The purpose of this study is to examine the historical background and culture of the four ethnic groups, namely, Mongolian, Uyghur, Tibetan, and Korean-Chinese, and to derive cultural characteristics of their folk dances by examining how their ethnic culture has been embodied in the dances. In China, a multiethnic, multicultural country with 56 ethnic groups, dances performed in each ethnic group is part of life formed based on the cultural and geographical background of the group, and the contents, form, rhythm, and style of the dances were all formed and inherited in various ways due to differences in lifestyle and religious culture. Among those ethnic groups, Mongolian, Uyghur, Tibetan, and Korean-Chinese are the most localized ethnic minorities distributed around China's borders, and their folk dances have spread nationwide faster than those of any other ethnic groups. In order to promote the preservation and development of civil folk dances, it is necessary to examine the folk dances that are currently being preserved and developed and understand their cultural characteristics. By examining these characteristics, this study seeks to contribute to accurate perception of civil folk dances and to their preservation and development.