Distribution of Yi Ethnic Minority in China

The Yi ethnic minority is one of the significant ethnic groups in southwestern China, with a large distribution across several provinces. Below is an overview of the regions where the Yi people live and the communities that preserve their culture.

The Yi ethnic minority is one of the largest minority groups in China. According to the 2010 Sixth National Census, the Yi population in China is 8.71 million, making it the seventh-largest ethnic group out of China’s 56 recognized ethnicities. The Yi people are primarily distributed across Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Chongqing, with a significant presence in southwestern China.

Yi Population in Yunnan Province

In Yunnan Province, the Yi population totals approximately 5.03 million, and they are mainly distributed in the following areas:

  • Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture (楚雄彝族自治州)

  • Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州)

  • Shilin Yi Autonomous County (石林彝族自治县)

  • Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County (江城哈尼族彝族自治县)

  • Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县)

  • Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县)

  • Nanjian Yi Autonomous County (南涧彝族自治县)

  • Xundian Yi and Hui Autonomous County (寻甸彝族回族自治县)

  • Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县)

  • Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County (新平彝族傣族自治县)

  • Yangbi Yi Autonomous County (漾濞彝族自治县)

  • Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County (禄劝彝族苗族自治县)

  • Ning’er Hani and Yi Autonomous County (宁洱哈尼族彝族自治县)

  • Jingdong Yi Autonomous County (景东彝族自治县)

  • Jinggu Dai and Yi Autonomous County (景谷傣族彝族自治县)

  • Zhenyuan Yi, Hani, and Lahu Autonomous County (镇沅彝族哈尼族拉祜族自治县)

  • Eshan Yi Autonomous County (峨山彝族自治县)

Yi Population in Sichuan Province

In Sichuan Province, the Yi population totals about 1.78 million, with the majority living in:

  • Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (凉山彝族自治州)

  • Ebian Yi Autonomous County (峨边彝族自治县)

  • Mabei Yi Autonomous County (马边彝族自治县)

  • Shimian County (雅安石棉县)

  • Luding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜泸定县)

  • Jiulong County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜九龙县)

Yi Population in Guizhou Province

In Guizhou Province, the Yi population stands at 842,800, with the largest numbers located in:

  • Bijie City (毕节市)

  • Liupanshui City (六盘水市)

  • Qianxi County (黔西县)

Yi Population in Guangxi Province

In Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the Yi population is around 7,000 people. They are primarily concentrated in:

  • Longlin Various Nationalities Autonomous County (隆林各族自治县), especially in the villages of De’e, Kechang, Zhelang, and Yanchao

  • Napao County (那坡县), mainly in the villages of Chengxiang, Baidu, and Xiahua

  • Other areas such as Xilin and Tianlin County (西林、田林县)

Yi Population in Chongqing Municipality

In Chongqing Municipality, the Yi population is around 4,200, primarily found in:

  • Rongchang District (荣昌)

  • Qijiang District (綦江)

The Yi people, with their rich culture and history, are an important part of the diverse ethnic tapestry of southwestern China. Visitors to these regions can explore their distinct customs, language, and traditions, contributing to the cultural heritage of Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Chongqing.

Yi Ethnic Distribution in China

Currently, there are 3 Yi Autonomous Prefectures, 18 Yi Autonomous Counties, and 86 Yi Autonomous Townships in Yunnan Province. These regions are scattered across different parts of China, particularly in the Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi, and Chongqing regions. The specific distribution is as follows:

Yi Autonomous Prefectures

  1. Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture (凉山彝族自治州) – Sichuan Province

  2. Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture (楚雄彝族自治州) – Yunnan Province

  3. Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) – Yunnan Province

Yi Autonomous Counties in Yunnan

  1. Shilin Yi Autonomous County (石林彝族自治县)

  2. Jiangcheng Hani and Yi Autonomous County (江城哈尼族彝族自治县)

  3. Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县)

  4. Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County (巍山彝族回族自治县)

  5. Nanjian Yi Autonomous County (南涧彝族自治县)

  6. Yangbi Yi Autonomous County (漾濞彝族自治县)

  7. Xundian Yi and Hui Autonomous County (寻甸彝族回族自治县)

  8. Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县)

  9. Xinping Yi and Dai Autonomous County (新平彝族傣族自治县)

  10. Luqiao Yi and Miao Autonomous County (禄劝彝族苗族自治县)

  11. Ning’er Hani and Yi Autonomous County (宁洱哈尼族彝族自治县)

  12. Jingdong Yi Autonomous County (景东彝族自治县)

  13. Jinggu Dai, Yi Autonomous County (景谷傣族彝族自治县)

  14. Zhenyuan Yi, Hani, and Lahu Autonomous County (镇沅彝族哈尼族拉祜族自治县)

  15. Eshan Yi Autonomous County (峨山彝族自治县)

Yi Autonomous Counties in Sichuan

  1. E’bian Yi Autonomous County (峨边彝族自治县)

  2. Ma’bian Yi Autonomous County (马边彝族自治县)

Yi Autonomous Counties in Guizhou and Guangxi

  • Weining Yi, Hui, and Miao Autonomous County (威宁彝族回族苗族自治县) – Bijie District

  • Longlin Various Ethnic Groups Autonomous County (隆林各族自治县) – Guangxi

Yi Townships in Yunnan Province

Below is a list of Yi ethnic townships found throughout Yunnan Province. These regions offer visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in Yi culture, explore traditional lifestyles, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.

