The largest of the ethnic minority groups on Hainan Island, the Li have distinctive culture and customs, as well as speak their own language (Hlai), which is related to languages spoken in other parts of South East Asia, such as Thai and Lao. 

The Li are thought to be the first people to have settled in Hainan, coming originally from the southern provinces of mainland China, particularly Guangxi, about 3,000 years ago.

They currently have a population that numbers about 1.14 million.

Li communities are spread throughout the southern half of Hainan Island in both mountainous and lowland areas. There are five distinct branches of the Li – Ha, Qi, Run, Sai, and Meifu, each differentiated by geographic location and variations in language and dress. 

Li women are known for their weaving skills and are credited with developing the earliest weaving technology in China.

The resulting cloth/brocade is colourful and intricate, being commonly used to make the traditional clothing worn by the Li people, which they usually only wear today for festivals and ceremonies, such as weddings. 

The Li have a vibrant tradition of music and dancing, again mainly seen during times of celebration. Performances of Li music and dance can be seen at many of the tourist sites around Sanya, such as Bing Lang Valley and Yanoda.

Their traditional houses, which are quite rare nowadays, are boat-shaped, with thatched roofs.