Abstract: Five genetic traits (eye preference, plantar digital formulae, stride type, earwax and finger nail type) of a sample of 648 people from the Miao and Dong nationalities in Hunan province was studied. The results of this study are given below. 1) In both nationalities, most people had the following characteristics:right eye preference, 1 > 2 of plantar digital formulae, left stride type, dry earwax and long finger nail form. 2) The frequencies of left eye preference and 1 > 2 of plantar digital formulae was greater than that of most other nationalities in China. 3) There were significant differences for plantar digital formulae between the Miao and Dong groups, and there was a significant sexual difference for eye preference and square finger nail form in the Miao. 4) There were no significant correlations between any of the five genetic traits.

Key words: Genetic character; Miao nationality; Dong nationality