Geographical Distribution of Huayaodai Ethnic People

The Huayaodai (花腰傣) are a unique subgroup of the Dai (傣) ethnic group, residing primarily in the upper reaches of the Honghe River (红河) in Yunnan Province. They are predominantly found in Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County (新平彝族傣族自治县), known as the “Hometown of Huayaodai,” and Yuanjiang County (元江县), with notable concentrations in Jiasa Town (戛洒镇) and Mosha Town (漠沙镇). The Huayaodai people are recognized for their distinctive and vibrant cultural practices, which include a unique style of dress and rich ethnic traditions.

The name “Huayaodai,” meaning “Flower Waist Dai,” refers to their traditional attire, which features colorful, intricately woven belts and silver accessories, highlighting their deep-rooted cultural identity. This attire, along with their traditional practices such as Flower Street Festival (花街节), plays a significant role in their social and cultural life.

The Flower Street Festival is one of the most important events for the Huayaodai people, where young men and women celebrate by engaging in courtship rituals, exchanging symbolic food offerings, and participating in vibrant dance performances. This festival not only serves as a celebration of love but has also evolved into a major cultural event that showcases the ethnic group’s rich heritage.

The Huayaodai people’s traditions, customs, and lifestyle offer a glimpse into the cultural fusion of ancient and contemporary influences in the region. Through their customs, language, and festivals, they continue to preserve a unique identity, drawing visitors to explore their deep connection with nature and history. Their settlements, particularly Dabinglangyuan Village (大槟榔园村) and Nanjian Village (南碱村), have become key cultural landmarks that highlight their vibrant heritage.

As a group that has historically remained somewhat isolated, the Huayaodai are an integral part of the larger Dai cultural tapestry in Yunnan, offering insight into the traditions and social structures of the Daiya, Daisa, and Daika subgroups. Despite modern influences, they continue to uphold many of their traditional beliefs and practices, making them a vital part of Yunnan’s diverse ethnic mosaic.

Distribution and Cultural Overview of the Huayaodai Ethnic Group in Yunnan

1. Core Distribution and Population Data

Main Settling Areas

Yuxi City (玉溪市): The core area of the Huayaodai population, primarily concentrated in Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County (新平彝族傣族自治县), which is renowned as the “Hometown of Huayaodai” (中国花腰傣之乡).

Xinping County (新平县): Jiasa Town (戛洒镇) has a Dai population of 11,600, accounting for 39.9% of the total population in the town, with Mosha Town (漠沙镇) and Shuitang Town (水塘镇) also being key areas of settlement.

Yuanjiang County (元江县): A small number of Huayaodai people are scattered throughout Yuanjiang Hani Yi and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县).

Population Statistics

Xinping County: The total population of Yi and Dai ethnic groups is approximately 184,800, making up 70.6% of the county’s total population (2025 data).

Most Populous Areas:

• Region: Yuxi City (with Xinping County as the core area).

• County: Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County.

• Town: Jiasa Town (傣族人口1.16万).

2. Autonomous Administrative Division

Autonomous Affiliation

There is no separate Huayaodai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, and the main autonomous unit is Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County, which is jointly governed by the Yi and Dai peoples.

Ethnic Townships

Pingzhang Yi and Dai Ethnic Township (平掌彝族傣族乡) in Xinping County.

Gucheng Yi and Hani Ethnic Township (古城彝族哈尼族乡) in Xinping County.

3. Key Villages and Cultural Sites

Cultural Core Area

Dabinglangyuan Village (大槟榔园村) in Jiasa Town: This village retains traditional Huayaodai stilt houses, silver jewelry attire, and the customs of the Flower Street Festival (花街节). It was designated as a National Demonstration Zone for Characteristic Towns in 2017.

Nanjian Village (南碱村) in Mosha Town: A nationally recognized civilized village, with a Huayaodai Cultural Heritage Museum and traditional intangible cultural heritage projects, including bamboo weaving and red sugar production.

Mosha Damu Village (漠沙大沐浴村): A settlement of the Daiya subgroup, known for its traditional Tuzhang (土掌房) architecture and the customs of “talking about love.”

Traditional Villages and Festival Locations

Huayaotianjian Folk Village (花腰田间民俗村) in Jiasa Town, Pingzhai Community: A AAA-level tourist attraction, showcasing terraced farming and liquor-making craftsmanship.

Xinzai Village (新寨村) in Jiasa Town: The main venue for the Flower Street Festival, featuring song and dance parades and Longba (竜粑) making activities.

4. Ethnic Festivals and Geographical Significance

Flower Street Festival (花街节)

Time: The first “Ox” day of the lunar second month in Jiasa Town, the 13th day of the first lunar month, and the 6th day of the fifth lunar month in Mosha Town.

Content: Young men and women compete in beauty and partner selection, exchange Yangluo rice (秧箩饭), and participate in traditional song and dance performances.

Geographical Significance

Ailao Mountain – Honghe Valley (哀牢山-红河谷): The traditional living area of the Huayaodai, which includes terraced fields, areca palm forests, and other unique ecological landscapes.

Jiasa River (戛洒江): Dabinglangyuan Village is located by the river, forming a unique river valley settlement pattern.