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Geography and Climate of Qiang (羌族)

The Qiang ethnic minority people live mostly in the Maowen Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, established in 1958, in Sichuan province, though a few mix with other ethnic groups in other places. Natural medicines such, as antlers and Chinese caterpillar fungus, are abundant in this mountainous, fertile area. Flying foxes, golden monkeys and the symbol of China itself, the Giant Panda, can all be found here.

  • Population:
  • Distribution:  Sichuan
  • Language: Qiang
  • Religion: Animism

History of Qiang (羌族)

The name ‘Qiang’ was used by Ancient Han Chinese to describe the nomads in the west. They were not at that time a distinctive ethnic group. An administrative prefecture for the area of Sichuan where they had settled was established during the Han dynasty and, later on, some Qiangs were assimilated into Tibetan society, others into Han society, leaving only a few independents. These last became the ethnic group we know today.

Language of Qiang (羌族)

Their language is Tibetan-Burmese and has no written script. Frequent contact with the Hans has meant that many Qiangs speak and write Chinese. The two groups have long-term cultural, economic and political links. Han courts in many dynasties had political units in Qiang-occupied areas, and court officials ruled in the Qing dynasty, replacing local hereditary headmen. This system strengthened the links between the Qiangs and the Hans, including bartering for goods and mutual support.

Traditions of Qiang (羌族)

Slash-and-burn farming methods dominated a feudal landlord economy before the founding of the PRC, with landlords and rich peasants, themselves only eight per cent of the population, owned almost half the land. Poor peasants, making up nearly half the population, owned only sixteen per cent.

The Qiang people eat potatoes, highland barley and millet, as well as having the possibly unique tradition of smoking orchid leaves. Their blockhouses are made up of piled stones and are two or three storeys high. The ground floor is where the livestock are kept, the top floor is used for grain storage and the middle floor houses the bedrooms. Bamboo bridges up to a hundred metres long and rocky cliff roads are special Qiang skills; masonry is another one, and they dig excellent wells.

Qiang marriages are mainly monogamous and used to be arranged by parents. Traditonally, husbands were several years their wives’ junior. Marriage between cousins was common and the couple would live with the bride’s family. Brides will still live in their parents’ houses up to a year after the wedding. Widowed women could marry their younger brothers-in-law and widows of younger brothers could marry elder brothers, though these traditions have gradually been abandoned since 1949.

Religion and Culture of Qiang (羌族)

Lamaism is practised by Qiangs who live near Tibetan communities, though most are Animists.Their art and craft culture is unique and women can embroider beautifully without using designs. Singing and dancing are popular among Qiang people.

Modern Times of Qiang (羌族)

After 1958, large-scale construction projects were carried out in the region, including hydroelectric stations and reservoirs; businesses have been established and 28 steel chain bridges have been constructed across the Minjiang River. More than eighty per cent of children now go to school and hook worm and black fever have been brought under control by the efforts of medical workers.

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