· Origin
The ancestors of the Lhoba people are believed to have lived in the southeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau for a long time. They gradually settled in the areas with abundant forest resources and rugged terrain. The geographical isolation of their habitats contributed to the formation of their distinct cultural identity. The migration patterns might have been influenced by factors such as the search for food sources, the need for shelter, and the avoidance of conflicts with other groups.

· Development
Throughout history, the Lhoba people have had interactions with neighboring ethnic groups like the Tibetan and Monpa. Through trade, they exchanged goods such as forest products, handicrafts, and agricultural tools. Cultural exchanges also took place, including the sharing of traditional songs, dances, and religious beliefs. For example, some elements of Tibetan art and religious rituals have had an impact on the Lhoba's own cultural expressions. During different historical periods, they also participated in local economic activities, contributing to the development of the region's forestry and handicraft industries.

· Modern Times
In modern times, with the implementation of China's ethnic minority policies, the living conditions of the Lhoba people have improved significantly. The government has invested in infrastructure construction, including roads, schools, and medical facilities in Lhoba - inhabited areas. This has facilitated better access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The Lhoba people actively participate in the modernization process while striving to preserve their traditional culture. They have embraced modern agricultural technology to improve the yield of forest - related products, and some have engaged in tourism - related activities to showcase their unique culture to the outside world.

· Quantity
As of the 7th National Population Census in 2020, the population of the Lhoba Nationality in China is approximately 4,237, making them one of the smallest ethnic minority groups in China.

· Distribution
The majority of the Lhoba people live in Mêdog County, Lhünzê County, and a few other areas in the Nyingchi region of the Tibet Autonomous Region, as well as in some parts of Lhünzê County in Shannan City, Tibet. These areas are located in the southeastern part of Tibet, with a subtropical and temperate climate. The region is characterized by dense forests, high mountains, and deep valleys. There are also small Lhoba communities in adjacent areas, where they have adapted to the local ecological environment and engaged in activities such as hunting, gathering, and small - scale agriculture.

· Traditional Economy
Traditionally, the Lhoba economy was mainly based on hunting, gathering, and small - scale agriculture. Hunting was an important economic activity, with the Lhoba people using simple hunting tools such as bows and arrows, traps, and spears to hunt wild animals for food, fur, and bones. Gathering of forest products such as wild fruits, nuts, and medicinal herbs was also a significant part of their livelihood. Small - scale agriculture was practiced, mainly growing crops like maize, millet, and buckwheat in small plots of land cleared from the forests. Handicrafts, such as basket - weaving, wood - carving, and bone - carving, were developed to meet daily needs, using locally available materials.

· Modern Economy
In modern times, the Lhoba economy has diversified. While hunting and gathering still play a role in some areas, more modern agricultural techniques have been introduced, increasing crop yields and improving the quality of agricultural products. They now grow a wider variety of crops, including vegetables and fruits. Livestock farming, mainly raising yaks, cows, and pigs, has also become more common. Tourism has emerged as an important economic sector. The unique Lhoba culture, beautiful natural scenery of mountains and forests, and traditional villages attract a growing number of tourists. Many Lhoba communities have developed cultural tourism projects, offering services such as homestays, guided nature tours, and traditional performances, which have increased the income of local residents. Additionally, some Lhoba people are engaged in small - scale businesses, such as opening shops and restaurants.

· Language and Script
The Lhoba languages are diverse and belong to different branches within the Sino - Tibetan language family. In the past, the Lhoba people did not have a widely - used written script. In modern times, the Tibetan script is sometimes used for writing among some Lhoba groups, which helps them communicate with the Tibetan - speaking population and integrate into the broader Tibetan cultural sphere. Education plays a crucial role in language preservation, with efforts being made to offer Lhoba - language courses in some schools in Lhoba - inhabited areas to promote the inheritance and development of the Lhoba languages.

