The Zhangjiajie Tujia Centre

The Zhangjiajie Tujia Centre

It’s not all about extraordinary mountain landscapes in Zhangjiajie. The region is an important living repository of indigenous cultures. Some 75% of the local people are from ethnic groups which include nearly 100 000 Bai, around 30 000 of Miao and populations of Hui, Dong, Zhuang, Yao, and Buyi people. By far the largest minority are Tujia, who number over a million. Their culture is honoured in Zhangjiajie, in the new Tujia Brocade Museum, which showcases the art of making traditional Tujia Xilan Kapu brocades, whose close weaves, bright colours and intricate hook designs symbolise interpersonal and community connections. They are startling and unique. Thankfully there’s a great gift shop where you can also buy them.