Monguor

The Monguor, also known as the Tu, are a Mongolic-speaking ethnic minority in the western part of China. They are primarily concentrated in Qinghai Province, with smaller communities in neighboring areas such as Gansu and Sichuan. In official classifications, they are one of the 56 recognized ethnic groups in China and are often associated with local autonomous arrangements that include Hui and Tu populations.

The Monguor language, or Monguor, belongs to the Mongolic language family and comprises several dialects, including Northern and Southern Monguor. Most Monguor people today are bilingual, frequently speaking Mandarin in addition to their native language, especially in education and public life. Language preservation efforts exist in some communities to document and maintain Monguor linguistic varieties.

Culturally, the Monguor have a heritage shaped by interactions with neighboring peoples, including Tibetan and Han communities. Traditional life has combined farming and animal husbandry, with clothing, music, and festive practices reflecting a synthesis of local customs. Religious life often blends Tibetan Buddhist influences with local folk beliefs and ancestor rites; shamanic elements persist in some communities and rites remain important for community ceremonies and seasonal events.

Historically, the Monguor emerged in the Qinghai region through movements and intermarriage among various Mongolic and other groups. In contemporary China, they are supported within autonomous county structures that aim to preserve cultural identity, language, and traditional practices while integrating into broader social and economic processes.