Geographical Distribution of Deang Ethnic Minority in Yunnan

The Deang ethnic minority is mainly distributed in Yunnan’s Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, with significant populations in areas like Mangshi (芒市), Ruili (瑞丽), and Longchuan (陇川). The largest concentration of Deang people is in Santai Mountain Deang Ethnic Township (三台山德昂族乡) in Mangshi, the only Deang ethnic township in China. Smaller Deang communities are also found in Zhenkang County (镇康县) and Yongde County (永德县), with a total population of around 20,600 people, making up a small but important part of Yunnan’s diverse ethnic makeup.

Core Distribution Areas and Population Statistics

Main Distribution Areas

Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture

Mangshi: Santai Mountain Deang Ethnic Township (三台山德昂族乡), Fengping Town (风平镇)

Ruili: Jiexiang Town (姐相镇) (border Deang cultural belt)

Longchuan: Zhangfeng Town (章凤镇) (multi-ethnic residential area)

Population: Approximately 10,400 Deang people (2025), comprising 5.04% of the total minority population in Dehong Prefecture.

Lincang City

Zhenkang County: Junlong Township (军弄乡) (94% Deang population)

Yongde County: scattered villages

Baoshan City

Longling County: Mengnuo Town (勐糯镇) (multi-ethnic residential area)

Total Provincial Population: Approximately 20,600 Deang people (2010 census), comprising 0.13% of Yunnan’s total minority population.

Updated Local Population Data:

Santai Mountain Deang Ethnic Township: 4,804 people (60.81% of the township’s population)

Deang people in Mangshi: 10,352 people (2025)

Autonomous Administrative System

Type Name Region Remarks
Ethnic Township Santai Mountain Deang Ethnic Township (三台山德昂族乡) Dehong Prefecture, Mangshi The only Deang ethnic township in China
Autonomous County None – No county-level autonomous unit
Autonomous Prefecture None – Dehong Prefecture is a Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture

National-Level Special Villages and Cultural Identifiers

Traditional Villages and Cultural Tourism Villages

Chudonggua Village (出冬瓜村) – Santai Mountain Township

Listed in the Chinese Traditional Village Directory in 2016, it preserves Ming and Qing Dynasty wooden stilts architecture.

Core Intangible Cultural Heritage: Sour Tea Production Technique (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), Water Drum Dance

Deang Drum Village (德昂鼓寨) – Yingjiang County, Old City Town (旧城镇)

Known for its traditional Deang drum music culture.

Festival Activity Villages

Village Festival Highlights
Chudonggua Village (出冬瓜村) Jiaohua Festival (浇花节, April) Buddha bathing, Water Drum Dance, Sour Tea Tasting
Bailutou Village (白露头村) Lianghe County Jiaohua Festival (梁河县浇花节) Intangible Heritage Performance, Tea Picking Dance (Main venue in 2025)

Geographical Indications

Deang Sour Tea (德昂酸茶): A national geographical indication product, with Santai Mountain Township (芒市三台山乡) as the core production area.

Regional Distribution Features (Partial)

Region County/Township Notable Features
Dehong Prefecture Santai Mountain Township (三台山乡), Mangshi (芒市) The only Deang ethnic township in China, traditional village of Chudonggua
Lincang City Zhenkang County (镇康县), Junlong Township (军弄乡) A concentrated Deang community (94% Deang population)
Baoshan City Longling County (龙陵县), Mengnuo Town (勐糯镇) Multi-ethnic community, ancient Qing Dynasty village remains

Note: Data compiled from government reports (2020-2025), the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ traditional village directory, and intangible heritage protection records. Some population data is based on the 2010 census.