这个民族在中国只有2万人，生活在中国最西北角的雪山下，父母一辈子叫孩子”弟弟”，令人震撼！

这个民族在中国只有2万人，生活在中国最西北角的雪山下，父母一辈子叫孩子”弟弟”，令人震撼！

In the northwest corner of Xinjiang, China, lives a group of people officially identified as Mongolians. Strangely, if you ask about their origins, they will tell you that they are actually Russian by blood. So why would a Mongolian living in Xinjiang claim to be of Russian descent? This mystery is just the beginning of their many stories. Their lives are a feast of “red” and “white.” The Tuva people have countless red and white delicacies, and their cultural customs are even more incredible. For example, the Tuva people cherish milk tea. Before entertaining guests, the host must “force” them to drink three bowls of milk tea . If they don’t finish it, no food will be served. A wedding is a multi-day celebration for the entire tribe. People race horses, shoot arrows, and sing and dance all night long. But even more interesting than the wedding is another tradition they have called “…”. In the past, the custom of “returning the firstborn child” meant that a Tuvan couple could not raise their first child themselves. Instead , the child would be given to the grandparents to be their “son” or “daughter.” From that day on , the young parents would become their child’s “brother” and “sister-in-law,” and their own flesh and blood would address them as “equals” for life. The child who was given away could not inherit the parents’ property, because the property would be left to the parents’ youngest son. This is the Tuvan “youngest son inheritance system.” Even so, Tuvan parents are perhaps the most patient parents in all of China. After all, while other children have already had their hair cut countless times, Tuvan children must wait until they are three years old before they can cut their first hair. A nation with a mysterious identity, a grand feast of red and white, some wonderful and interesting customs , a family relationship that we cannot imagine— in Altai. Deep in the mountains, how many secrets, unknown to us, are hidden in the lives of the Tuva people? Today, let’s step into the world of the Tuva people and witness their magnificent life story. In the northwest corner of China’s map , there is a place known as the “tail feather of a rooster” —the Altai Mountains. On the southern slopes of the Altai Mountains on the map, the borders of four countries intertwine here: China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. These four countries jointly protect this ancient and peaceful mountainous region. Nestled in the valleys surrounded by these mountains are several small villages , the most famous of which is Baihaba Village, known as the “Number One Village in Northwest China.” This village is small; according to 2024 statistics, the permanent population is only about 1,500, mainly composed of Tuva and Kazakh people. This is also the Altay region of Xinjiang. Baihaba Village , the most concentrated village of Tuvan people in China, is nestled within pristine taiga and birch forests. The original natural ecology blends seamlessly with the ancient traditions of the village, and its appearance has remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years. The long winters here last for almost half the year; once heavy snow closes the mountains, Baihaba Village becomes like an isolated “island.” Who exactly are the Tuvan people living on this isolated island ? If you look at the official records, the answer seems simple: the Tuvan ethnic group is a branch of the Mongol ethnic group, one of China’s 56 ethnic groups —a clear national identity. But once you step into the village and push open a heavy wooden door, this simple answer immediately becomes complex. When you sit around a fireplace with a Tuvan person, they will naturally tell you , “We are Tuvan, but our ancestral home is in the north, in Siberia .” The “Siberia” they refer to specifically refers to the Tuva Republic, a region within the Russian Federation today. Historians believe that the Tuva people’s ancestors migrated from that vast forest and grassland region thousands of years ago . Another Tuva elder might then say, ” We are descendants of Genghis Khan’s troops!” This brings us to an even older and more tragic story passed down in Baihaba Village. Eight hundred years ago , the great conqueror Genghis Khan led his Mongol cavalry westward , leaving behind a small force composed of the elderly, weak, and disabled. This abandoned force never returned to their campaign but instead settled in this valley. Protected by the forests and nourished by the grasslands, they intermarried with the Tuva ancestors from Siberia and have multiplied to this day. This legend adds a touch of heroic desolation to the history of the Tuva people. Therefore, the identity of the Tuva people is like a layered mystery. The outermost layer is the clear “Mongol” identity in official records; the innermost layer is their deep-seated belief in their “Tuva roots” in Siberia. ” At its core lies a legendary ancient soul about Genghis Khan . This complex identity is the key to understanding all the stories of the Tuvan people, because it shaped their character and determined their way of seeing the world . All of this will be revealed to us little by little through their most authentic lives . The Tuvan people’s homes ‘grow’ from the forest. Their iconic dwellings are pointed-roofed log cabins called ‘log houses.’ From afar, these log cabins scattered on the river valley grasslands look like fairytale architecture, simple and warm. When you get closer, you will discover its true secret. The entire house is made of thick pine or birch logs stacked together. Interlocking joints are cut at both ends of the logs , layer upon layer, interlocking with each other. The Tuvan people can build such a house that can withstand blizzards and severe cold without a single iron nail . That’s right, this is the principle of mortise and tenon structure. This is an ancient wisdom passed down for countless generations. It can be said to be the most tacit dialogue between the Tuvan people and wood. At this time, you may ask, surely there will be gaps in the walls of just stacked wood. So what do you do?” The Tuvan people have their own methods. They collect a type of green moss from the forest , dry it, tear it into thin strips , and then tightly stuff it into the gaps in the wood. In summer, this natural filling helps keep the interior cool, and in winter, it magically insulates against the biting winds of minus thirty or forty degrees Celsius. This makes the entire house seem to come alive, becoming a warm, breathing nest. Moreover, the roof of the log cabin is designed in a steep “A” shape to cope with the long snow season in the Altai Mountains. Even the heaviest snowfall will not collapse the roof but will slide down the slope. The Tuvan people have made full use of the bounty of nature when it comes to food. Their culinary world is composed of two purest colors : red and white. From this, they have developed a culture of “red food” and “white food.” The ” red” in “red food” comes from the color of the meat. The Tuvans love red meat , such as beef, mutton, and horse meat. They are also experts in grilling. One of the most famous Tuvan grilling methods is stone slab grilling. They find two stone slabs, using one as a grill plate. They place the meat on the slab, then add a layer of wild onions, then another layer of meat, and so on, layering several times. By placing another large stone slab on top, a fire can be lit to roast the meat. Of course, the Tuvan people prefer the most traditional method : throwing large chunks of beef or mutton directly into a pot of cold water and simmering it over the lowest heat until cooked through, adding only a little salt at the end. They believe that only in this way can the meat’s original freshness be preserved. Any leftover meat will be dried and used as winter food. This dried meat is chewy and has a unique flavor. Tuvan people always take it with them when traveling or herding. Now that we’ve talked about “red food,” let’s discuss “white food.” “White food” refers to various dairy products centered around milk. It is the source of daily energy for the Tuvan people and the highest form of hospitality. Milk tea is the soul of this white feast. In the Tuvan world, nothing is more important than drinking milk tea. Every morning, the first thing the lady of the house does is light a fire and boil a large pot of piping hot milk tea with brick tea and fresh milk, then sprinkle in a handful of salt. The richness of the tea, the aroma of the milk, and the freshness of the salt blend perfectly together to dispel the morning chill. If you have the opportunity to visit a Tuvan family, as soon as you sit down, the host will pour you three full bowls of milk tea. This is both a sign of hospitality and a custom of respecting guests. Tuvans invite people to dinner. They wouldn’t say “Come to my house for dinner,” but rather “Come to my house for milk tea.” Only after finishing the milk tea will they serve the best meat and wine dishes. Of course, milk in the hands of the Tuvan people is not just for making milk tea. They are like skilled alchemists, able to transform simple milk into dozens of varieties. After fermentation, milk is distilled to become a rich milk wine . Milk is slowly boiled in a pot, and the top layer of essence is picked out and dried to become a golden and sweet milk skin. Fermented yogurt, constantly stirred, becomes ghee, or the yogurt is drained and shaped into various forms to become milk curds that can be eaten as dry food. These white delicacies are the wisdom of the Tuvan people in fighting the long winter and also the most… The Tuvan people, with their pure and simple attire, love to enjoy feasts of red and white, yet their clothing is richly colored. Traditional Tuvan clothing exudes the freedom and wisdom of a nomadic people, its style closely resembling the Mongolian robe. A wide, flowing robe, sturdy leather boots, and a warm leather hat constitute their basic attire. On ordinary days, their clothing prioritizes practicality and warmth, but during festivals or weddings, it becomes a visual feast. Women don long robes made of luxurious silk, their colors bright and captivating, adorned with exquisite headdresses crafted from coral, agate, and silver. Men, on the other hand, don new robes, carrying knives at their waists, appearing heroic and distinguished. In the Tuvan aesthetic world, color holds special meaning. Blue, the color of the sky, represents their revered “Eternal Heaven.” White, the color of milk, symbolizes purity and abundance. Green, the color of the grassland, is full of life. These colors, derived from nature, are cleverly worn on their bodies, becoming a silent declaration proclaiming their blood connection with nature. When the Tuvan people travel through snow-capped mountains and grasslands, it is the closest they are to nature. Of course, their means of transportation are indispensable. The Tuvan people rely on two ancient “wings” for travel: horses and fur skis. For the Tuvan people, horses are not just a means of transportation; they are also companions , family