Yugur

Yugur is an ethnic group in China, officially recognized as one of the country’s 56 ethnic groups. They are concentrated in western Gansu Province, with smaller communities in nearby regions. The Yugur are generally described as a Turkic-speaking people and are divided into two main subgroups: Northern Yugur and Southern Yugur, each with its own dialects and cultural traditions.

The Yugur language, part of the Turkic language family, has several varieties corresponding to the two subgroups. In daily life, many Yugur people are bilingual, speaking Mandarin Chinese in addition to Yugur. Language endangerment is a concern, as younger generations increasingly use Chinese in education and public life.

Historically, the Yugur trace their origins to the broader Uyghur world of Central Asia. Migration into the Gansu region occurred over many centuries, and the Yugur developed distinct cultural patterns through contact with Tibetan, Mongol, and Han Chinese communities. This history is reflected in aspects of dress, music, and local customs.

Economically, Yugur communities have traditionally relied on farming, animal husbandry, and village crafts. In recent decades, economic changes and regional development have influenced livelihoods, with some Yugur communities participating in tourism and other service or integration activities.

Religious and cultural practices among the Yugur are diverse and vary by subgroup and locality. Some communities maintain traditional beliefs or Tibetan-influenced practices, while others reflect broader religious and cultural currents in the region. Preservation of language and customs remains a contemporary concern for many Yugur.