However, relations between the two ethnic groups have often been tenuous. In fact, before the Communist takeover of China in 1949, the Guizhou Yi often captured Han Chinese and kept them as slaves. After 1949, the lifestyle of the Guizhou Yi changed greatly, and they have seen some improvements in farming methods, stock raising, and education. Most Guizhou Yi make a living by farming. Their main crops are corn, potatoes, buckwheat, and oats.
Farmers raise such animals as cattle, sheep, goats, horses, pigs, and chickens.
A number of Guizhou Yi are employed as shopkeepers in state-run shops in the towns and villages. The majority of the Guizhou Yi live in towns and villages. Traditionally, they lived in windowless single-storied houses made of wood and earth. The homes had double-sloped roofs covered with small pieces of wooden plates that were held down by stones. Inside, the main area was a fire pit, cornered by three stones.