Chinese Ethnic Minorities: Evenki herdsmen embrace modern nomadic lifestyle

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The Evenki of Inner Mongolia are one of China's smallest ethnic minorities. They've traditionally lived as hunters and herdsmen. Now, how are they adjusting to modern life? We find out from our reporter Feng Yilei.

Home-made milk tea and pancakes on a cool, rainy day, an old-fashioned lifestyle seems to make no difference in the present for 70-year-old Bateer. As an Evenki herdsman, Bateer and his wife have raised livestock in the midst of the grasslands for much of their lives. But today, they say it has become much more convenient.

BATEER EVENKI HERDSMAN "Evenki people in this region used to be scattered all over the prairies. It used to take days to ride from household to household. And that made it hard for us to talk or help each other."

An ethnic village was set up in the 1950s, with improved systems for transportation and telecommunication. Then, economic reforms in the late 80s allowed for the distribution of land and assets to individual families. This further improved the lives of herdsmen and their families.

BATEER EVENKI HERDSMAN "That came with a series of health, elderly care, and agricultural subsidies. I appreciate what the country has done. I decided to become a CPC member in the 1990s and work for the village committee so that I could also do something for my fellow herdsmen."

Now, Evenki herding has gone from horseback to motorbike. Modernization has revolutionized primitive sources of income and has given grassland inhabitants new occupation choices. While Bateer's son raises livestock, his daughter has chosen to teach at a local primary school.

BATEER EVENKI HERDSMAN "Many young herdsmen now move to urban areas. I also have an apartment in the county downtown, but I prefer staying here. I will never leave the grasslands and my animals even when I'm too old for heavy farm work."

Many things may change over time for the Evenki, but a strong sense of belonging to the grasslands will never fade. Fortunately -- for those who choose to stay in grasslands -- improved housing conditions, modern living facilities, and even more recreational activities all allow them to lead a better way of life. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Evenki Sumu in Old Barag Banner.