Numbering about 16 million, the Zhuang people have lived throughout southern China longer than any other civilization and, now, constitute China’s largest minority.Known as Bou Shung in their own language, the Zhuang people migrated southward into Southeast Asia in about 1100 AD to avoid conflict with the Han Chinese.
With 8 major dialects and 50 sub-dialects, the Zhuang language belongs to the Sino-Tibetian family and possesses 6 tones.
As for their music, the Zhuang lay claim to an immense copper drum, which, a half ton in weight, was developed over 2,000 years ago. Also dating back 2,000 years are the rich and colorful frescoes of the Zhuang people that have been discovered in 50 locations.
Sometime during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the Zhuang developed a cotton fabric with raised designs of dyed velvety twisting and weave. Traditionally, Zhuang men wore long collar-less shirts girded at the waist, cloth shoes, and head cloths.
