Geographical Distribution of Miao Ethnic Minority

The Miao ethnic minority in Yunnan is widely spread across the province, with the highest concentration in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), which hosts over 30% of the Miao population in Yunnan. The Miao people have a rich cultural heritage, marked by unique festivals, traditional cuisine, and community-driven customs. Notable festivals include the Flower Mountain Festival (花山节) and Jumping Flower Festival (跳花节), while Miao cuisine is known for its spicy, sour flavors, with dishes like Sour Soup Fish (酸汤鱼) and Miao Rice (糯米饭). The Miao live in scattered villages, with some cultural centers like Tangzi Village (塘子寨) and Yunzhong Miao Village (云中苗寨) preserving traditional practices. With a population of about 1.04 million, the Miao continue to thrive in Yunnan, blending traditional life with modern influences.

1. Core Distribution and Population Data

Provincial Distribution Pattern

The Miao ethnic group is spread across 87 counties and cities in 16 prefectures of Yunnan Province, with a pattern of “large dispersion, small settlements.”

Key Settlements:

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州): This is the region with the highest concentration of Miao people in the province, making up over 30% of the population.

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): Jinping County (金平县) has a Miao population of 52,000.

Zhaotong City (昭通市): The ancient Miao villages from the Ming Dynasty can still be found in places like Weixin County (威信县).

Population Statistics:

Total Miao population: Approximately 1.04 million (2025 data), accounting for 15% of the national Miao population.

County Distribution:

• Guangnan County (广南县): Over 50,000 Miao people.

• Luquan County (禄劝县): 18,700 Miao people (3.86% of the county’s population).

• Jinping County (金平县): 52,000 Miao people.

2. Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Prefectures:

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州) (established in 1958): The only prefecture in China where both the Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups share autonomous governance.

Autonomous Counties:

Pingbian Miao Autonomous County (屏边苗族自治县) (established in 1963): The only Miao-only autonomous county in China.

Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县) (established in 1985): A joint autonomous county for three ethnic groups.

3. Miao Towns in Yunnan

Currently, there are no exclusively Miao-designated towns in Yunnan. The Miao people mostly live in villages within the following towns:

Kaifa Town (开化镇) (Wenshan Prefecture, with Miao settlements like Tangzi Village (塘子寨)).

Shuitian Town (水田镇) (Weixin County, with the Wanzi Miao Village (湾子苗寨)).

Long’an Town (龙安镇) (Yiliang County, with the Yunzhong Miao Village (云中苗寨)).

Panhe Town (盘河镇) (Zhaoyang District, with villages like Wuzhai Village (五寨村)).

Notable Miao Villages:

Tangzi Village (塘子寨) (Wenshan Prefecture): Awarded “Most Beautiful Ethnic Village” in Wenshan in 2019.

• Honors: The village has received support from Shanghai’s Jing’an District, establishing projects like a mushroom planting base and rural tourism.

• Culture: The village retains traditional Miao customs such as bullfighting and bamboo pole dancing.

Wanzi Miao Village (湾子苗寨) (Weixin County): Founded in the mid-Ming Dynasty, it has a 500-year history.

• Protection: Designated as a Cultural and Ecological Protection Village (民族文化生态保护村) by Yunnan Province in 2001 and included in China’s first batch of Traditional Villages (传统村落) in 2013.

Yunzhong Miao Village (云中苗寨) (Yiliang County): Transformed into a rural tourism destination in 2021, featuring dining, accommodations, and cafes with support from China Agricultural University.

Pianpo Miao Village (偏坡苗寨) (Zhaotong City): Awarded the title of “Chinese Minority Characteristic Village” (中国少数民族特色村寨) in 2017, with 136 Miao houses being renovated.

Wuzhai Village (五寨村) (Zhaoyang District, Panhe Town): Situated at an altitude of 1,812 meters, it is a village with a high Miao population. It is on the list of Green Beautiful Villages (绿美村庄) recommended for development by the city in 2023.

Other Key Villages:

Lazhe Village (腊者村) (Luoping County): A village with Buiyi Miao mixed housing (布依族苗族混居) on the banks of the Duo River (多依河). It is the most well-preserved Buiyi and Miao mixed community in Yunnan.

4. Cultural and Geographic Markers

Southeast Yunnan Karst Terraces (滇东南喀斯特梯田): These terraces, located in Wenshan Prefecture, reflect the Miao agricultural system and have a symbiotic relationship with Miao culture.

Three Parallel Rivers Region (三江并流区): The Nujiang Gorge (怒江峡谷) area retains important Miao migration traces.

5. Miao Festivals and Events

Flower Mountain Festival (花山节)

Main Venue: The surrounding villages near Tianbao Port (天保口岸) in Malipo County (麻栗坡县).

Featured Activities: Flower pole climbing, Lusheng dance (芦笙舞), and traditional costume exhibitions.

Jumping Flower Festival (跳花节)

Fixed Venues:

• Kunming Yunnan Ethnic Village Miao Village Scenic Area (昆明云南民族村苗族村景区).

• Yuping Town (玉屏镇), Pingbian County (屏边县).

These festivals highlight the Miao people’s cultural richness and their deep connection to agriculture, social activities, and traditional beliefs. The Miao ethnic group has maintained a strong cultural identity through its festivals, village customs, and everyday practices.