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You Wenfeng is one of only a few people who know how to create clothing from fish skin, a skill of her ethnic Hezhen minority people – who were once so skilled plying the waters of the nearby Heilong River that they are said to be “descended from mermaids”. The 68-year-old woman from Tongjiang, a city in China’s northeastern Heilongjiang province near the border with Russia, fears the loss of the ancient tradition from her people. But that might change she started teaching others her craft, and because the exotic, aquatic leather caught the eyes of international fashion designers working for the likes of Dior and Prada.
The Ewenki, an ethnic minority group in northeast China, are traditionally nomads who have herded reindeer for centuries. But today, only about 200 Ewenki still make a living as herders, and their native tongue has mostly died out. Valian, also known as Wang Ying, is one of the last Ewenki reindeer herders. As most of their people have moved into the cities and assimilated with the Chinese, Valian and her family are doing their best to maintain their people's traditional way of life.
The Ewenki, an ethnic minority group in northeast China, are traditionally nomads who have herded reindeer for centuries. But today, only about 200 Ewenki still make a living as herders, and their native tongue has mostly died out. Valian, also known as Wang Ying, is one of the last Ewenki reindeer herders. As most of their people have moved into the cities and assimilated with the Chinese, Valian and her family are doing their best to maintain their people's traditional way of life.
Across China, some young people are switching from jeans and T-shirts to long dresses, silky robes and black hats.
Across China, some young people are switching from jeans and T-shirts to long dresses, silky robes and black hats.
The Oroqen ethnic group in northeastern China lived for centuries as nomadic herders who practised shamanism.
The Oroqen ethnic group in northeastern China lived for centuries as nomadic herders who practised shamanism.
