The Yao nationality (its great majority branch is also known as Mien; Traditional Chinese: ??; Simplified Chinese: ??; Pinyin: Y醥 z? Vietnamese: ngu?i Dao) form one of the 55 ethnic minority groups officially recognized by the People's Republic of China; where they reside in the mountainous terrain of the southwest and south. They also form one of the 54 ethnic groups officially recognized by Vietnam. In the last census in 2000; they numbered 2;637;421 in China; and roughly 470;000 in Vietnam.

The Yao; or Iu-Mien; practice Yao Taoism; a religion based on medieval Chinese Taoism; although many have converted to Buddhism and few to Christianity. Though some people have converted to other religions; many still practice their native traditions. Pictures From History