Li, Qi in China
Photo Source:
Copyrighted © 2025
Create International All rights reserved. Used with permission |
Map Source:
Joshua Project / Global Mapping International
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| People Name: | Li, Qi |
| Country: | China |
| 10/40 Window: | Yes |
| Population: | 320,000 |
| World Population: | 320,000 |
| Primary Language: | Hlai |
| Primary Religion: | Ethnic Religions |
| Christian Adherents: | 0.20 % |
| Evangelicals: | 0.14 % |
| Scripture: | Portions |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Li |
| Affinity Bloc: | Southeast Asian Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The Qi Li are one of five distinct tribes of the official Li nationality. The women in this culture s silver ornaments differed in design, and the headdress was a turban or sometimes a tasseled handkerchief."
The Qi Li have a long history of being bullied by Chinese landowners. Many chose to live back in the mountains beyond the reach of their oppressors, while those who remained in the valleys were gradually assimilated into Chinese culture and language.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Until recently, divorce was not prohibited among the Li. A [Li] widow cannot return to her parents; this is supposed to discourage prostitution and promote marriage."
What Are Their Beliefs?
The Qi Li living in remote villages have many superstitions. They believe demons live in nature, especially in large mountains and waterfalls. In 1937 the Qi would not allow a Western traveler to visit a nearby waterfall, claiming it was the home of the devil. Today there are possibly several hundred believers among the Qi Li; however, the few churches are weak and nominal.
What Are Their Needs?
They need to lay their hope in Jesus and the guaranteed salvation that comes from his blood sacrifice. They need to be educated on why Jesus is their only hope. They need more missionaries to help set up healthy churches.
Prayer Points
Pray that believers would settle among this people group and share the ways of the savior with them.
Pray for all Christians in this location to learn to grow more in love for one another as a testimony of Christ s goodness.
Pray for grace and truth to be instilled in their hearts.
Pray for more missionaries to set up churches in their communities.