Baoshan City:

  • Longling County, Muchen Yi and Lisu Township (龙陵县木城彝族僳僳族乡)

  • Shidian County, Bailang Yi and Blang Township (施甸县摆榔彝族布朗族乡)

  • Shidian County, Mulaoyuan Yi and Blang Township (施甸县木老元布朗族彝族乡)

  • Changning County, Jiao Street Yi and Miao Township (昌宁县耇街彝族苗族乡)

  • Changning County, Zhu Street Yi Township (昌宁县珠街彝族乡)

  • Longyang District, Wafang Yi and Miao Township (隆阳区瓦房彝族苗族乡)

  • Longyang District, Wama Yi and Bai Township (隆阳区瓦马彝族白族乡)

  • Longyang District, Yangliu Bai Yi and Township (隆阳区杨柳白族彝族乡)

  • Longyang District, Mangkuan Yi and Dai Township (隆阳区芒宽彝族傣族乡)

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture:

  • Xiangyun County, Dongshan Yi Township (祥云县东山彝族乡)

  • Heqing County, Liuhe Yi Township (鹤庆县六合彝族乡)

  • Midu County, Niujie Yi Township (弥渡县牛街彝族乡)

  • Dali City, Taiyi Yi Township (大理市太邑彝族乡)

  • Yunlong County, Tuanjie Yi Township (云龙县团结彝族乡)

  • Yongping County, Shuixie Yi Township (永平县水泄彝族乡)

  • Yongping County, Yonghe Yi Township (永平县永和彝族乡)

  • Yongping County, Beidou Yi Township (永平县北斗彝族乡)

  • Yongping County, Changjie Yi Township (永平县厂街彝族乡)

  • Binchuan County, Zhongying Yi and Lisu Township (宾川县钟英僳僳族彝族乡)

  • Binchuan County, La’wu Yi Township (宾川县拉乌彝族乡)

Kunming City:

  • Guandu District, Ala Yi Township (官渡区阿拉彝族乡)

  • Yiliang County, Gengjiaying Yi and Miao Township (宜良县耿家营彝族苗族乡)

  • Yiliang County, Jiuxiang Yi and Hui Township (宜良县九乡彝族回族乡)

  • Fumin County, Luomian Yi and Miao Township (富民县罗免彝族苗族乡)

  • Jinning County, Shuanghe Yi Township (晋宁县双河彝族乡)

  • Jinning County, Xiyang Yi Township (晋宁县夕阳彝族乡)

Lijiang City:

  • Huaping County, Shilongba Yi and Dai Township (华坪县石龙坝彝族傣族乡)

  • Yongsheng County, Daan Yi and Naxi Township (永胜县大安彝族纳西族乡)

  • Yongsheng County, Dongfeng Yi and Lisu Township (永胜县东风僳僳族彝族乡)

  • Yongsheng County, Dongshan Yi and Lisu Township (永胜县东山僳僳族彝族乡)

  • Yongsheng County, Guanghua Yi and Lisu Township (永胜县光华僳僳族彝族乡)

  • Yongsheng County, Liude Yi and Lisu Township (永胜县六德僳僳族彝族乡)

  • Yongsheng County, Songping Yi and Lisu Township (永胜县松坪僳僳族彝族乡)

  • Yongsheng County, Yangping Yi Township (永胜县羊坪彝族乡)

Lincang City:

  • Yongde County, Daxueshan Yi, Lahu, and Dai Township (永德县大雪山彝族拉祜族傣族乡)

  • Yongde County, Wumulong Yi Township (永德县乌木龙彝族乡)

  • Yun County, Houqing Yi Township (云县后箐彝族乡)

  • Yun County, Lishu Yi and Dai Township (云县栗树彝族傣族乡)

  • Yun County, Manghuai Yi and Blang Township (云县忙怀彝族布朗族乡)

  • Cangyuan County, Mengjiao Dai, Yi, and Lahu Township (沧源县勐角傣族彝族拉祜族乡)

  • Linxiang District, Pingcun Yi and Dai Township (临翔区平村彝族傣族乡)

  • Fengqing County, Xinhua Yi and Miao Township (凤庆县新华彝族苗族乡)

  • Fengqing County, Yaojie Yi Township (凤庆县腰街彝族乡)

  • Fengqing County, Guodazhai Yi and Bai Township (凤庆县郭大寨彝族白族乡)

Pu’er City:

  • Mojiang County, Longyutang Yi Township (墨江县龙鱼塘彝族乡)

  • Mojiang County, Mengnong Yi Township (墨江县孟弄彝族乡)

