Ethnic minority village opens in China (24 images)

A Naxi Chinese ethnic minority woman washes clothing in public pool filled by glacier water in Lijiang, northern Yunnan Province, on September 30, 2012. China recognizes 55 ethnic minority groups within the country in addition to the Han majority. With over 25 ethnic minorities living in Yunnan, they make up about 34 percent of its population. All are hanging on their cultural identity as "progress" is accompanied by a larger, more powerful Han majority. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Poor ethnic minority Chinese load by hand mud bricks on to a truck from an old house being torn down to make way for a new hotel in Lijiang, northern Yunnan Province, on September 30, 2012. Income inequality continues to grow in China as rural poverty persists despite rapid urban growth. China raised the poverty line to $1 per person per day in 2011, increasing the country's poverty-stricken population from 26.99 million to 128 million. UPI/Stephen Shaver

A Cai Chinese ethnic minority woman uses a loom to make colorful scarves and shawls from local silk and cotton to sell to tourists in Lijiang, northern Yunnan Province, on September 30, 2012. In many ancient cities around China which have a large population of ethnic minorities, textiles and fabrics are widely available and sought after by both foreign and domestic tourists. UPI/Stephen Shaver

Chinese ethnic minority muslims take part in a roadside burial ritual of a member of their village in Lijiang, northern Yunnan Province, on September 30, 2012. China recognizes 55 ethnic minority groups within the country in addition to the Han majority. With over 25 ethnic minorities living in Yunnan, they make up about 34 percent of its population. All are hanging on their cultural identity as "progress" is accompanied by a larger, more powerful Han majority. UPI/Stephen Shaver