members , and another self. Tuvan people grow up on horseback. Riding horses is an instinct ingrained in their bones. In their world, a man who can’t ride is unimaginable. They love horses and understand them, adorning their beloved horses with the most magnificent saddles and meticulously decorating them with silver ornaments and ribbons. It can be said that half of the Tuvan people’s history is written in their blood , and the other half is written on the back of galloping horses. When heavy snow closes the mountains and everything is silent, and even horses can hardly venture into the snowy forests, another treasure of the Tuvan people comes into play: fur skis. This is an ancient invention that can be called a “living fossil.” The skis are made of birch or pine wood. The most crucial thing is that the bottom is covered with a layer of horse shin skin. During the production process, it is necessary to ensure that the direction of the horse hair is backward. The wisdom behind it is simply amazing. When they ride the skis up the mountain, the reverse direction of the horse hair acts like anti-skid chains, firmly securing the skis. Grasping the ice and snow to prevent slipping , and as they glide down from the mountaintop, the horsehair becomes exceptionally smooth, helping them move freely across the boundless snowfield like birds. This ancient tool is the culmination of the Tuvan people’s wisdom in conquering harsh winters and hunting prey over thousands of years. The Tuvan people are grateful for everything nature has given them. They love life and consider every milestone extremely important , creating a series of solemn and interesting ceremonies for this purpose. In the Tuvan world, major life milestones are never private matters, but rather grand celebrations that require the entire tribe to witness and participate in. These ceremonies are the most magnificent chapters in their life’s symphony , and among them, the most lively and embodying the Tuvan people’s passion for life is a wedding. A Tuvan wedding is more than just a ceremony… It’s said to be a carnival lasting several days. When two families decide to unite through marriage, the entire village immediately erupts in excitement. The grasslands during the day become an arena, where young men mount their finest horses and display their bravery in fierce horse races. They also draw their bows and compete in archery contests. This is both a blessing for the newlyweds and a concentrated display of the vitality of the entire tribe. As night falls and a huge bonfire is lit, the real revelry begins . Everyone, young and old, gathers around the fire, singing and dancing all night long. The rich milk wine is passed among the crowd , and the unrestrained songs echo through the valleys. This is not just the union of two people , but also an alliance of two families , a condensation and release of the emotions of the entire Tuva community. The birth of a new family is naturally to welcome new life. The arrival of a child is a significant event for the Tuvan people, requiring solemn celebration. On the third day after birth, a “birth ceremony” is held, essentially a baptism for the newborn. The baby’s body is cleansed with boiled black tea, pine sap, and broth made from sheep bones, symbolizing that the baby draws strength from the grasslands from the very beginning of life. A few days after the birth ceremony comes the “cradle ceremony.” When the baby is placed in their special cradle for the first time, another small ceremony is held. A respected elder sings a blessing song. They believe that children who have undergone this cradle ceremony will grow up with a kind character and a healthy body. The Tuvan people are perhaps the most patient parents in all of China; while other children have already had their hair cut countless times… Tuvan children, however, must keep their birth hair until they are three years old. Their third birthday is one of the most important milestones in their lives. A grander “hair-cutting ceremony” than the birth ceremony is held, inviting the entire village to witness the event . During the ceremony, the child’s uncle solemnly cuts off the first lock of hair with scissors. Then, all the immediate family members present take turns cutting off a small section of the child’s hair and offering their blessings and gifts. In the past, the Tuvan people also had a custom that seems very strange to modern people: the custom of “returning the child” and the custom of “youngest son inheritance.” After a Tuvan couple married… The first child born, whether boy or girl, cannot stay with the parents; they must be given to the grandparents to raise. From that day on, a peculiar family relationship is born. The child is treated as the grandparents’ youngest son or daughter. The young parents and their own flesh and blood become peers, treating the child as a younger brother or sister . This child will also call their biological parents “brother” and “sister-in-law” (or “older sister”) for life. Behind this is a complete “youngest son inheritance system.” The eldest son who is given away inherits the grandparents’ property, while the parents’ property is left to the youngest child. From a village-wide wedding celebration to a sacred baptism for a newborn, to a hair-cutting ceremony that has been awaited for three years, and finally to a unique custom, the Tuvan people use these wise and warm celebrations to mark every important milestone in life . For centuries, the Tuva people lived a secluded life deep in the Altai Mountains. However, this tranquility was shattered