The 250,000  Tu live mostly in Qinghai province, though a significant number live in Gansu Province.

According to the Tu they are descendants of the Mongols, Tukun or Tuhujia. Some historians agree, but others think they are descended from the ancient tribes of the Tuguhuen, a branch of the Xianpi people, or Shatuo Tujue.

The language of the Tu belongs to the Mongolian branch of the Altaic language family.

The majority of the Tu practice Tibetan Buddhism, though some practice Taoism or Shamanism.

Animal husbandry and agriculture are the mainstays of the Tu. They raise cattle and grow wheat, highland barley, and potatoes.

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