In China’s tropical paradise, surrounded by lush forests, mountains and rice paddies, live the Li people (黎族). Today, they make up around 15% of Hainan’s population. But it wasn’t always this way. For much of the island’s history, they were its main indigenous population. Let’s take a closer look at the unique traditions of the Li minority.
Their ancestors settled on the island around 3,000 years ago, long before Hainan became part of the political structures of imperial China. Their geographic isolation played a key role in shaping their traditions and way of life, which remain deeply connected to nature and their surroundings.
Bamboo boats turned into cultural heritage
Boat-shaped houses are one of the most distinctive features of traditional Li architecture. Their silhouette resembles an upturned boat and is the result of centuries of adapting to the island’s environment. They were built mainly using wood, bamboo, rattan, clay and thatch. Materials readily available in the region. The structure and thatched roof helped protect against rain and humidity while keeping the interior at a more comfortable temperature. While the design allowed for natural ventilation.
In 2008, the traditional construction techniques used to build these homes were added to China’s national list of intangible cultural heritage. One of the places where they are best preserved is Baicha, in Dongfang.
A Textile is Worth a Thousand Words
The Li language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan language family and has several varieties. Traditionally, none of them had their own written script. It wasn’t until 1957 that a writing system based on the Latin alphabet was developed.
In the absence of a traditional written language, the patterns woven into Li textiles served for generations as a way of preserving the community’s history, legends, beliefs and customs.
Women have passed down spinning, dyeing, weaving and embroidery techniques from mother to daughter for generations. More than 160 different motifs have been documented. Including geometric patterns, animals and symbols inspired by their beliefs and everyday life. Each one tells a story.
The Li Jin, their traditional brocade, was also added to UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.
Here’s another fascinating piece of history: during the Yuan dynasty, the renowned Chinese weaver Huang Daopo learned these techniques in her trip to Hainan. When she returned to mainland China, she helped spread them and contributed to major innovations in the country’s textile industry.
March 3rd: The Biggest Celebration of the Year for the Li Minority
On the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar, the Li celebrate their most important traditional festival: San Yue San. Every year on March 3rd, communities come alive with music, traditional dress, singing, dancing, games and even competitions.
The festival has a strong romantic side. Traditionally, it is a time for young people to meet and court one another through improvised love songs.
A kind of Valentine’s Day, Li-style.
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