Geographical Distribution of Yao Ethnic Minority in Yunnan

The Yao ethnic minority is one of China’s prominent indigenous groups, known for their rich cultural traditions, unique language, and vibrant customs. In Yunnan Province, the Yao people are primarily found in areas such as Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), and Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). These regions serve as the heart of the Yao community in Yunnan, where they make up a significant portion of the population.

The Yao people have a deeply rooted connection to their land, with distinct cultural landmarks and traditional villages scattered across the province. Panwang Festival (盘王节), one of the most important cultural events, celebrates their ancestral figure Panwang (盘王), and highlights the Yao people’s devotion to their heritage. With a population of approximately 190,000 in Yunnan (2025 data), the Yao are a proud and influential group, contributing to the province’s cultural diversity.

Yunnan’s Yao ethnic communities are also known for their unique customs in agriculture, hunting, marriage, and funeral rituals, which have been passed down through generations. Despite the challenges of modernization, they have managed to preserve many aspects of their traditional way of life, including distinctive dress, handicrafts, and music.

Key areas like Hekou Yao Autonomous County (河口瑶族自治县), Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县), and Mengla County (勐腊县) serve as cultural and administrative centers for the Yao population, with towns such as Yaoshan Township (瑶山乡) being focal points for cultural preservation.

Through continued efforts to maintain their traditions and celebrate their heritage, the Yao people in Yunnan continue to be a vital and vibrant part of the province’s multicultural identity.

Main Distribution Areas of the Yao Ethnic Group

The Yao ethnic group is distributed across several key regions in Yunnan Province. Below is a detailed breakdown of the counties and prefectures where the Yao people primarily reside:

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州)

The Yao population in Wenshan is spread across several counties:

• Funing County (富宁县) (Dongbo Yao Ethnic Township) (洞波瑶族乡)

• Malipo County (麻栗坡县) (Mengdong Yao Ethnic Township) (猛硐瑶族乡)

• Maguan County (马关县)

• Guangnan County (广南县)

In this area, the Yao population is approximately 82,600, which accounts for 2.36% of the total population in Wenshan Prefecture.

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州)

Yao people are found in the following counties:

• Hekou Yao Autonomous County (河口瑶族自治县)

• Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县)

• Pingbian County (屏边县)

Hekou County has a total population of 96,100 (as per 2025 data), with a notable Yao presence.

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州)

• Mengla County (勐腊县) (Yao Ethnic Township) (瑶区瑶族乡)

Yao Autonomous Counties in Yunnan

Yunnan has two Yao Autonomous Counties that are crucial to the Yao community’s governance and cultural preservation:

Hekou Yao Autonomous County (河口瑶族自治县) – Honghe Prefecture

• Hekou County includes 2 towns and 4 townships: Hekou Town (河口镇), Nanxi Town (南溪镇), Laofanzhai Township (老范寨乡), Qiaotou Miao and Zhuang Township (桥头苗族壮族乡), Yaoshan Township (瑶山乡), and Lianhuatan Township (莲花滩乡). This county plays a key role in the cultural and administrative life of the Yao people in the region.

Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县) – Honghe Prefecture

• Comprising 4 towns and 9 townships, Jinping County is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Yao, Miao, and Dai communities. This area is an important hub for Yao culture and cross-cultural exchanges among ethnic minorities.

Yao Ethnic Townships in Yunnan (2025)

There are 5 Yao ethnic townships in Yunnan:

Yao Ethnic Township (瑶区瑶族乡) – Mengla County

• Located in Mengla County, the township includes villages such as Sharen Village (沙仁村) and Huanglianshan Village (黄连山村), where Yao people make up over 95% of the population. The area is known for its deep-rooted Yao culture and traditions.

Dongbo Yao Ethnic Township (洞波瑶族乡) – Funing County

• This township consists of 12 administrative villages, where the Yao people are the dominant ethnic group, forming a significant portion of the local population.

Mengdong Yao Ethnic Township (猛硐瑶族乡) – Malipo County

• With over 95% of the population being Yao, this township is located near the border with Vietnam, which adds to its unique cultural mix and historical significance.

Gaoliang Zhuang, Miao, and Yao Ethnic Township (高良壮族苗族瑶族乡) – Shizong County

• A multi-ethnic township, Gaoliang is home to Yao communities alongside Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups, contributing to the area’s rich diversity.

Yaoshan Township (瑶山乡) – Hekou County

• Recognized as one of the core regions for the preservation of Yao culture, Yaoshan Township holds cultural significance and serves as a center for Yao community life and traditions.

Yao Population and Proportions in Yunnan

• Total Yao population in Yunnan: Approximately 190,000 (2025 data).

• Wenshan Prefecture (文山州): 82,600 Yao people, with further population breakdowns for Funing County (富宁县) unavailable.

• Honghe Prefecture (红河州): In Jinping County (金平县), the Yao population is a significant minority group. Specific population proportions in Hekou County (河口县) are not provided.

Distinctive Yao Villages and Cultural Landmarks

The Yao ethnic group is rich in culture and traditions, which are reflected in their villages, landmarks, and festivals. Some of the most notable include:

Traditional Villages and Festivals

• Panwang Festival (盘王节):
  This major festival is celebrated on the 16th day of the 10th lunar month, with significant festivities taking place in Mengdong Yao Ethnic Township (猛硐瑶族乡) and Yaoshan Township (瑶山乡). The festival honors the Yao ancestor Panwang (盘王) and is a highlight of the Yao cultural calendar.

• Tongta Village (铜塔村):
  Located in Mengdong Township, Tongta Village is home to a historical site related to the Laoshan Battle (老山战役), offering visitors a glimpse into the area’s Red Culture and revolutionary history.

• Batiaoban Village (八条半村民小组):
  In Yaoshan Township, this village is known for its well-preserved traditional Yao architecture, which provides insight into the community’s lifestyle and craftsmanship.

Geographical Landmarks and Cultural Centers

• Panwang Town (盘王小镇):
  Panwang Town is a large-scale cultural project dedicated to Yao culture, featuring the Panwang Square (盘王广场) and a Cultural Heritage Center (文化传习馆). This town serves as a major cultural and tourist hub for the Yao people.

• Huanglianshan Village (黄连山村):
  Famous for its ancient tea trees and breathtaking terraced rice fields, Huanglianshan Village offers stunning views and is a significant cultural landscape for the Yao community.

• Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县):
  In addition to its historical significance, the county is known for its mixed ethnic communities, including the Yao people, and remains a stronghold of traditional Yao customs and cultural practices.

Yao Culture and Preservation

Yunnan’s Yao communities are dedicated to preserving their cultural heritage, including language, music, and traditional crafts. The Panwang Festival (盘王节) is an important cultural event that strengthens community bonds and reaffirms cultural identity. Similarly, efforts are being made to preserve traditional Yao architecture and landscapes, ensuring that future generations can continue to celebrate their rich cultural legacy.