Introduction / History
During China's 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 provinces). 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.

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.

Where are they located?
Though most live in China, some live in neighboring Vietnam.

What are their lives like?
The Yongnan Zhuang people enjoy many salty and sour dishes which include pickled cabbage and pork. They drink "oil tea," where the tea leaves are fried with rice grains and drunk with peanuts or rice cakes.

Zhuang peoples have a rich tradition of written and unwritten stories and legends, some of which date back 1,000 years. Many of their folk tales and poems are in the form of song. Someone with the right skills could use their melodies to teach about the ways of Jesus.

What are their beliefs?
Their religion is a blend of animism, which they call Shigongism or Moism, and ancestor worship. The Youngnan Zhuang people fear evil spirits, and appeasing them dominates much of their daily existence.

What are their needs?
The hope for these people lies in their exposure to the gospel and the power of the Holy Spirit to convict hearts.

Prayer Points
Pray for a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Yongnan Zhuang people.
Pray for boldness for those who share Christ with them and for the power of the gospel to convince them of the truth and reality of Christ's sacrifice for them.
Pray for a disciple making movement to transform Yongnan Zhuang communities.