· Religious Beliefs
Indigenous beliefs are the core of the Lhoba people's religious beliefs. They believe in the existence of various spirits in nature, such as mountain spirits, river spirits, and forest spirits. They also worship their ancestors and believe that the spirits of the ancestors can protect and guide them. In certain areas, there are influences from Tibetan Buddhism, especially in terms of religious rituals and the presence of Buddhist monks. Monasteries or small religious sites may exist in some Lhoba communities, providing a place for religious activities and cultural preservation.

· Clothing
Traditional Lhoba clothing is closely related to their hunting, gathering, and forest - based lifestyle and the local climate. Men usually wear a short - sleeved shirt made of animal skins or cloth, paired with loose - fitting trousers. In cold weather, they wear a thick fur coat or a jacket made of animal hides. A hat made of fur or felt is often worn to protect against the cold and the sun. Women's clothing is more elaborate. They wear a long - sleeved blouse with a high collar, usually decorated with colorful beads, shells, and feathers. A long skirt made of bright - colored cloth is worn below the blouse, and a belt is tied around the waist. Women also wear various accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings made of beads, shells, and metals. In modern times, while traditional clothing is still worn on special occasions and religious festivals, daily clothing has become more similar to that of the mainstream Tibetan population in urban areas.

· Literature
Lhoba literature includes both oral and written forms. Oral literature is rich and diverse, including folk tales, legends, songs, and proverbs. These oral works are passed down from generation to generation through storytelling and singing, conveying the history, values, and beliefs of the Lhoba people. Folk tales often feature heroes, magical creatures, and moral lessons, reflecting the Lhoba people's imagination and their understanding of the world. Written literature is relatively less developed due to the lack of a traditional written script in the past. However, in recent years, with the use of the Tibetan script and other means, more Lhoba writers have started to express their thoughts and feelings about life, culture, and society in written form, contributing to the development of Lhoba literature.

· Transportation
In the past, due to the mountainous and forested living environment, the Lhoba people mainly relied on foot and pack animals such as mules and horses for transportation. They were skilled at building and using suspension bridges across deep valleys and rivers to facilitate travel. For short - distance travel within the villages, they used simple sledges in some snowy areas. In modern times, with the development of infrastructure in Lhoba - inhabited areas, roads have been built, and motorcycles, cars, and buses have become common means of transportation on land. However, in some remote mountainous areas, foot and pack animals are still important means of transportation, especially for carrying goods and accessing difficult - to - reach places.

· Medicine
Traditional Lhoba medicine is based on a combination of local herbal knowledge and some folk medical practices. Lhoba healers have extensive knowledge of local herbs and plants and use them to treat various diseases. They believe in 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 Lhoba - inhabited areas, traditional Lhoba medicine has been integrated with modern medical systems to provide more comprehensive medical services for the people. Modern medical facilities such as clinics and hospitals have been established, and medical staff are trained to combine traditional and modern medical knowledge.

· Calendar
The Lhoba people have their own traditional calendar system based on the observation of natural phenomena such as the growth cycles of plants, the migration patterns of animals, and the changes in weather. This calendar helps them determine the best time for hunting, gathering, and agricultural activities. In modern times, they also use the Tibetan calendar and the Gregorian calendar for daily life and modern economic activities, but the traditional calendar still plays an important role in guiding their traditional economic and cultural practices.

· Music
Lhoba music is characterized by its simple and rhythmic tunes, often reflecting the life, emotions, and religious beliefs of the Lhoba people. Folk songs are an important form of Lhoba music, covering topics such as love, labor, and nature. Traditional Lhoba musical instruments include the "dungchen" (a kind of long horn), the "piwang" (a two - stringed fiddle), and various types of drums and flutes. During religious festivals, weddings, and other important celebrations, Lhoba people gather together to sing and play music, creating a joyful and solemn atmosphere. Music is also an important part of religious ceremonies, used to express reverence and devotion to the spirits and ancestors.

· Dance
Lhoba dance is often performed during religious festivals and social gatherings. The dances are usually lively and energetic, with movements that reflect the characteristics of Lhoba culture and religious beliefs. For example, some dances imitate the actions of hunting, animal movements, and religious rituals, showing the deep - rooted connection between the Lhoba people and their traditional lifestyle. The dancers often wear traditional clothing, adding to the visual appeal of the performances. Dance is not only a form of entertainment but also a way to pass on cultural traditions and strengthen community bonds.

