Chinese ethnic minority muslims take part in a roadside burial ritual in Lijiang

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