The Salar women irrigate the crops, photo taken by Ying Hua in 1953. [Photo/ China Photographers Association]

Salar ethnic group

Having arrived and settled in the Qinghai Province 700 years ago, the Salar people originally made their living by hunting, forestry and livestock farming. More recently, they thrive on agriculture, handicrafts and horticulture. They enjoy giving song and dance performances. Their style of singing which consists of sustained vibrato notes is called 'Flower' and is influenced by Tibetan singing.

Being Muslim, they are forbidden to drink alcohol. Therefore, it is customary for them to drink white and wheat teas. After it has been toasted and brewed, the wheat tea tastes like coffee.