at the end of the last century by a group of “intruders” carrying cameras. These photographers and explorers stumbled upon this earthly paradise known as “Kanas.” They used stunning photographs to capture the azure lake and golden birch forests of Baihaba Village, the pointed-roofed wooden houses of the Tuva people, and their fascinating cultural customs, bringing them to the outside world. Soon, the name “Kanas” became synonymous with mystery and breathtaking scenery. As tourists flocked to the area, the government began planning and developing a scenic area. The Tuva people were astonished to find that their ancestral home had become a bustling tourist destination overnight . The mountain gate was slowly pushed open, and along with it flowed not only curious tourists but also someone else… Something they had never encountered before—modern commerce— thus began a profound transformation. Initially, the Tuvan people merely watched these outsiders with curiosity , but they soon discovered that their familiar lives contained immense “value.” Tourists were willing to pay to stay in their log cabins, taste their milk tea and hand-pulled mutton, and even want to ride their horses to explore the depths of the grasslands. A revolution in income models thus occurred. Herdsmen no longer relied solely on herding cattle and sheep for a living. Some resourceful Tuvans took the lead in starting businesses. They renovated their log cabins and held the most primitive “folk home visits.” Women displayed their homemade milk curds and milk skins for sale at their doorsteps, while young men became the most popular guides , leading horses and taking tourists through the mountains and forests. In the past, they balanced… The standard for measuring wealth used to be how many cows and sheep a family owned . Now, cash income has become a more direct and impactful standard. An ordinary Tuvan family might earn more in a few months during the peak tourist season than they would have earned in several years of herding. Economic empowerment has brought unprecedented changes to the Tuvan people , most directly reflected in the leap in their living conditions. A symphony of old and new life has begun to play in these ancient villages. Let’s first look at the changes on the dining table . In the past, Tuvan tables only had two colors: red and white. The tableware was heavy wooden bowls filled with large chunks of boiled meat and rich milk tea. The flavors of the food came from the mountains and grasslands, pure and simple . Now, when you walk into a log cabin, you are likely to hear the low hum of a refrigerator . Hand-pulled mutton and milk tea remain the main dishes, but a plate of fried chicken, a bowl of spicy hot pot, and white rice and dumplings bought from the foot of the mountain have been added alongside . The traditional wooden bowls and spoons made by the Tuvan people are gradually being replaced by lightweight porcelain bowls and metal spoons. This is not only an enrichment of the diet but also a subtle integration of their lifestyle with the outside world. Let’s look at the evolution of transportation methods. In the past, the most important means of transportation for the Tuvan people were horses and skis. In winter, heavy snow blocked the mountains, and horses and skis were their only means of passage through the forests and snowfields. A trip to the county town more than 100 kilometers away was a carefully prepared expedition, taking several days round trip . Now, the sound of horses’ hooves and motorcycles fills the village dirt roads. The sounds of engines mingled together, making those once remote and treacherous mountain roads easily conquerable. Herdsmen could reach the county town in just a few hours by driving pickup trucks or off-road vehicles. Young people carried smartphones in their pockets , using them not only to contact distant relatives but also skillfully opening shopping apps to buy things unavailable in the village. The distance between the Tuvans and the modern world had been shortened like never before. The biggest change was in their living space: the log cabins, seemingly unchanged from a century ago, still appeared rustic and tranquil. But when you pushed open the heavy wooden door, a world “old on the outside, new on the inside” unfolded before your eyes. Bright electric lights replaced the dim butter lamps, and hanging on the living room walls… A flat-screen TV plays a video of the bustling world outside the mountains. In a corner , a fully automatic washing machine is freeing women’s hands . On the wall, next to a portrait of Genghis Khan, hang a child’s school award certificate and a family photo taken with a mobile phone. Tradition and modernity coexist miraculously under the same roof. Beyond improved material life, tourism has brought a deeper change to the Tuvan people : a reshaping of cultural confidence. In the past, their wooden houses, clothing, and songs were simply part of their lives, taken for granted and never considered special . But when thousands of tourists admired them with amazed eyes and words of praise, the Tuvan people began to re-examine their culture. They suddenly realized how precious the things passed down from their ancestors were. They were “seen.” Those ancient songs, sung only for themselves and their gods, now gained new life amidst the applause of tourists. Those magnificent costumes, worn only during festivals, became the most beautiful scenery in the tourists’ lenses. This power of being “seen” gave them an unprecedented sense of pride in their identity as “Tuvan.” At the same