This exhibition introduces the various lifestyles and diverse cultural characteristics of the Han ethnic group and eight ethnic groups in Northeast China, namely the Mongolian, the Koreans, the Manchu, the Daur, the Ewenki, the Hezhe, the Oroqen and the Russians. Although the Russians are classified as an ethnic group in Northwest China, they are included in this exhibition since they also live scattered in Northeast China such as Inner Mongolia and Heilongjiang.
      Ethnic groups in Northeast China primarily inhabit three provinces, namely Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang, as well as Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In history, they resided mostly in forests or grasslands with chilly winters and distinctive seasons, mainly living a nomadic life or by hunting and fishing. Their traditional costumes, which are exceptionally warm and practical for the heavy use of animal skin and fur, consist primarily of robes with exquisite footwear and headwear. Meat and milk take up the highest proportion of their diet, supplemented by grains. Traditional dwellings feature yurts and timber frame houses that can be easily disassembled and moved. Horses, camels, reindeer, lele carts, snowboards, sledges and birch bark boats are the major traditional means of transportation. In addition to the wide use of the ethnic languages, the ethnic groups also boast rich folk culture and art.
      The Han ethnic group is the major ethnic group in China. The Han people mainly inhabit the Central Plains Region, but they also live scattered across the country. The Han people who reside in different parts of China have built diverse dwellings featuring distinctive styles and architectural techniques. With China’s early discovery and use of natural silk, embroidery is one of the Han people’s traditional crafts. Costumes of the Han people vary along with the change of dynasties and the advancement of history, featuring various characteristics. The language that the Han people speak is generally known as the Han language, a member of the Sino-Tibetan family and one of the world’s oldest and richest languages. The arduous and pioneering efforts made closely together by the Han people and other ethnic groups have been an enormous contribution to China’s strength and prosperity.