Geographical Distribution of Hui Ethnic Minority in Yunnan

The Hui ethnic minority in Yunnan is primarily concentrated in several key areas, including Zhaotong City (昭通市), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), and Kunming City (昆明市), with significant populations in counties such as Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County (寻甸回族彝族自治县) and Wenshan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县). The Hui community in Yunnan is known for its strong Islamic traditions, which are reflected in their festivals, cultural practices, and distinct villages.

Key Cultural Elements

The Hui people in Yunnan celebrate major Islamic festivals like Eid al-Fitr (开斋节) and Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节), with festive gatherings and local activities.

The Hui are also known for their rich cultural heritage, including the preservation of ancient architecture and traditional customs in villages like Donglianhua Village (东莲花村) and Dahui Village (大回村).

The Hui community actively participates in the arts and literature, with figures in various fields such as history, music, and the performing arts.

Economic Contributions

Hui communities are involved in diverse industries, including traditional craftsmanship, agriculture, and processing industries such as lead production in places like Jinchuan Hui Township (金川回族乡).

Hui Population Distribution and Cultural Overview in Yunnan

1. Core Distribution and Population Data

Major Settled Areas

Zhaotong City (昭通市): The Hui population in Zhaotong is nearly 210,000, accounting for over a quarter of Yunnan’s Hui population. It is the largest Hui-populated city in the province.

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州): Wenshan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县) is one of the main Hui areas, with a resident population of 263,800 (2024 data).

Kunming City (昆明市): Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County (寻甸回族彝族自治县), with a Hui population of 48,909, is the county with the largest Hui population in Yunnan, making up 11.33% of the total population.

Population Statistics

Most Populous Area:

  • City/Region: Zhaotong City (昭通市) (approximately 210,000 Hui)

  • County/City: Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County (寻甸回族彝族自治县) (48,909 Hui)

  • Township: Bounan Village, Yongping County, Dali Prefecture (大理州永平县博南镇) (95% Hui population, total population 8,789)

2. Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Counties

Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County (寻甸回族彝族自治县): The county with the largest Hui population in Yunnan, consisting of 3 streets, 9 towns, and 4 townships.

Wenshan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县): With a population of 263,800, it is predominantly inhabited by Yi and Hui people.

Ethnic Townships

Name Located in Features
Jinchuan Hui Township (金川回族乡) Gejiu City, Honghe Prefecture (红河州个旧市) Retains strong Islamic cultural traditions, with an economy based on lead processing.
Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Township (九乡彝族回族乡) Yiliang County, Kunming City (昆明市宜良县) Known for the Jiuxiang Scenic Area, with 3 communities and 5 administrative villages.
Xinjie Hui Township (新街回族乡) Huize County, Qujing City (曲靖市会泽县) Comprising 16 administrative villages, with a population of 44,927 (2019).

3. Notable Villages and Cultural Areas

Cultural Core Areas

Donglianhua Village (东莲花村), Wenshan County (巍山县): A Hui village along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road with well-preserved traditional architecture, a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage site.

  • Festivals: Eid al-Fitr (开斋节), Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节).

Dahui Village (大回村), Tonghai County, Yuxi City (玉溪市通海县): Selected as a Beautiful Village in Yunnan Province in 2021, listed as a Traditional Village in China in 2016. The mosque was built in the Ming Dynasty, and the Ma Family Courtyard is a provincial-level cultural heritage site.

Qudong Village (曲硐村), Yongping County, Dali Prefecture (大理州永平县): Hui population accounts for 95%, preserving the Hui cultural traditions.

Traditional Villages and Festival Locations

Village Name Located in Features
Xiazai (下寨) Tengchong City, Baoshan (保山市腾冲市) Selected as a National Ethnic Minority Characteristic Village in 2017, with nearly half the population Hui.
Mi Xing Village (米姓村) Location unspecified A traditional Hui village primarily composed of the Mi surname Hui.

Major Festival Locations

Eid al-Fitr (开斋节): Large-scale celebrations are held in Kunming (昆明) and other cities.

Wenshan Snack Festival (巍山小吃节): Held around the 8th day of the second lunar month, showcasing traditional Hui cuisine.

4. Special Geographical Identifiers

Xundian Beef Jerky (寻甸牛干巴)

Xundian Hui and Yi Autonomous County (寻甸回族彝族自治县): A specialty of Yunnan, and a Chinese national geographical indication product. Traditionally made by salting and air-drying, it has a rich, savory flavor.