time, extensive exchanges with the outside world completely broke down information silos. The younger generation began to study Chinese diligently ; they yearned to understand the outside world , to gain more knowledge and opportunities for development. Their horizons broadened… Unprecedented expansion of wealth, opportunities, modern living, and awakened cultural confidence— all these things surged into this ancient valley at an unprecedented speed as the mountain gate slowly opened . However, when the gate opened wide, it wasn’t just tourists and money that poured in. A coin has two sides; as wonderful one side is, the other side is just as worrying. As the light of wealth and modernization shines into the shadows of these ancient villages, this once-secret place now stands at a crossroads where tradition and modernity collide fiercely, gazing at a future full of hope yet also shrouded in mist. Modern culture brings the most direct impact to the Tuva people, starting with the “distortion” of their culture. In the past , the Tuva people worshipped fire to pray to the gods for the safety of their family . The journey was once filled with awe and reverence , but now many sacred rituals have become “folk performances” staged on schedule to please tourists. Tourists, cameras in hand , gather around the bonfire, searching for the best angle to take pictures. The rituals are still there, but the heartfelt piety has gradually faded under the flashing lights . The song is still the same old song, but the singer’s mindset has changed. A deeper crisis comes from the “loss” of traditional skills. Young people have witnessed the huge profits brought by the tourism industry. They have found that the money they can earn in a summer as a guide or by running a small inn is far more than what they can earn by learning those time-consuming and laborious old crafts from their parents. They are no longer willing to spend years or even decades learning how to make a fur ski, how to build a log cabin, or how to brew milk wine. Learning to make milk skin and milk curds is less about going through those “tedious” rituals and following old rules. Those skills and cultures that embody the wisdom of their ancestors for thousands of years are facing the predicament of having no successors. As the older generation of Tuvan people grows old and passes away, these unique cultural memories may also be sealed away. At the same time, their homeland, on which they depend for their livelihood, begins to groan with weariness. Tourism development has brought tourists far exceeding the land’s carrying capacity. The once pristine grasslands are now marked by the imprints of modern civilization: littered plastic bottles and food wrappers compete with wildflowers for land. To build more hotels and restaurants, some trees are cut down and some grasslands are occupied. This is not only environmental destruction but also a shake-up of the Tuvan people’s traditional livelihood . Their pastures are being constantly squeezed, shaking the very foundations of their way of life . Culture is becoming performative, skills are being lost, and their homes and environment are under pressure. The traditional nomadic rhythm is being replaced by peak and off-peak tourist seasons. Even the simple, honest neighborly relations are becoming somewhat delicate in the face of commercial competition. Faced with all this, what should the Tuvan people do? Become a living “cultural specimen” for tourists to observe , or find a way for tradition to “live” in the present? Some insightful individuals have begun to try to reclaim the discourse power of their own culture. They did not sit idly by but began a difficult exploration in the fog. They are no longer satisfied with passively displaying folk customs but actively designing more in-depth cultural experiences. They will say to tourists, “Don’t just watch us sing; come, I’ll teach you a line from one of our songs .” They hope tourists will no longer be mere spectators , but students who can truly understand their culture. Some young people are starting to give back to tradition in modern ways; they use smartphones to create short videos showcasing the real lives of the Tuvan people and spreading endangered traditional crafts to a wider world via the internet . They are also trying to sell traditional handicrafts through e-commerce platforms to those who truly appreciate them. But everyone understands that the foundation of all this exploration lies in education. Only when Tuvan children continue to learn their mother tongue and culture in school and at home can they feel proud of their unique culture from a young age. This inheritance will then have the most solid foundation. Today, the Tuvan people still live deep in the Altai Mountains ; their lives are no longer isolated from the world. Isolation is no longer a pure pastoral idyll ; it’s more like a complex symphony, where ancient melodies intertwine with modern rhythms, sometimes harmonious, sometimes jarring. We cannot offer a simple answer to their future , but what is certain is that this resilient people are striving in their own way to find a new melody for that ancient song passed down for hundreds of years. Can this melody resonate more widely and firmly in this new era ? Time will tell. Is your hometown, your people, facing opportunities and challenges like the Tuva? How are you dealing with them? Feel free to share in the comments section. Let’s discuss it together. Long video production is not easy, so please follow, like, favorite, and share. Our next video will be even more exciting!

