The Zhuang Population Location about 15 million mainly in Guangxi 　　

　　The Zhuang is the largest ethnic minority group in China. They live in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and also Guangdong, Guizhou, Yunnan and Hunan, where they make their living as farmers. Their tropical fruits and farming produce are very famous. Every March, they have a big festival to celebrate with folk dancing and singing.

The Hui Population Location Religion about 8 million northwestern China Islam 　　

　　The Hui has a long history of intermarriage with other nationalities such as the Arabs, Hans, etc. They follow many Muslim rules and taboos, such as not eating any pork. The men wear white or black skullcaps. Women cover themselves with white, black or green veils (面纱)．

　　1．Which of the following can be put in the blank in the passage?

　　A．The following are interesting pictures of ethnic minority groups.

　　B．Here is a brief introduction to five ethnic minority groups.

　　C．Would you like to know something about the Mongolian?

　　D．Which ethnic minority group do you want to know?

　　2．How long has China had sovereignty over Tibet?

　　A．13 centuries.　　　　　B．About 8 centuries.

　　C．Less then 7 centuries. D．As long as 10 centuries.

　　3．If a tourist wants to experience the ethnic minority festival atmosphere in spring, you recommend ________.

　　A．Xinjiang because travelers can dance with local people

　　B．Guangxi because there holds a big festival in March

　　C．Inner Mongolia because people there love dancing

　　D．Ningxia because it has rich heritages in arts and music

　　4．Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?

　　A．The Tibetan is the largest ethnic minority group in China.

　　B．The Zhuangs live by farming and fishing.

　　C．The Huis follow many Muslim rules and taboos.

　　D．The Hui women wear veils to keep warm.

　　B

　　◆Yuanxiao, Chinese Lantern Festival

　　The Lantern Festival is celebrated on the 15th of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar. The festival ends the New Year's celebration. It is a fun festival. People carry lanterns and go into the streets at night to watch lion or dragon dances, play games and light firecrackers. Yuanxiao, a sweet dumpling made of rice flour, is the traditional food eaten during the festival. In Chinese, the festival is named after this food, which is said to represent family unity and happiness because it is sticky, round and sweet.

　　◆The Dai Water­Splashing Festival

The Dai minority in Yunnan celebrate the Water­Splashing Festival in the middle of April.