Ethnic groups such as the Tujia, Miao, and Dong minorities make up more than fifty percent of Tongren's population. In Tongren, the local-made souvenirs with their ethnic flavors are very popular among tourists. 

Mt. Fanjingshan has been regarded as the 'natural storeroom of medicinal materials' such as tall gastraodia tuber (Tian Ma) which is the basis of a traditional Chinese medicine produced mainly in Guizhou Province, beneficial to breathing and well-being. For those who like drinking alcohol there is one drink to recommend namely a Tujia alcohol called Matang alcohol made from sesame candy and often used as a treat. It has a golden lucidity and tastes sweet, and has the function of refreshing one's spirit while satisfying the thirst. The Chinese gooseberry is grown in many parts of China, however, those from Mt. Fanjingshan taste better than from other places due to a lack of pollution and nicer soil. Tourists who come to Mt. Fanjingshan all like to eat them. 

The following are some of the best known and sought after local products: Zipao Yudai Stone (which means purple gown/jade belt stone) is one of the special minerals that can be found in Mt. Fanjingshan. Because of its delicate and solid nature, it is considered the best material with which to make carved stone items such as ink stones, folding screens, and tea sets. The finest example of this stonework, the Mt. Fanjingshan Yudai Nine-Storey Pagoda is now kept in the National Grand Hall. The most famous ink stone called Sizhou Ink Stone is a special local product of Cengong County (formerly Sizhou) and it is one of China's eight famous ink stones. The Yuping Vertical Bamboo Flute is a special local product of Yuping County, and made from choice water bamboo and the timbre is clear and bright. Nuo culture is local to Tongren and the Nuo mask is an apparition or animal woodcarving craftwork of primitive simplicity used in Nuo Opera. These masks are now popular for their decorativeness.