Identity Although they are one of many subgroups of the large Yi
nationality, the Xiuba have their own unique customs, language,
and traditional dress. The Xiuba have little contact with the
outside world; they have separated themselves from all other
nationalities by dwelling in these remote mountains. Pingbian is
an autonomous county of the Miao minority, who live in villages
surrounding the Xiuba. History The origins of the small Xiuba
tribe are uncertain, but it seems that they have been living in
the same region of China for many generations. They claim to
have first moved to Pingbian from Jianshui, farther to the
northwest of their present location. Xiuba history has been one
of isolation and hardship, struggling to survive from one
harvest to the next. Customs Bad soil and lack of access to the
outside world have resulted in the Xiuba continuing their
traditional slash-and-burn agricultural practices. The Xiuba are
described as "an honest and warm hearted people." When eating a
meal, the Xiuba always h