Chongqing which is located at western China is a multi-ethnic municipality directly under the central government. As Han being the major nationality, Chongqing also boasts 49 minority ethnic groups including Tujia, Miao, Hui, Man, Yi, Zhuang, Buyi, Mongolias, Tibetans, Bai, Dong, Uygur, Koreans, Hani, Dai, Lisu, Wa, Lahu, Shui, Naxi, Qiang and Gelao, etc. The population of minority groups is 1.75 million, accounting for 5.6% of the total population in Chongqing, with the most populous Tujia ethnic group of 1.13 million and followed by Miao nationality which has a population of 520,000. They mainly live in the five autonomous counties of minorities in Qianjiang development zone and Fuling District. People of different ethnic groups in Chongqing still preserve their traditional customs and habits, including Hand-Waving Dance, New Year Gathering, local opera singing, Colorful Lantern Dance for Tujia people, Ganqiu Festival (to celebrate harvest in autumn), and Treading on Mountain Festival for Miao people. Besides, there are other festivals and special customs and practices of the local people, such as the Sheep and Horse Festival, the Torch Festival, the bride crying at her wedding, and dancing at the funeral. And the stilted house of Tujia people and the embroidery and wax painting of Miao people are also with special features. These colorful activities have become a great attraction in Chongqing to tourists from home and abroad.

Living customs of Tujia and Miao people

Qianjiang District consists of many nationalities with 13 minorities, and the Tujia and Miao people account for more than half of the residents. Due to the coexistence of every minority, long-term of economic cooperation and cultural exchanges, mutual influence of customs and learning of different languages, common progress and development, people have created unique civilization for this region.

The Tujia people are very hospitable. Every one of Tujia nationality will warmly welcome those passing guests who are without food or shelter. In the past, Tujia people will fire iron cannon, a special kind of firecrackers, to welcome the distinguished guests. The iron cannons are the same size as firecrackers and positioned on an iron box, and great sound is made while they are fired. The Tujia people will also fire the hunting rifle to express their welcome provided there are no iron cannons. After hearing the sound, the aged, youth and children will all come out together to welcome the distinguished guests. The host will immediately prepare cups of tea, cigarettes and oil-tea-soup. For dinner, hosts will prepare delicious food and wine for guests to enjoy themselves and invite the old people or celebrities in the village together to chat with guests while enjoying the delicious food and wine.

The cooking method of oil-tea-soup is very exquisite. First of all, they will fry tea, bean vermicelli and soybeans, and then put them together with Chinese bacon, bean curd and corn which have been boiled, and finally, add chopped scallion pieces, ginger and other condiments into them and pour boiled oil onto them. The oil-tea-soup tastes very delicious and it can be used to keep people warm in winter and prevent sunstroke in summer. It is also favorable for people to refresh themselves, satisfy hunger and sober up and many people drink it every day no matter what season it is. It is the traditional beverage of Tujia people in greeting guests.