· Architecture
Traditional Lhoba architecture is designed to meet the needs of their local environment and cultural lifestyle. Lhoba villages are usually built on hillsides or in valleys, with houses arranged in a clustered manner. Traditional houses are mainly made of wood and stone, with a sloped roof covered with thatch or wooden shingles. The interior of the house is divided into several rooms, including a living room, a bedroom, and a kitchen. Some houses have a fireplace in the center of the living room, which is used for cooking, heating, and gathering. In modern times, with the improvement of living standards, some Lhoba people have built brick - and - concrete houses, but they still retain some traditional architectural elements, such as the sloped roof and the layout of the rooms.

· Arts and Crafts
Lhoba arts and crafts are renowned for their fine workmanship and unique designs. The most famous crafts include wood - carving, bone - carving, and basket - weaving. Lhoba artisans use local wood, bones, and bamboo to create various figures, animals, religious symbols, and daily - use items. The wood - carving products are often decorated with intricate patterns and carvings, showing high artistic value. Bone - carving is used to make jewelry, ornaments, and tools, with a focus on showing the natural beauty of the bones. Basket - weaving is used to make baskets of different sizes and shapes for carrying goods and storing items, which are both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

· Etiquette
Lhoba etiquette is based on respect, hospitality, and politeness. When guests arrive at a Lhoba home, they are usually greeted warmly with a smile and a bow. The host will offer tea or homemade 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 cooking. The Lhoba people also place great importance on helping others, especially the poor, the elderly, and the disabled. In social interactions, it is important to be honest, sincere, and show genuine concern for others.

· Marriage Customs
Lhoba marriage customs are a combination of traditional practices and religious rituals. Marriages are usually arranged by the families of the bride and groom, but the consent of the couple is also essential. The engagement ceremony is an important step, during which the groom's family presents gifts such as livestock, jewelry, and forest products 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 blessing by the religious leaders (if applicable), the exchange of gifts, and the throwing of rice grains. After the wedding, there is usually a wedding reception to celebrate the union of the two families, with traditional music and dance performances.

· Festivals
The Lhoba people celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, including religious festivals and some national festivals. The major religious festivals are related to their indigenous beliefs and often involve rituals to worship nature, ancestors, and spirits. For example, there are festivals to celebrate the harvest, pray for good weather, and honor the ancestors. During these festivals, people wear traditional clothing, hold religious ceremonies, and participate in various cultural activities such as singing, dancing, and sports competitions. The Spring Festival and the National Day are also celebrated by the Lhoba people following the general customs of the Chinese nation, which helps strengthen their sense of national identity and unity.

· Diet
Lhoba cuisine is influenced by their hunting, gathering, and forest - based lifestyle and local ingredients. Meat, especially wild game meat, beef, and pork, is an important part of their diet, and is often cooked in stews, grilled, or roasted. Dairy products such as yogurt and cheese are also consumed. Vegetables and wild herbs are widely used in their cooking, with dishes featuring potatoes, cabbages, and various wild greens. Tea is an important beverage and is often served with meals or during social gatherings. "Suyoucha" (butter tea) is also a popular traditional drink among the Lhoba people.

· Funeral Customs
Lhoba funeral customs are based on their indigenous beliefs and religious rituals. When a person dies, the body is cleaned and dressed in clean clothes. The family and relatives hold a wake, during which they chant prayers and perform rituals to guide the soul of the deceased. The funeral ceremony is then performed, usually with the participation of religious leaders (if applicable). The body is usually buried or cremated according to local customs and religious requirements, and some rituals are carried out to ensure the smooth transition of the soul to the afterlife. During the funeral period, family and friends gather to pay their respects and offer condolences. After the funeral, there is a period of mourning, during which the family avoids certain activities and follows specific customs to show respect for the deceased.