There are over 20 nationalities living in communities Sanya with a population of over 6 million. After the Hainanese which make up 83% of the population, the major population group is the Li, Miao followed by Hui. 

Li Minority

The Li Minority was the original settlers on Hainan Island over 3000 years from Mainland China. Now numbering more than 1.14 million, The Li’s traditional residence is made up of bamboo or wood, in the shape of a boat with thatch coating the outer walls. This group is also gifted at singing and dancing and traditional performances include bamboo dance, double-sword dance and Caoli dance. For musical entertainment, the Li’s instruments include nose fluting, tree leave fluting and bamboo fluting.
 
Miao Minority

The Miao and Li people share the common ancestor. Chiyou tribes from the east and the south were posted from Guangxi to Hainan Island to safeguard the frontier during Jiajing and Wanli Times of the Ming Dynasty. The soldiers then retreated and remained on the island, evolving into today’s Miao people. Miao people boast a history of over 400 years on this island, with a population of about 60,000. Li and Miao share the same traditional festive day, the Lunar March 3.
 
Hui Minority

The Hui Minority, called Hui people in ancient times all are Muslim with Islam as their religion. Their ancestors are offspring of the nuptials between Arabians and Han people. After the Xihan Dynasty, the Arabian Muslims on route to the Silk Road rested in Hainan for fresh water and supplies or to seek refuge from pirates, thus forming the original community of the Hui people.

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