In China, 90% [citation needed] of them are found in Gongshan, Fugong and Lanping counties in Yunnan Province, along with Lisu, Drung, Tibetan, Nakhi, Bai and Han.

They do not have a written language of their own, although the Chinese government has helped them to develop a script based on the Latin alphabet.

The womenfolk generally wore linen or cotton tunics with sleeves, which are buttoned on the left and long skirts.

Some wear head or chest ornaments with strings of coral, agates, shells and silver coins.

The annual grain harvest is some 100 kg short of the per capita need, and the diet is supplemented by hunting and fishing.

The Nu are adherents of Tibetan Buddhism and their tribal Animism, which has close affinities with the natural world.

A Nu girl named A-Rong, inspired by the web of a spider, created a kind of rope-bridge, by which the people could cross the river.

On the eve of the festival, households in every village butcher pigs, make soft-rice dumplings, brew wine and clean their courtyards, similar to the Chinese New Year.

On top of the three legs, three cups are put and also three pieces of meat, then the family members, either young or old, pray for a good harvest and strong livestock for the New Year.