture. The best time to visit is during
the March 3rd Festival(San
Yue San). Celebrations take place on the third day of
the third lunar month, during which time it is said to be auspicious
to meet a lover. |
The second, reportedly more "native" group inhabiting Hainan's
highlands is
the Miao people. Historically, Miao people, mostly from Guizhou, came
over bearing a designated target by then central government to put
down a Li's riot. Today, the two groups appear to co-exist fairly
harmoniously and some anthropological studies even suggest intermarriage
between the two people. The features of the cultures are similar between
and Miao women produce beautiful African-styled jewelry. Some of Hainan's
most famous dishes are inventions of the Miao including rice cooked
in bamboo sections or leaves and roasted grasshoppers! |
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