The number of Achang people living in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Region accounts for 85 percent of the Achang population in China. They are mainly scattered in Lianghe County, Longchuan County and Luxi City. There are three Achang townships in Dehong Prefecture. Achangs speak a language belonging to the Tibetan-Myanmese language family of the Chinese-Tibetan system. Usually, they can speak Dai and Chinese language either. The ethnic group has no writings, so they have to write in Chinese or Dai languages.
The Achang ethnic group originates in the north part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. At about 13th century, they moved to Dehong from Yunlong at the drainage area of Lantsang River. In pre-1949 days, Achang ethnic group had entered feudal society. They were ruled by both suzerains and landlords. Achang is rich in oral literature. The creative epic “Zhepama and Zhemima” was such a top-notch work orally handed down by wizards. Young Achang people have the freedom to choose their own partners. Singing alternating duets is a favorite evening recreation of young men and women, and many courtships frequently occur in the event. Achangs practice monogamy. They mainly live in courtyard houses of brick or stone with tiles on the roof and wood beam supports. Women cover their heads with black turban. The turban is as long as one ci (33 centimeters), a rare ornament in both China and overseas. Majority of Achang people worship ghost, god and their ancestors. They eat rice as their staple, prefer sour and hot dishes, and drink liquor. They usually feast guests with “cross-the-hand rice noodle.” Its distinctive festival was Alu Woluo Dance Festival, which is held on March 20 each year.
Achang people are mainly engaged with farming and do well in planting paddy. They also plant some industrial crops. Among them, tobacco produced in Husa Achang Autonomous Township of Longchuan County is most famous and is in great demand in Dehong and other regions. Handicraft industry is highly developed in the Achang society. They are engaged with iron-forging and plough-making, carpenter, stonemason and silversmith works. Achangs are well-known for forging knives and swords. The knives produced in Husa Township are sold well in both China and overseas.