One government publication says that a similarity between the Han and the Tujia has resulted in the assimilation of the Tujia. Many also speak Miao. The Chinese, according to the source, do not despise the Tujia as they do the Miao. The land is rainy and forested allowing farmers to grow rice, corn, sweet potatoes and wheat. They also grow and sell tung oil, oil tea, tea, lacquer, cotton and ramie.
Women weave and embroider, selling their crafts on the market.
In spite of this, most are poor. Women wear jackets trimmed with lace that have short, but broad, sleeves. They wear long skirts, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and anklets. Men wear short jackets with buttons in the front. The Tujia have a popular dance that is at least 500 years old-the Beishou.