Brief Introduction of Xibe Ethnic Group

Descendant of Xianbei Tribe –Xibo nationality

Xibo nationality, a minor nationality of China, has a population of 83629, which mainly distributes in Chabuhar Xi Bo autonomous county, Yili district, Xinjing Uyghur Autonomous Region, Liaoning and Jilin provinces.

Xibo nationality is the descendant of Xianbei Tribe. Originally, they engaged in hunting and fishing nomadically on the east side of Daxing’anling Mountains. Since they were incorporated in the “Mongolian eight flags” in 17th century, their social structure was reformed swiftly and their economy had turn into stable agriculture economy. In the middle of 18th century, Qing dynasty relocated some Xibo army and their families to Xinjing in order to reinforce Northwestern frontier defense. Henceforth, those Xibo people settled in Yili valley and built their second homeland while defending and cultivating.

In the northwestern wild field full of wind and sand, diligent and stout Xibo people built trench and dyke through mountains. The famous “Chabuchar” great dyke is 100 Km long, which draw Yili River into the arid field along the dyke and has changed the desert into the beautiful garden with forest, vegetable and crops.

Xibo nationality reserves the tradition of riding and arrow shooting, and they boast of many excellent toxophilite athletes. Xinjing Xibo nationality still uses its own language and letters. Language of Xibo nationality belong to Man-Tungus family, Man language branch. However, those living in the northeastern regions have adopted Chinese already. Xibo letters is based on the modified Man letters.

Xibo nationality has believed in Shamanism and Tibetan Buddhism. Their traditional festivals are Spring festive, “4.18” western relocating festive and so on.