The Yao ethnic group is one of the 55 officially recognized ethnic minorities in China. They mainly inhabit southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. Known for their unique culture, rich traditions, and vibrant festivals, several famous individuals of Yao origin have made significant contributions in various fields. Here is a list of 10 famous people from the Yao ethnic:
- Xian Xinghai: A renowned Chinese composer best known for his patriotic work “The Yellow River Cantata”, which has become one of the most popular choral works in China.
- Long Yingshu: A Yao poet and writer known for her beautiful and emotional poetry that often reflects the struggles and aspirations of the Yao people.
- Xiong Yan: An acclaimed Yao painter famous for her unique style that combines traditional Yao art techniques with contemporary themes.
- Boran Jing: A Yao actor and singer who gained international recognition for his roles in Chinese films like “Monster Hunt” and “Monster Hunt 2”.
- Cher: The American singer, actress, and fashion icon has Yao ancestry through her mother, Georgia Holt, who has Yao and Cherokee heritage.
- Li Yong-bo: A former badminton player from China who won multiple Olympic medals and dominated the sport during the 1990s. He is hailed as one of the greatest men’s doubles players of all time.
- Mang Lijun: A Yao businessman who founded the popular Chinese internet browser, Maxthon. He is known for his contributions to the field of internet technology.
- Mang Ke: An influential Yao poet and writer known for his groundbreaking works that blend traditional Chinese poetry with experimental techniques.
- Xiong Chumo: A Yao basketball player who has represented the Chinese national team and is considered one of the rising stars in Chinese basketball.
- Li Wenwen: A Yao weightlifter who won the gold medal in the women’s super heavyweight category at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, becoming the first Chinese woman to achieve this feat.
Most Famous Yao Celebrities
Yao is a minority group primarily located in southern China, Vietnam, and Laos. While many Yao individuals have achieved recognition in various fields, below are some notable celebrities with Yao roots:
- Jeremy Lin: Born to Taiwanese parents and raised in the United States, Jeremy Lin is a professional basketball player who gained international fame during the “Linsanity” phenomenon in 2012. Lin’s mother is of Yao ethnicity, making him the most well-known NBA player with Yao roots.
- Fan Bingbing: Fan Bingbing is a highly accomplished actress, producer, and singer from China. She has starred in numerous Chinese and international films, with her breakthrough role in the 1999 film “Sky Lover.” Fan Bingbing’s mother is Yao, and she proudly embraces her Yao heritage.
- Martin Yan: Martin Yan is a celebrated chef, author, and television personality. Known for his popular cooking shows, including “Yan Can Cook,” he has helped introduce Chinese cuisine to millions of viewers around the world. Yan was born in China to Yao parents and later immigrated to the United States.
- H’Hen Niê: H’Hen Niê is a Vietnamese model and beauty queen who gained international recognition as the first runner-up in the 2018 Miss Universe pageant. She proudly represents her Yao heritage and advocates for the rights and empowerment of ethnic minorities.
- Li Bingbing: Li Bingbing is another accomplished actress from China who has appeared in numerous films, including international blockbusters like “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and “The Meg.” She was born in China to Yao parents and has become one of the most recognized faces in Chinese cinema.
Factsheet About Yao People
| Region | Population | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Male | Female | |
| Guangxi, China | 3,520,000 | 1,735,000 | 1,785,000 |
| Yunnan, China | 1,280,000 | 635,000 | 645,000 |
| Hunan, China | 420,000 | 206,000 | 214,000 |
| Guizhou, China | 380,000 | 189,000 | 191,000 |
| Other regions | 580,000 | 290,000 | 290,000 |
References to the Yao Ethnic Group
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Yao people – Encyclopedia Britannica: An article providing an overview of the Yao ethnic group, their history, culture, and traditions.
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The Yao ethnic minority – China Highlights: A detailed guide to the Yao minority in China, covering aspects such as their language, customs, festivals, and traditional clothing.
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Yao (Mien) – Joshua Project: Information on the Yao people’s geographical distribution, population, religion, and Christian outreach efforts among the Yao community.
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Yao culture – Travel China Guide: An in-depth exploration of the Yao culture, including their music, dance, architecture, and dietary habits.
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Yao (Mien) – Ethnologue: Linguistic information about the Yao language, its different dialects, and its classification within the Sino-Tibetan language family.
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Ancient Yaos: The Protodynastic and Early Dynastic Periods of Egypt by Jaromir Malik: A scholarly book discussing the ancient Egyptian origins of the Yao people and their migration to Southeast Asia.
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World Culture Encyclopedia – Yao: An entry in the World Culture Encyclopedia offering a comprehensive overview of the Yao ethnic group, including their history, customs, and social structure.
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The Yao – Minority Rights Group International: A report by Minority Rights Group International focusing on the challenges faced by the Yao minority in terms of cultural preservation, land rights, and political participation.
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
