Hlai people

Hlai
黎族
Li, Lizu
Total population
1,463,064 (2010)
Regions with significant populations
Hainan, Guangdong and islands in the South China Sea
Languages
Hlai languages, Jiamao, Hainanese and Mandarin
Religion
Animism, Theravada Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Other Tai–Kadai peoples and populations from Mainland Southern China, Utsuls
Hlai people
Chinese黎
Literal meaning[phonetic]
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLí
Wade–GilesLi
Alternative Chinese name
Chinese黎族
Literal meaningLi Ethnicity
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLízú
Wade–GilesLi-tsu

The Hlai, also known as Li or Lizu, are a Kra–Dai-speaking ethnic group, one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China. The vast majority live off the southern coast of China on Hainan Island, where they are the largest minority ethnic group. Divided into the five branches of the Qi (Gei), Ha, Run (Zwn), Sai (Tai, Jiamao) and Meifu (Moifau), the Hlai have their own distinctive culture and customs.

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