The dance performance of the Xibe ethnic group, photo taken by Ma Naihui in 1959. [Photo/ China Photographers Association]

Xibe ethnic group

Inhabiting Xinjiang and Liaoning, the Xibe people hunted and fished for sustenance in the past, now they have productive agriculture and stock husbandry. Their staples are comprised of rice and wheat flour, mutton and pork. Meals are accompanied with milk, milk tea and oil tea.

Most Xibe people wear long gowns. Old women still wear the traditional green and blue cheongsam which originated late in the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911). The young women prefer more colorful cheongsams. Young girls wear one braid in their hair, whereas married women curl two in their hair.