Geographical Distribution of Hani Ethnic Minority

The Hani ethnic minority in Yunnan is primarily located in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture. Known for their distinctive terraced farming and Mushroom House architecture, the Hani maintain a rich cultural heritage, deeply connected to agriculture. Key attractions include the Hani Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and festivals like the Ku Zaza Festival and October New Year. Their lifestyle is marked by sustainable living practices and a strong sense of community. The Hani people are also famous for their vibrant festivals, unique cuisine, and traditional music and dance, offering a fascinating glimpse into a well-preserved cultural way of life.

Distribution and Cultural Overview of the Hani Ethnic Minority in Yunnan

Core Distribution and Population Data

Major Hani Settlements

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): The core settlement area for the Hani people, with a total population of about 911,900, representing 55% of the Hani population in Yunnan.

Luchun County (绿春县): Home to 216,000 Hani people, making up 87.6% of the population. It is the largest Hani settlement county in China.

Yuanyang County (元阳县): Known as the heart of Terraced Field Culture, with around 150,000 Hani people.

Pu’er City (普洱市): Includes Mojian Hani Autonomous County (墨江哈尼族自治县) where the Hani people make up 63.3% of the population, as well as Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County (江城哈尼族彝族自治县).

Xishuangbanna Prefecture (西双版纳州): Main settlements are in Menghai County (勐海县), specifically Gelanghe Hani Ethnic Township (格朗和哈尼族乡) and Jingha Hani Ethnic Township (景哈哈尼族乡).

Population Statistics

The total Hani population in Yunnan is approximately 1.66 million (2010 data), with most living in the Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) and Wuliang Mountain (无量山) regions.

Most Populous Areas:

• Region: Honghe Prefecture (红河州), with over 55% of the Hani population.

• County: Luchun County (绿春县) – 216,000 Hani people.

• Town: Daxing Town (大兴镇) in Luchun County – a key administrative center (exact population data is unavailable).

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Prefectures and Counties

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): The only Hani Autonomous Prefecture in China, consisting of 13 counties and cities.

Autonomous Counties:

• Mojian Hani Autonomous County (墨江哈尼族自治县): The only county in China with a majority Hani population.

• Yuanyang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县).

• Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County (江城哈尼族彝族自治县).

Ethnic Townships

Iconic Villages and Settlements

World-Class Villages

Azeke Village (阿者科村), Yuanyang County (元阳县):
In 2024, Azeke Village was selected as a “Best Tourism Village” by the United Nations, preserving the Hani “Mushroom House” architecture and the Four Elemental Symbiosis ecological system.

• Festivals: Ku Zaza Festival (矻扎扎节) (June Festival), October New Year (十月年).

Nationally Recognized Traditional Villages

Festival Locations

Ku Zaza Festival (矻扎扎节): Celebrated throughout Honghe Prefecture (红河州), with the main venue often set at the Yuanyang Terraces (元阳梯田).

October New Year (十月年): Celebrated in Longba Town (龙坝镇), Mojian County (墨江县), as part of the Black Forest Ethnic Culture Festival.

Iconic Geographical Features

Hani Terraces

Location: Yuanyang County (元阳县), Honghe County (红河县), Luchun County (绿春县), and Jinping County (金平县), covering a total area of about 1 million acres.

Key Landscapes:

• Duoyi Shu Terraces (多依树梯田) – Famous for its sunrise and sea of clouds.

• Bada Terraces (坝达梯田) – Known for its spectacular seven-colored reflections.

Sea of Clouds Scenery

Nanuo Sea of Clouds Terraces (那诺云海梯田), Yuanyang County (元江县), Yuxi City (玉溪市):
During the winter and spring seasons, morning fog surrounds the terraces, creating a “watercolor terrace” effect.