The Jing Ethnic Group， A Maritime Culture by the Sea

The Jing people, one of China's smallest ethnic minorities with a population of around 30,000, are unique as the country's only maritime ethnic group. They primarily inhabit the three islands of Weizhou, Jiangping, and Shanxin in Fangchenggang, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, along the Beibu Gulf, with a lifestyle deeply intertwined with the sea. Their culture, shaped by centuries of fishing and maritime trade, is a fascinating blend of coastal traditions, communal values, and a profound respect for the ocean.

Jing traditional clothing reflects their coastal environment, emphasizing comfort and practicality for life by the sea. Women's attire is particularly distinctive: they wear short, collarless jackets in sky blue or white, paired with wide black trousers that taper at the ankles, allowing ease of movement when working on boats or along the shore. The jackets are often adorned with delicate embroidery of fish, shells, or waves, and women accessorize with silver earrings, necklaces, and hairpins, some shaped like small boats or fish. Married women wrap their hair in a bun and cover it with a black or blue headscarf, while unmarried women wear their hair in braids. Men typically wear loose blue or black shirts and trousers, often with a straw hat to shield from the sun, and go barefoot or wear simple sandals when working by the water.

The traditional Jing village is a cluster of stilted houses, known as "haijing" (sea houses), built along the coast or on stilts over shallow water. These houses, constructed with wood and bamboo, are elevated to protect against high tides and storms, with sloped roofs covered in palm leaves or tiles to withstand wind and rain. The open design allows sea breezes to circulate, keeping the interior cool in the tropical climate. Villages are often arranged in rows facing the sea, with narrow lanes between houses and a central square where community activities take place. Many houses have a small courtyard or veranda where families dry fish, mend nets, or relax while watching the waves.

Fishing is the lifeblood of Jing culture, and their fishing techniques are a testament to their deep knowledge of the sea. For generations, Jing fishermen have used "cage nets," "stake nets," and "hook-and-line" methods to catch fish, shrimp, and squid, adapting their techniques to the tides and seasons. Boats, called "jingchuan," are small and agile, made from wood and painted with bright colors to ward off evil spirits. Fishermen often go out at dawn, returning at dusk with their catch, which is then sorted, cleaned, and either sold at markets or preserved through drying, salting, or fermenting. The sea is not just a source of food but a spiritual entity—Jing people believe in "sea gods" who protect fishermen and ensure bountiful catches, and rituals are performed before each fishing season to honor these deities.

The "Hailing Festival" is the most important celebration in the Jing calendar, held on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month to honor the sea gods and pray for safe voyages and abundant harvests. The festival begins with a ceremony at the village temple, where fishermen offer incense, food, and wine to statues of the sea gods, accompanied by drumbeats and gongs. A highlight is the "boat race," where teams of rowers compete in decorated boats, their efforts cheered on by crowds along the shore. After the races, families gather for feasts featuring fresh seafood, and young people perform traditional dances, such as the "Fishermen's Dance," which mimics the movements of casting nets and hauling in catches.

Another significant festival is the "Mid-Autumn Festival," celebrated with unique Jing traditions. Families light colorful lanterns shaped like fish, shrimp, and boats, which are floated on the water or hung outside houses, creating a magical glow. They also share "moon cakes" made with seafood fillings, such as dried shrimp or crab, and children sing songs about the sea and the moon.

Jing cuisine is a delicious tribute to the sea, with fresh seafood as the star. "Steamed crab" with ginger and scallions highlights the natural sweetness of the crustacean, while "stir-fried shrimp" with garlic and chili is a spicy, flavorful dish. "Fish porridge," made with fresh fish, rice, and herbs, is a comforting staple for breakfast. Preservation techniques are key: "dried fish," "salted shrimp," and "fermented squid" are stored to enjoy during lean seasons, adding umami to soups and stir-fries. Coconut, grown abundantly on the islands, is used in desserts like "coconut pudding" and drinks, providing a sweet contrast to the savory seafood.

Traditional arts and crafts of the Jing people are closely linked to their maritime life. Women are skilled at weaving "fish nets" and "matting" from bamboo and rattan, creating intricate patterns that are both functional and beautiful. They also make "embroidered bags" decorated with sea motifs, used to carry small items. Men excel at boat-building and woodcarving, with some craftsmen creating elaborate models of fishing boats as decorative pieces or offerings to the sea gods. Music, too, reflects their connection to the sea: the "dongxiao" (bamboo flute) and "erhu" (two-stringed fiddle) are used to play melodies that evoke the rhythm of waves and the calls of seabirds.

Jing society is built on communal harmony, with villages governed by a council of elders who uphold traditional customs and resolve disputes. Fishing is often a collective effort—families share nets and boats, and catches are divided fairly among participants. When a storm approaches, villagers work together to secure boats and protect homes, demonstrating their reliance on one another. Education has become increasingly important in recent decades, with schools teaching both modern subjects and Jing traditions, ensuring young people understand their cultural roots.

Oral traditions preserve Jing history and wisdom, with stories passed down through generations about the origins of the islands, legendary fishermen, and encounters with sea spirits. Folk songs, sung in the Jing language (which belongs to the Kadai language family), recount tales of love, fishing adventures, and respect for the sea. These songs, often accompanied by simple instruments, are performed at festivals and gatherings, keeping the Jing identity alive.

In modern times, the Jing people have balanced their maritime heritage with new opportunities. While fishing remains central, many have embraced tourism, offering boat rides, seafood feasts, and cultural performances to visitors. They have also adopted new fishing technologies while preserving traditional methods, ensuring sustainable use of marine resources. Efforts to protect their culture include documenting folk songs, teaching the Jing language, and maintaining historic villages as cultural heritage sites.

The Jing ethnic group's culture is a testament to their deep bond with the sea—resilient, adaptive, and deeply connected to the rhythms of tides and seasons. Their traditions, cuisine, and way of life offer a unique window into China's maritime diversity, a celebration of the ocean's bounty and the people who call its shores home.