zhuang

Zhuang refers to an ethnic group native to southern China and to their language. The Zhuang are the largest ethnic minority in China, with an estimated population of about 16 to 18 million. They are concentrated in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where they form the majority in many areas, and they also live in neighboring provinces such as Yunnan, Guangdong, and Hainan, as well as smaller communities in northern Vietnam.

Language and writing: Zhuang language belongs to the Tai–Kadai language family and comprises several dialects and subgroups that are not always mutually intelligible. Northern Zhuang provides the basis for Standard Zhuang, which is taught in schools and used in official contexts in Guangxi. There are two writing traditions: Sawndip, a traditional logographic script used for centuries, and a Latin-based alphabet introduced in the 20th century to support the standardized form.

Culture and society: Zhuang culture includes traditional music, dance, and crafts, with some communities preserving distinctive festive practices such as the Sanyuesan festival on the third day of the third lunar month. Historically an agricultural people focused on rice farming, many Zhuang now participate in a wide range of occupations while maintaining language and customs. Religion is diverse, incorporating elements of Buddhism, Daoism, folk beliefs, and Christianity, alongside secular modern practices. The Zhuang are recognized in China as one of the 55 official ethnic groups, and Guangxi is designated as an autonomous region in part to reflect their cultural and political status.