The Tibetan population of Yunnan Province is 140000, mainly living in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with a small number scattered in Yulong, Gongshan, Yongsheng, Ninglang and other counties. Tibetan culture is rich and colorful, with its own language and characters. They believe in Tibetan Buddhism and regard white as a symbol of sanctity. They live in compact community in mostly highlands and mountainous country studded with snow-capped peaks, one rising higher than the other.
Distribution of Tibetan Ethnic Minority in Yunnan
Tibetans in Yunnan primarily reside in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), with Shangri-La (香格里拉) being the most notable area. This region, located in the northwestern part of the province, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山), and vibrant Tibetan culture. Tibetan communities in Yunnan celebrate important festivals like Tibetan New Year (藏历新年), Shoton Festival (雪顿节), and Butter Lamp Festival (酥油灯节). Tibetan Buddhism plays a central role in the lives of these communities, and visitors can explore iconic monasteries such as Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺). The best time to visit Tibetan areas in Yunnan is from April to October, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and cultural exploration.
Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures in Yunnan
Diqing
Local Tibetan Villages in Yunnan
Luotong Village in Weixi County, Diqing
Cigulu Village in Shangrila, Diqing
Hamugu Village in Shangrila, Diqing
Napa Village in Shangrila, Diqing
Xiagei Village in Shangri-la, Diqing
Protection Area of Tibetan Ethnic Culture
Benzilan Village Tibetan Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Deqin County, Diqing
Intangible Cultural Heritages of Tibetan in Yunnan
Sacrificial Ceremony to Meili Snow Mountain
Shenchuan Reba Dance in Weixi County, Diqing
Sinong Reba Dance in Deqin County, Diqing
Reba Dance of Tibetan Ethnic Minority
Inheritors of Tibetan Intangible Cultural Heritages in Yunnan
Zhaxi Wenbu – Tibetan Rap Art
Gema Zhadui – Engraver of Tibetan Scripture
Ge Rong – Tibetan Wooden Bowl-making Craft
Zhuo Ma – Tibetan Costume Maker
Zha Ba – Tibetan Xianzi Dance
Bai Niu – Xianzi-playing Skill
Liao Wenhua – Wooden Bowl-making Craft
Xie Liang – Wooden Bowl-making Craft
He Qiankun – Tibetan Silver Ornament-making Craft
Guo Jianhua – Pottery-making Craft
Zha Xi – Tibetan Folk Handicrafts
Sunnuo Qilin – Black Pottery Firing Techniques
Dazhen Qupi – Tibetan Guozhuang Dance
Xu Guilian – Tibetan Guozhuang Dance
Guo Junhua – Tibetan Black Pottery Firing Techniques Project
Lurong Gedeng – Color Painting and Mask-making Skill
Festivals of Tibetan Ethnic Minority in Yunnan
Shugu Nisu Festival or Fertilization Festival
Gedong Festival in Shangri-La City, Diqing
Dengba Festival in Shangri-La City, Diqing
Xianzi Festival in Deqin County, Diqing
Arrow Shooting Festival in Deqin County, Diqing
Molang Qinbo Festival in Deqin County, Diqing
Holy Mountain Festival in Deqin County, Diqing
Horse Racing Festival in Shangri-La, Diqing
The Pilgrimage of Kawa Karpo Kora in Diqing
See more about Festivals of Tibetan Ethnic Minority.