Zhuang, Lianshan in China

People Name:	Zhuang, Lianshan
Country:	China
10/40 Window:	Yes
Population:	47,000
World Population:	47,000
Primary Language:	Zhuang, Lianshan
Primary Religion:	Ethnic Religions
Christian Adherents:	0.50 %
Evangelicals:	0.35 %
Scripture:	Unspecified
Online Audio NT:	No
Jesus Film:	No
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Zhuang
Affinity Bloc:	Southeast Asian Peoples
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Zhuang (Yongnan, Dai, Nong, Yang, Zuojiang) are a collection of related Central Tai language groups which have been combined with the Northern Zhuang - a collection of Northern Tai language groups - to form China's official Zhuang nationality. There are many tribes, clans, and self-designations among the Zhuang. Names such as Debao and Heiyi frequently appear in Chinese linguistic research.

During the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC), half a million Han convicts were exiled by Emperor Qin Shihuang to the Lingnan region in southern China (now Guangxi and Guangdong). There they intermingled with the various branches of the Bai Yue nationality. The Zhuang today are thought to be the descendants of the Bai Yue. Historically, the Zhuang were called Tuliao or Sharen.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Zhuang peoples have great linguistic diversity.

Their homes are usually built on stilts. A newly married woman stays with her parents until after the birth of the first child. Only then does she go to live with her husband in his village.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Zhuang are careful not to offend the spirit world that surrounds them. They believe in the spirits of the water, forest, mountain, village, etc.

The first Protestant missionary to the Zhuang was R. H. Graves, a Southern Baptist, who arrived in Guangxi in 1862. In 1895 the Christian & Missionary Alliance commenced work in Guangxi. They established 65 churches over a 50- year period. Most of these churches were attended by Han Chinese, but small numbers of Zhuang also attended.

What Are Their Needs?

Everyone needs the only savior, Jesus Christ. If they don’t find him they will seek truth in other places. The Lainshan Zhuang need workers to tell them about Christ and the Scriptures to show them how to live victorious lives. They need peace and contentment.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving workers to be thrust out to the Lainshan Zhuang people.
Pray for open hearts and receptivity to the truth.
Pray for the Lord to open hearts of government workers in the Zhuang home province.