| Total population | |
|---|---|
| about 400,000[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Hunan,China: | |
| Languages | |
| Waxiang Chinese,Southwestern Mandarin,Xiang Chinese | |
| Religion | |
| Buddhism, traditional religions | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Miao people,Yao people,Han Chinese |
TheWaxiang people (Chinese:瓦乡人;pinyin:Wǎxiāngren) are anunrecognized ethnic group living along theYuan River inYuanling County of westernHunan,China. They call themselvesHuaxiang people (Waxianghua pronunciation:[wa˧ɕioŋ˥])[citation needed], and speakWaxiang Chinese. Compared to theHan,Miao andTujia people of the region, they are different in terms of living style, farming and other cultural norms.[how?]
The Waxiang people are an unrecognized ethnic group in China, with a population of about 400,000.[1] Currently, the views of scholars and the Chinese government are usually thatWaxiang Chinese, the main language used by Waxiang people, is in theMandarin subdivision of theChinese language.[2] The Waxiang people are primarily located in northwesternHunan province.
Many of the Waxiang people are designated asMiao, while some are designated asTujia orHan.
According to a study on their physical characteristics, the Waxiang were found to be closest related to theDerung andLahu people.[3]