· Origin
The ancestors of the Daur people can be traced back to the ancient Khitan tribes. After the decline of the Liao Dynasty founded by the Khitans, some of them gradually migrated and evolved into the modern - day Daur ethnic group. Historical records and archaeological findings provide evidence of their long - standing presence and cultural development in Northeast China.

· Development
Historically, the Daur people were mainly engaged in agriculture, hunting, and fishing. In the fertile river valleys, they cultivated crops such as millet, sorghum, and soybeans. Hunting and fishing were important supplementary activities, providing them with meat, fur, and other resources. They also had close interactions with neighboring ethnic groups like the Mongolians, Manchus, and Han Chinese, through which they exchanged cultural elements, technologies, and trade goods. This interaction promoted the development of their own culture and economy.

· Modern Times
In modern times, with the rapid development of the economy and society, the Daur people have experienced profound changes. The government has implemented a series of policies to support economic development in Daur - inhabited areas, improving infrastructure such as transportation, communication, and education. The Daur people have actively participated in the modernization process while making great efforts to preserve and promote their traditional culture. Tourism has gradually become an emerging industry, attracting visitors to experience the unique Daur culture and beautiful natural scenery.

· Quantity
As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the Daur population in China is approximately 132,299, making them one of the smaller ethnic minorities in the country.

· Distribution
The majority of the Daur people live in Morin Dawa Daur Autonomous Banner in Inner Mongolia, Meilisi Daur District in Qiqihar City of Heilongjiang Province, and Fuyu County in Heilongjiang Province. These areas are characterized by vast grasslands, fertile river valleys, and forests, which have influenced the Daur way of life. A small number of Daur people have migrated to other parts of China for work, study, or cultural exchange, contributing to the spread of Daur culture.

· Traditional Economy
Traditionally, the Daur economy was based on a combination of agriculture, hunting, and fishing. Agriculture was the mainstay, with the cultivation of various grains and vegetables. Hunting provided them with wild animals for food and fur, while fishing was an important activity in the rivers and lakes. Handicrafts also played a certain role in the traditional economy, with Daur artisans producing wooden utensils, leather goods, and woven products. These handicrafts not only met the local needs but were also traded with neighboring ethnic groups.

· Modern Economy
In modern times, the Daur economy has diversified. Agriculture remains an important sector, but there has been an increase in the cultivation of cash crops such as sunflowers and tobacco. Animal husbandry has also developed, with the raising of cattle, sheep, and horses. Industry in Daur - inhabited areas has gradually developed, including food processing, light industry, and some small - scale manufacturing. Tourism has emerged as a new economic growth point, providing opportunities for employment and income generation for the Daur people.

· Language and Script
The Daur language belongs to the Altaic language family. It has its own unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. In the past, the Daur people did not have a widely - used written script. In modern times, they use the Chinese characters to write the Daur language for communication and education purposes. Efforts are being made to standardize the Daur written language and develop educational materials to promote the use and preservation of the Daur language.

· Religious Beliefs
The Daur people have a complex religious belief system. Shamanism has a long - standing influence on their culture, with shamans playing important roles in religious ceremonies, healing, and divination. Tibetan Buddhism also has a certain presence among the Daur people, especially in some areas where Buddhist temples have been built. In addition, some traditional folk beliefs still exist, such as the worship of natural spirits and ancestors. These beliefs are often intertwined, forming a unique spiritual world for the Daur people.

· Clothing
Traditional Daur clothing is practical and distinctive, reflecting their living environment and cultural identity. Men usually wear long - sleeved shirts, wide - legged trousers, and a short jacket. They may also wear a hat made of fur or felt, which provides protection from the cold. In winter, they wear heavy fur coats. Women's clothing is more elaborate, with long - sleeved dresses featuring colorful patterns and decorations. They often wear a variety of jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, which are made of silver, coral, and jade. The headscarf is an important part of women's attire, and it can be decorated with beads and embroidery.

· Literature
Daur literature has a rich oral tradition, including folk tales, epics, and proverbs. Folk tales often convey moral lessons and cultural wisdom, passed down from generation to generation through storytelling. The Daur epics, although not as well - known as some other ethnic epics, reflect the history, values, and beliefs of the Daur people. In recent years, there has been an increasing effort to collect, translate, and publish Daur literature to make it more accessible to a wider audience. Some Daur writers have also started to write in Chinese, introducing Daur culture to a broader readership.

· Transportation
In the past, due to the geographical characteristics of their habitat, the Daur people mainly relied on horses, dogs - drawn sleds (in winter), and boats (in rivers and lakes) for transportation. These means of transportation were well - adapted to the local environment and could travel long distances. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure, motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation in Daur - inhabited areas. However, in some remote areas, horses and dogs - drawn sleds are still used for transportation, especially in winter and for accessing remote villages.

· Medicine
Traditional Daur medicine has a long history and is influenced by both Mongolian medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Daur healers have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants and use them to treat a wide range of diseases. They also pay attention to the balance of the body's energy and the harmony between the body and the environment. Traditional Daur medical practices include herbal remedies, massage, and acupuncture. In recent years, with the improvement of medical conditions in Daur - inhabited areas, traditional Daur medicine has been integrated with modern medical systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the people.

