The Jingpo (景颇) ethnic group is primarily distributed across the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (德宏傣族景颇族自治州) and the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州), with a small population in other areas like Pu’er (普洱) and Baoshan (保山). They are known for their rich cultural heritage, including distinctive traditions, festivals, music, and unique villages.

Key Highlights:

Core Areas: Most Jingpo people live in Dehong Prefecture, especially in Longchuan (陇川) and Yingjiang (盈江) counties.

Festivals: The Muna Zongge Festival is the most important celebration, held annually to honor the sky god Mudai (木代) with large-scale dances and rituals.

Traditional Villages: Villages like Bangdong (邦东) and Leinong (雷弄) preserve unique Jingpo cultural practices such as stilt houses, traditional dances, and the Chong Cai (舂菜) food culture.

Geography: The Gaoligong Mountain (高黎贡山) and Nujiang Gorge (怒江峡谷) are key landmarks in Jingpo migration history, shaping their agricultural and cultural practices.

The Jingpo community is known for its deep connection to nature, vibrant festivals, and well-preserved customs.

Jingpo Ethnic Minority in Yunnan: Distribution and Cultural Overview (2025 Edition)

Core Distribution and Population Data

Major Settlements

Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (德宏傣族景颇族自治州): The primary settlement area for the Jingpo (景颇) people, home to 95.86% of the Jingpo population in Yunnan as of 2000. Key areas include Longchuan (陇川), Yingjiang (盈江), Mangshi (芒市, formerly Luxi), Ruili (瑞丽), and Lianghe (梁河).

Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州): Smaller populations are found in border areas such as Pianma (片马), Gulang (古浪), and Gangfang (岗房).

Other scattered areas: Including Gengma County (耿马县) in Lincang (临沧), Menglian County (孟连县) in Pu’er (普洱), and Tengchong (腾冲) in Baoshan (保山).

Population Statistics

Total Population: 160,471 people (as of 2021), with 124,822 people living in Dehong Prefecture (as of 2000).

Most Populous Regions:

• Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture

• Longchuan County (陇川县), the area with the highest concentration of Jingpo population.

• Wangzishu Township (王子树乡) in Longchuan County, home to the Bangdong Jingpo Village (邦东景颇寨村) and other Jingpo settlements.

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Prefecture

Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture: Established in 1956, it is the only autonomous prefecture in China named after both the Dai and Jingpo ethnic groups.

Ethnic Townships

There are no independent Jingpo ethnic autonomous counties or townships in Yunnan; the Jingpo people share autonomous governance with other ethnic groups in Dehong Prefecture.

• Huguo Township (护国乡) in Longchuan County is a traditional Jingpo settlement area known for its Muna Zongge culture.

• Taiping Town (太平镇) in Yingjiang County is a mixed settlement of Jingpo, Han, and Dai people, preserving traditional farming cultures.

Notable Villages and Cultural Sites

Cultural Core Villages

Bangdong Jingpo Village (邦东景颇寨村), Wangzishu Township, Longchuan County: A typical Jingpo village covering an area of 2.8 square kilometers with 47 households and 204 residents. It retains traditional stilt houses.

Dengga Village (等嘎村), Ruili City: A Jingpo settlement known for its celebration of the Muna Zongge Festival and cross-border cultural exchanges.

Bada Village (巴达村), Zengzi Township, Longchuan County: Referred to as the “Home of Muna Zongge,” this village hosts large-scale ethnic festivals annually.

Mangbie Village (芒别村), Fengping Township, Mangshi City: Known for its well-preserved Jingpo bamboo architecture and Chong Cai (舂菜) food culture.

Leinong Village (雷弄村), Huyu Township, Ruili City: A border village with unique cultural exchanges with the Kachin (克钦族) people from Myanmar.

Traditional Villages and Festival Locations

Ethnic Festivals

Muna Zongge Festival

The Muna Zongge Festival is held alternately in Dehong Prefecture counties, with Longchuan County being the largest venue. It is an important cultural festival for the Jingpo people, featuring traditional singing and dancing in honor of their sky god Mudai (木代).

New Rice Festival

The New Rice Festival is celebrated in villages like Kachang Town (卡场镇) in Yingjiang County. The festival marks the harvest of the season with traditional rituals and celebrations.

Geographic Features

Gaoligong Mountain – Nujiang Gorge

The Gaoligong Mountain (高黎贡山) and Nujiang Gorge (怒江峡谷) are significant geographical markers in the Jingpo migration history. These landscapes have shaped the historical and cultural evolution of the Jingpo people.

Ruilijiang – Dayingjiang Basin

The Ruilijiang (瑞丽江) and Dayingjiang Basin (大盈江流域) represent the traditional agricultural heartland of the Jingpo people in Dehong Prefecture. These areas are integral to their farming culture and heritage.