Geographical Distribution of Yiche Ethnic People

The Yiche ethnic group, a sub-branch of the Hani people, primarily resides in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) in Yunnan, particularly in Dayangjie Township (大羊街乡), Langdi Township (浪堤乡), and Chegu Township (车古乡). With a population of approximately 23,000, they represent 1.1% of the Hani population in the region.

Yiche culture is deeply intertwined with traditional practices, such as the “Ta” mutual assistance system and unique clothing styles, including the “turtle-style” garment for women. Their faith in sacred mountains and trees is central to their spirituality, and they celebrate several festivals like the Yang’an Festival (仰阿娜节), dedicated to love and courtship.

While the Yiche people face challenges such as the outflow of young people, efforts like the Cherry Blossom Valley Tourism Festival (樱花谷旅游节) have been implemented to preserve their cultural heritage. Notable landmarks include Mengzi Hongdu Mountain (孟子红都山), a sacred site, and Chepu Village (车普村), a cultural heritage zone. Traditional Yiche music, embroidery, and terraced farming techniques are also recognized as intangible cultural heritage.

Distribution and Cultural Overview of the Yiche Ethnic Group in Yunnan

1. Core Distribution and Population Data

Primary Settlements:

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): The Yiche people, a branch of the Hani ethnic group, primarily inhabit Dayangjie Township (大羊街乡), Langdi Township (浪堤乡), and Chegu Township (车古乡) in Honghe County (红河县), constituting over 95% of the total Yiche population in Yunnan.

Other Areas:

The Yiche people are scattered in small numbers across areas such as Yuxi (玉溪) and Pu’er (普洱), but there is no concrete statistical data to support their exact numbers in these regions.

Population Statistics:

Total Population: Approximately 23,000 people (2025 latest data), representing 1.1% of the total Hani population.

Yiche Population by Township:

Dayangjie Township (红河哈尼族彝族自治州红河县): Around 13,900 people, 75% of the township’s total population.

Langdi Township (红河县): Around 6,000 people, 30% of the township’s total population.

Chegu Township (红河县): Around 3,000 people, 15% of the township’s total population.

2. Autonomous Administrative Units

Ethnic Townships and Special Administrative Units:

No Autonomous Prefecture or County: Yiche people do not have their own autonomous prefecture or county in Yunnan; their settlements are governed by the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州).

Core Settlements:

Dayangjie Township (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): The cultural heartland of the Yiche people, with 52 natural villages. This area includes the “Chepu Village Hani and Yiche Traditional Cultural Protection Zone” (车普村哈尼族（奕车）传统文化保护区).

Langdi Township (红河县) and Chegu Township (红河县): Some villages in these areas are mixed settlements of Yiche people, Yi, and Han ethnic groups.

Yiche Villages in Yunnan

Chepu Village (Dayangjie Township) (车普村): Located within the traditional cultural protection zone, surrounded by terraced fields, and home to 191 households (925 people). The area preserves the faith in sacred mountains and trees.

Wazha Village (Langdi Township) (瓦渣村): Famous for its embroidery craftsmanship, the women’s attire is valued at over a thousand yuan. The village is known for its unique aesthetic, especially during festivals when it is called “the sexiest ethnic group.”

Azhahe Township (Adjacent Area) (阿扎河乡): Known for preserving original Yiche music ceremonies, such as ritual and wedding ceremonies, where “musical language” is expressed.

3. Cultural Protection

Cultural Preservation: Traditional clothing, terraced rice farming techniques, and the “Ta” mutual assistance system have been listed as intangible cultural heritage (ICH) items for preservation.

Chepu Village (Dayangjie Township) (车普村): A provincial-level cultural heritage site, preserving Qing Dynasty “one-stamp” courtyard-style houses. It is a hub for the ICH of “handwoven textile skills.”

Tuocha Village (Dayangjie Township) (妥赊村): A traditional Chinese village known for its “forest-village-terrace” landscape, surrounded by terraced fields and welcoming over 50,000 visitors annually.

Lige Village (Langdi Township) (里格村): Known as the birthplace of Yiche drum dance and home to the main venue of the Yang’an Festival (仰阿娜节), a festival celebrating love and relationships among the youth.

4. Cultural and Geographic Landmarks

Natural and Cultural Landmarks:

Mengzi Hongdu Mountain (孟子红都山) (elevation: 2125 meters): Revered by the Yiche as a “sacred mountain,” this is where the Yang’an Festival (仰阿娜节) is held, and a sacred site for love and courtship.

Cherry Blossom Valley (樱花谷) (across Dayangjie Township and Langdi Township): A valley known for its spring cherry blossom views combined with terraced rice paddies. It also features an agricultural cultural exhibition area.

Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Clothing:

Yiche Traditional Clothing: Women wear “turtle-style” garments paired with tight-fitting shorts (Laba), while men wear a unique belt of Tibetan origin. This traditional clothing was listed as a provincial-level ICH in 2009.

Kazhuo Language (喀卓语): A unique dialect combining elements of Hani and Yi languages, with no written script.

5. Additional Information

Historical Background:

The Yiche people are a branch of the Hani ethnic group that migrated south during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝). They settled in Honghe County (红河县) during the Ming Dynasty (明代) and consider themselves descendants of “Abo Yangzhou.”

Contemporary Challenges:

In recent years, the Yiche people have faced challenges in maintaining their traditional skills due to the outflow of young adults. However, the local government has promoted cultural protection through tourism initiatives, such as the Cherry Blossom Valley Tourism Festival (樱花谷旅游节), helping preserve their cultural heritage.