· Calendar
The Daur people have their own traditional calendar, which is based on a combination of lunar and solar cycles. The traditional calendar is closely related to agricultural activities, religious festivals, and daily life. It divides the year into 12 months and has specific names for each month, which are often associated with natural phenomena or agricultural events. At the same time, they also use the solar calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, as it is more widely used in the global context.

· Music
Daur music is characterized by its unique melodies and rhythms, often reflecting the natural environment, religious beliefs, and daily life of the Daur people. Folk songs are an important form of Daur music, covering topics such as love, labor, and the beauty of nature. Traditional Daur musical instruments include the "tombur" (a four - stringed plucked instrument), "huur" (a two - stringed bowed instrument), and various types of drums. During religious festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, Daur people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

· Dance
Daur dance is often performed during festivals, weddings, and social gatherings. The dances are usually energetic and expressive, with movements that are closely related to religious rituals, agricultural activities, and daily life. For example, the "Hunting Dance" imitates the movements of hunting, showing the Daur people's close relationship with nature. The "Wedding Dance" is performed during wedding ceremonies, expressing joy and blessings. The dancers often wear traditional clothing, adding to the visual appeal of the performances.

· Architecture
Traditional Daur architecture is adapted to the local climate and geographical conditions. In the grassland areas, Daur houses are often built with wood and earth, with a sloping roof to prevent the accumulation of snow and rain. The houses usually have a central fireplace, which serves as a source of heat and a place for cooking. In some areas, Daur people also build "yurts" (similar to Mongolian yurts) for temporary residence during hunting or grazing. In modern times, with the influence of modern architecture, some new buildings have been constructed in Daur - inhabited areas, but traditional architectural elements are still preserved in many places.

· Arts and Crafts
Daur arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. Traditional Daur crafts include wood - carving, leather - working, and woven products. Daur wood - carving is often used to decorate furniture, doors, and windows, with intricate patterns and designs. Leather - working produces high - quality leather goods such as shoes, bags, and saddles. Woven products include carpets, blankets, and wall hangings, which are made from wool and other materials and feature colorful patterns.

· Etiquette
Daur etiquette is based on respect, hospitality, and politeness. When guests arrive at a Daur home, they are usually greeted warmly with a handshake and a smile. The host will offer tea or wine to the guests, and it is customary to accept these offerings as a sign of respect. During meals, guests are often served the best food, and it is polite to praise the host's hospitality. The Daur people also place great importance on greetings, and young people should show proper respect to elders by using formal titles and polite language. In social interactions, it is important to maintain a harmonious and friendly atmosphere.

· Marriage Customs
Daur marriage customs have undergone some changes over time but still retain many traditional elements. In the past, marriages were often arranged by the families of the bride and groom, with the consent of both parties. The engagement ceremony was an important step, during which the groom's family presented gifts to the bride's family, including livestock, jewelry, and clothing. The wedding ceremony was a grand event that followed traditional customs. The bride and groom would wear traditional clothing, and there would be a series of rituals, such as the exchange of gifts, the blessing of the elders, and a wedding feast. In modern times, while arranged marriages are less common, many Daur people still follow some traditional marriage customs to some extent, and the wedding ceremony remains an important and joyous occasion for the families and the community.

· Festivals
The Daur people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including both traditional Daur festivals and those influenced by other religions. The "Aobao Festival" is an important traditional Daur festival, which is usually held in the fifth or sixth month of the lunar calendar. During this festival, people gather on the aobao (a pile of stones or earth used as a sacrificial altar) to offer sacrifices to the gods, pray for good weather, a bumper harvest, and the safety of the livestock. They also engage in various sports activities and cultural performances. The "Spring Festival" and other traditional Chinese festivals are also celebrated by the Daur people, involving family gatherings, the sharing of food, and the giving of red envelopes.

· Diet
Daur cuisine is a delicious blend of agricultural and nomadic influences. Staple foods include millet, sorghum, and wheat, which are used to make a variety of dishes such as porridge, steamed buns, and noodles. Meat, especially lamb, beef, and venison, is also an important part of the Daur diet. Common dishes include "stewed lamb with vegetables," "roasted whole lamb," and "hand - pulled noodles." The Daur people also like to drink tea, especially milk tea, which is made from tea leaves, milk, and salt. Tea is an important part of their diet and is often served to guests as a sign of hospitality.

· Funeral Customs
Daur funeral customs are based on a combination of religious beliefs and traditional customs. When a person dies, the family will notify relatives and friends, and the body will be washed and dressed in clean clothes. The funeral ceremony may vary depending on the religious beliefs of the deceased. For those who follow Shamanism, special rituals may be performed to guide the soul of the deceased to the afterlife. Family and friends will gather to pay their respects and offer condolences. During the mourning period, special prayers and religious ceremonies may be held to comfort the bereaved family and pray for blessings for the deceased.