The Li perform the bamboo dance in 1983. [Photo/ China Photographers Association]

Li ethnic group

The Li people, inhabiting Hainan province, live basically on agriculture, together with handicrafts, breeding industries and commerce. In their subtropical area, rice can be ripe and harvested three times a year. They turn their proximity to the sea to their advantage, fishing and breeding fish, and establishing a thriving salt industry.

One of their distinctive meals is the bamboo pole rice that is similar to the Dai's and is wonderful for picnics. It has been said that all the families can smell the fragrance from the bamboo pole rice cooked in one house.