· Origin
The ancestors of the Ewenki people can be traced back to ancient nomadic tribes in Northeast Asia. Over time, they gradually formed their own ethnic identity. Some Ewenki ancestors were engaged in hunting and gathering activities in the forests and grasslands of the northeast. Their early lifestyle was centered around the natural resources available in their habitats, and they had a deep understanding of the local flora and fauna.

· Development
In different historical periods, the Ewenki people had various interactions with neighboring ethnic groups. During the Qing Dynasty, they came under the influence of the central government's rule, which led to some changes in their social and economic structures. Some Ewenki groups began to engage in more organized hunting and trade activities. They also established relationships with the Manchu, Mongolian, and Han Chinese through trade, cultural exchanges, and inter - marriage, which enriched their own culture.

· Modern Times
In modern times, with the development of China's national policies for ethnic minorities, the living conditions of the Ewenki people have significantly improved. The government has provided support in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure construction in Ewenki - inhabited areas. The Ewenki people actively participate in the modernization process while striving to preserve their traditional culture. They have embraced modern technology and education, which has opened up new opportunities for their economic and social development.

· Quantity
As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the population of the Ewenki Nationality in China is approximately 34,617, making them a relatively small ethnic minority group.

· Distribution
The majority of the Ewenki people live in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, particularly in the Evenki Autonomous Banner of Chen Barag. This area is characterized by vast forests and grasslands, which are suitable for their traditional reindeer - herding and hunting activities. There are also small Ewenki communities in some areas of Heilongjiang Province and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where they have adapted to the local ecological environment and engaged in various economic activities.

· Traditional Economy
Traditionally, the Ewenki economy was mainly based on hunting and reindeer - herding. Hunting was an important economic activity, and the Ewenki hunters had excellent skills in tracking and hunting wild animals such as deer, elks, and rabbits. Reindeer - herding was a unique economic form of the Ewenki people, especially among some groups. Reindeer were not only used for transportation but also provided meat, milk, and hides for their daily life. In addition, some Ewenki people also engaged in fishing and gathering activities to supplement their food supply.

· Modern Economy
In modern times, the Ewenki economy has diversified. While hunting and reindeer - herding still play a certain role in some areas, agriculture and animal husbandry have become more important. Some Ewenki people have started to cultivate crops such as wheat, barley, and potatoes in suitable areas. Animal husbandry has expanded to include raising cattle, sheep, and horses. Moreover, with the development of tourism, the unique Ewenki culture has become a tourist attraction. Many Ewenki - inhabited areas have developed cultural tourism projects, allowing tourists to experience traditional Ewenki life, such as reindeer - riding, hunting - themed activities, and traditional performances, which has brought new economic income to the local people.

· Language and Script
The Ewenki language belongs to the Tungusic branch of the Altaic language family. It has several dialects due to the geographical dispersion of the Ewenki people. In the past, the Ewenki language did not have a unified written form. In modern times, the Cyrillic script was once used to record the Ewenki language in some areas, and later, efforts were made to develop a writing system based on the Latin alphabet. In China, efforts are being made to promote the use and preservation of the Ewenki language through education, media, and cultural activities. Many Ewenki people are also bilingual, speaking both Ewenki and Chinese, which helps them communicate with the outside world and integrate into the broader Chinese society.

· Religious Beliefs
Shamanism has a profound influence on the Ewenki culture. Shaman are regarded as intermediaries between the human world and the spiritual world. They perform various rituals to pray for good luck, health, and abundant harvests. The shamanistic rituals often involve singing, dancing, and the use of special costumes and props. In addition, a significant number of Ewenki people also practice Tibetan Buddhism, which was introduced to them through interactions with neighboring Mongolian and Tibetan communities. The influence of Buddhism can be seen in some of their religious buildings and cultural practices.

· Clothing
Traditional Ewenki clothing is designed to adapt to the cold climate of their habitats. Men usually wear a long - sleeved shirt made of animal hides or fur, paired with trousers and high - top boots. They often wear a hat made of fur, which can protect them from the cold wind. Women's clothing is more elaborate, consisting of a long - sleeved blouse, a long skirt, and an apron. The blouse and skirt are often decorated with colorful patterns made of beads, embroidery, or animal fur. Women also wear a variety of jewelry, such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, which are usually made of beads, bones, or metals. In modern times, while traditional clothing is still worn on special occasions, daily clothing has become more similar to that of the mainstream Chinese population in urban areas.

· Literature
Ewenki literature includes both oral and written forms. Oral literature is rich and diverse, including folk tales, legends, and songs. These oral works are passed down from generation to generation through storytelling and singing, conveying the history, values, and beliefs of the Ewenki people. Folk tales often feature animals as the main characters, reflecting the close relationship between the Ewenki people and nature. Written literature has also emerged in recent years, with some Ewenki writers using Chinese or the Ewenki language to express their thoughts and feelings about life, culture, and society.

· Transportation
In the past, due to their nomadic lifestyle, the Ewenki people mainly relied on reindeer, horses, and dogs for transportation. Reindeer were especially important for some groups, as they could carry people and goods through the forests and snow - covered areas. Horses were used for long - distance travel and hunting, while dogs were often used to pull sleds. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure in Ewenki - inhabited areas, roads have been built, and motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation. However, in some remote areas, traditional means of transportation are still used, especially during the winter when snow makes it difficult for modern vehicles to operate.