🌕🌕【本期简介】🌕🌕
在中国的最西北角，阿尔泰山雪原深处，生活着一个几乎被遗忘的民族。
他们自称并非蒙古人，却被官方归入蒙古族；
他们的家族称谓，也与我们熟知的家庭关系完全不同。

一个孩子出生后，会被“重新分配”身份；
一个家庭，从第一声啼哭起，就注定与众不同。

他们在冰雪中筑起不用一颗铁钉的木屋，
在红与白的食物之间，传承千年的信仰；
他们的生活，看似平静，却藏着令人震惊的秘密。

今天，我们就一起去寻找这群山民背后的故事：
一个跨越国界、血脉与时间的古老民族，
如何在现代化的浪潮中，仍守着自己的仪式与尊严。

这一期，是关于身份、传承与命运的极限纪录。
你准备好了吗？

★☆★章节时间轴☆★☆
00:00 – 中国最西北的秘密村
02:45 – 说俄语的“蒙古人”？
04:40 – 森林里的古老房屋
06:05 – 特别的奶茶与烤肉
10:57 – 三天三夜的婚礼
13:30 – 第一个孩子的秘密
18:54 – 古老的部落与游客

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🔔 打开小铃铛，不错过任何一期精彩内容！

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🔥 相关影片（强烈建议继续观看）：

▶️ 一妻多夫的民族现实生活

▶️ 边境神秘民族：女人光头、人人抽烟、老虎当祖先

▶️ 贵州深山民族：5000年前后裔的遗孙

▶️ 中国未识别民族｜生活实录 播放列表

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💬 你的家族有什么不为人知的规矩吗？
欢迎在评论区留言讨论！

🙏 感谢观看，我们下期见！

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