Achang Ethnic Minority

Achang ethnic minority is one of the 7 ethnic groups with a small population unique to Yunnan. The ethnic language is Achang language, belonging to Tibeto-Burman Austronesian of the Chinese-Tibetan Phylum. Most Achangs can also speak Chinese and the language of Dai minority. Their written language is Chinese. Achang minority is mainly distributed in Longchuan County and Lianghe County of Dehong prefecture, and the rest is chiefly distributed in Baoshan. Due to the influence of multiple cultures, Achang’s religious belief has formed a state of coexistence of various religions, including natural worship, ghost worship, ancestor worship, theravada Buddhism, Chinese Buddhism and Taoism. According to the sixth national census in 2010, the total population of Achang minority was 39,555 in China.

History of Anchang Ethnic Minority

Ancestors of Achang people once lived in the valleys of Jinsha, Lancang and Nu rivers in northwest Yunnan province. Some of them moved to the west of Nujiang river, and they gradually changed from hunters to farmers there. During the Tang and Song dynasties(618-1279), Achang people were under the control of Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms in Yunnan. During the Ming and Qing dynasties(1368-1911), the Achang people were ruled by hereditary chiefs appointed by the imperial court and responsible to it. Before 1949, feudalism was the main economic form of Achang minority, and Dai chiefs were the feudal lords. Most of the landlords were Han and few were Achang.

In early 1950, the Achang people were liberated. Two years later, Achang autonomous districts were established one after another. Since the autumn of 1955, Achang region has carried out land reform step by step, abolishing feudal land ownership. Feudal privileges, taxes and usury were also abolished. 

Achang Ethnic Townships

Handicrafts and Folk Arts of Achang Ethnic Minority

Ironwares like Husa knife(户撒刀) made by Achang people are very prestigious.

Inheritors

Festivals of Achang Ethnic Minority

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