· Medicine
Traditional Ewenki medicine is based on a deep understanding of the local natural environment and the properties of plants and animals. Ewenki healers have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants and use them to treat various diseases. They also pay attention to the balance of the body's energy and the harmony between the body and the environment. Traditional medical practices include herbal remedies, massage, and bone - setting. In recent years, with the improvement of medical conditions in Ewenki - inhabited areas, traditional Ewenki medicine has been integrated with modern medical systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the people.

· Calendar
The Ewenki people have their own traditional way of time - keeping, which is closely related to natural phenomena and their economic activities. They mark the seasons according to the growth and migration of animals, the blooming and withering of plants, and the changes in weather conditions. For example, they know the beginning of the hunting season by observing the behavior of wild animals. In modern times, they also use the Gregorian calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, but traditional time - keeping methods still play an important role in their cultural and social life.

· Music
Ewenki music is characterized by its simple and melodious tunes, often reflecting the life and emotions of the Ewenki people. Folk songs are an important form of Ewenki music, covering topics such as love, hunting, and nature. Traditional Ewenki musical instruments include the "tombak" (a kind of drum), the "hur" (a stringed instrument), and the "shankobyi" (a reed flute). During festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, Ewenki people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere.

· Dance
Ewenki dance is often performed during festivals and social gatherings. The dances are usually energetic and expressive, with movements that imitate the actions of animals, hunting scenes, and daily life activities. For example, the "reindeer dance" imitates the movements of reindeer, showing the Ewenki people's close relationship with these animals. The dancers often wear traditional clothing, adding to the visual appeal of the performances.

· Architecture
Traditional Ewenki architecture is designed to adapt to their nomadic lifestyle. In the past, they lived in "yurts" (similar to Mongolian yurts) or "chums" (conical tents made of animal hides or birch bark). These tents were easy to assemble and disassemble, which was convenient for their frequent migration. In modern times, with the settlement of some Ewenki groups, fixed houses have become more common. These houses are usually built with wood or bricks, and they incorporate some traditional architectural elements, such as the use of natural materials and the design of the interior space to adapt to the local climate.

· Arts and Crafts
Ewenki arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. Traditional Ewenki crafts include wood carving, bone carving, embroidery, and beadwork. Wood carving is used to create decorative elements for buildings and furniture, with patterns often inspired by nature, such as animals, plants, and stars. Bone carving is mainly used to make jewelry, utensils, and small decorative items. Embroidery and beadwork are popular among Ewenki women, who use colorful threads and beads to create intricate patterns on clothing, hats, and bags, adding a touch of beauty and cultural significance to their daily life.

· Etiquette
Ewenki etiquette is based on respect, hospitality, and generosity. When guests arrive at an Ewenki home, they are usually greeted warmly with a handshake and a smile. The host will offer tea, milk, or other refreshments 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 cooking. The Ewenki people also place great importance on helping others, especially those in need. In social interactions, it is important to be honest and straightforward, and to show genuine concern for others.

· Marriage Customs
Ewenki marriage customs are a combination of traditional practices and modern influences. Marriages are usually based on love and mutual consent, but family approval is also important. The engagement ceremony is an important step, during which the groom's family presents gifts to the bride's family as a sign of respect and goodwill. The wedding ceremony is a grand event that combines religious and civil elements. The bride and groom wear traditional wedding attire, and there are a series of ceremonies, such as the exchange of vows, the blessing of the elders, and the sharing of a cup of wine. After the wedding, there is usually a wedding reception to celebrate the union of the two families.

· Festivals
The Ewenki people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including traditional festivals and some national festivals. The "Oroqen New Year" is an important traditional festival, usually celebrated in late winter or early spring. During this festival, people gather together to pray for a good harvest, good health, and peace. There are various activities such as singing, dancing, and horse - racing. The Spring Festival and the National Day are also celebrated by the Ewenki people following the general customs of the Chinese nation, which helps strengthen their sense of national identity and unity.

· Diet
Ewenki cuisine is a reflection of their traditional economic activities and the local natural environment. Staple foods include meat, especially venison, beef, and mutton, which provide energy to cope with the cold climate. They also eat dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are rich in nutrients. In addition, they gather wild berries, mushrooms, and other edible plants to supplement their diet. Tea is an important beverage and is often served with milk and sugar. During festivals and special occasions, they also prepare traditional dishes such as "reindeer meat stew" and "dried meat strips" to share with family and friends.

· Funeral Customs
Ewenki funeral customs are based on their religious beliefs and traditional practices. When a person dies, the family and relatives will hold a series of ceremonies to mourn the deceased. The body is usually placed in a coffin and displayed in a special place for a period of time. There are religious rituals performed by the shaman or Buddhist monks (depending on the religious beliefs of the deceased) to pray for the soul of the deceased. During the funeral period, family and friends gather to pay their respects and offer condolences. After the funeral, there may be a period of mourning, during which the family avoids certain activities and follows specific customs to show respect for the deceased.