Geographical Distribution of Manchu Ethnic Minority

The Manchu people in Yunnan (云南) are primarily concentrated in Kunming (昆明) and Baoshan (保山), with smaller communities spread across other regions like Qujing (曲靖), Honghe (红河), Chuxiong (楚雄), and Dehong (德宏). The Manchu population in the province is estimated to be between 12,000 and 14,000, comprising about 0.03% to 0.04% of the total population. The community is primarily urbanized, with no distinct Manchu autonomous regions or townships in Yunnan (云南).

Historically, the Manchu people migrated to Yunnan (云南) during the Qing Dynasty (清朝), with some tracing their ancestry to Mongol (蒙古) soldiers of the Yuan Dynasty (元朝) and others to Qing garrison troops (清朝驻军). While most Manchu individuals have adopted Han Chinese (汉族) names and surnames, their cultural heritage is still preserved in places like Shuigouwa Village (水沟洼村), a historic Manchu settlement in Baoshan (保山) with a 600-year-old history.

Distribution and Cultural Overview of the Manchu People in Yunnan

Core Distribution and Population Data

Main Settling Areas

Kunming City: The most concentrated area for the Manchu population, accounting for over 30% of the total Manchu population in Yunnan. The majority are distributed in urban districts like Wuhua District (五华区) and Panlong District (盘龙区).

Baoshan City: The second major settlement area, with approximately 20% of the Manchu population in Yunnan, living alongside other ethnic groups such as the Han (汉族) and Dai (傣族).

Other Settlements: There are scattered Manchu communities in places such as Qujing (曲靖), Honghe (红河), Chuxiong (楚雄), and Dehong (德宏), with a pattern of “large dispersion, small settlements.”

Population Statistics

Total Population: The Manchu population in Yunnan is approximately 12,000 to 13,700 people, making up 0.03% to 0.04% of the province’s total population.

Most Populous Area:

• Region: Kunming City

• County: Wuhua District (昆明主城区)

• Township: There are no Manchu ethnic townships, with most Manchu people living in urban communities.

Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Prefectures/Counties: Yunnan does not have any Manchu autonomous prefectures or counties. The Manchu people live alongside other ethnic groups.

Cultural Characteristics

Traditional Festivals

Golden Award Festival (颁金节) – Lunar October 13: An annual celebration for the Manchu community in Kunming, commemorating the Emperor Huang Taiji‘s decree to change the ethnic name to Manchu.

Historical Origins

Yuan Dynasty Legacy: Some Manchu people in Yunnan are descendants of the Mongol army under Kublai Khan during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝). A reference to this can be found in the couplet at the Daguan Tower (大观楼) in Kunming, which mentions “Yuan crosses the Genguan” (元跨革囊).

Qing Dynasty Garrison Descendants: After the Qing Dynasty army stationed in Yunnan during the Kangxi Emperor‘s (康熙帝) reign, many Manchu soldiers settled in the region.

Ethnic Integration Characteristics

Cultural Transformation

Many Manchu people have adopted Han Chinese surnames and names. Traditional Manchu surnames like Gualjia (瓜尔佳) (now Guan (关)) and Niu Hulv (纽祜禄) (now Lang (郎)) have gradually disappeared.

Notable Settlements

Shuigouwa Village (水沟洼村), located in Baoshan’s Longyang District (保山市隆阳区瓦房彝族苗族乡), is the only historic Manchu settlement in Yunnan, where Manchu people make up 72% of the population. It is listed as a provincial ethnic characteristic village.

• History: The founding ancestor, Huang Zuo, migrated from Nanjing (南京) during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (明朝), and the village has a history of over 600 years.

• Culture: The village preserves Manchu traditional clothing, paper-cutting, wedding customs, and has built a Manchu cultural square.

General Population and Distribution

The total Manchu population in Yunnan is around 14,000, most of whom migrated during the Qing Dynasty and modern times for military or business purposes. They are mainly concentrated in Baoshan and Kunming, with some scattered communities in other regions like Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) and Lincang (临沧). However, there are no large Manchu villages in these areas.