  • Lancang County, Qianliu Yi Township (澜沧县谦六彝族乡)

  • Simao District, Yunxian Yi Township (思茅区云仙彝族乡)

  • Simao District, Longtan Yi and Dai Township (思茅区龙潭彝族傣族乡)

Qujing City:

  • Luoping County, Jiuwuji Yi Township (罗平县旧屋基彝族乡)

  • Shizong County, Longqing Yi and Zhuang Township (师宗县龙庆彝族壮族乡)

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture:

  • Wenshan City, Baxin Yi Township (文山市坝心彝族乡)

  • Wenshan City, Binglie Yi Township (文山市秉烈彝族乡)

  • Wenshan City, Dongshan Yi Township (文山市东山彝族乡)

  • Wenshan City, Liujing Yi Township (文山市柳井彝族乡)

  • Qiubei County, Badoushao Yi Township (丘北县八道哨彝族乡)

  • Qiubei County, Nijiao Yi Township (丘北县腻脚彝族乡)

  • Qiubei County, Shede Yi Township (丘北县舍得彝族乡)

  • Qiubei County, Shubi Yi Township (丘北县树皮彝族乡)

  • Qiubei County, Xindian Yi Township (丘北县新店彝族乡)

  • Yanshan County, Weima Yi Township (砚山县维末彝族乡)

  • Yanshan County, Ganhe Yi Township (砚山县干河彝族乡)

  • Yanshan County, Panlong Yi Township (砚山县盘龙彝族乡)

  • Yanshan County, Ashe Yi Township (砚山县阿舍彝族乡)

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture:

  • Mengla County, Xiangming Yi Township (勐腊县象明彝族乡)

Yuxi City:

  • Hongta District, Luohe Yi Township (红塔区洛河彝族乡)

  • Hongta District, Xiaoshiqiao Yi Township (红塔区小石桥彝族乡)

  • Jiangchuan County, Anhua Yi Township (江川县安化彝族乡)

  • Yimen County, Pubei Yi Township (易门县浦贝彝族乡)

  • Yimen County, Shijie Yi Township (易门县十街彝族乡)

  • Yimen County, Tongchang Yi Township (易门县铜厂彝族乡)

Zhaotong City:

  • Zhaoyang District, Qinggangling Yi and Hui Township (昭阳区青岗岭回族彝族乡)

  • Zhaoyang District, Xiaolongdong Yi and Hui Township (昭阳区小龙洞回族彝族乡)

  • Zhenxiong County, Guozhu Yi Township (镇雄县果珠彝族乡)

  • Zhenxiong County, Linkou Yi and Miao Township (镇雄县林口彝族苗族乡)

  • Yiliang County, Kuixiang Yi and Miao Township (彝良县奎香苗族彝族乡)

  • Yiliang County, Longjie Yi and Miao Township (彝良县龙街苗族彝族乡)

  • Yiliang County, Shulin Yi and Miao Township (彝良县树林彝族苗族乡)

  • Yongshan County, Mana Yi and Miao Township (永善县马楠苗族彝族乡)

  • Yongshan County, Wuzhai Yi and Miao Township (永善县伍寨彝族苗族乡)

  • Daguan County, Shangaoqiao Yi and Hui Township (大关县上高桥回族彝族苗族乡)

  • Weixin County, Shuanghe Yi and Miao Township (威信县双河苗族彝族乡)

Yi Townships in Guizhou Province

Below is a comprehensive list of Yi ethnic townships located across Guizhou Province. These townships, with their unique cultural practices, contribute to the diverse landscape of the Yi people.

Shuicheng County (水城县):

  • Pingzhai Yi Township (平寨彝族乡)

  • Shaomi Yi and Miao Township (勺米彝族苗族乡)

  • Bide Yi and Miao Township (比德苗族彝族乡)

  • Hualuo Yi and Miao Township (化乐苗族彝族乡)

  • Dongdi Yi and Miao Township (董地苗族彝族乡)

  • Douqing Yi and Miao Township (陡箐苗族彝族乡)

  • Faqing Yi and Miao Township (发箐苗族彝族乡)

  • Nankai Yi and Miao Township (南开苗族彝族乡)

  • Baohua Yi and Miao Township (保华苗族彝族乡)

  • Qinglin Yi and Miao Township (青林苗族彝族乡)

  • Jinpen Yi and Miao Township (金盆苗族彝族乡)

  • Muguo Yi and Miao Township (木果彝族苗族乡)

  • Zhichang Yi Township (纸厂彝族乡)

  • Yushe Yi and Miao Township (玉舍彝族苗族乡)

  • Xinjie Yi, Miao, and Bouyei Township (新街彝族苗族布依族乡)

  • Duoge Yi, Bouyei, and Miao Township (都格布依族苗族彝族乡)

  • Yangmei Yi, Miao, and Hui Township (杨梅彝族苗族回族乡)

  • Yezhong Yi, Miao, and Bouyei Township (野钟苗族彝族布依族乡)

  • Guobuga Yi, Miao, and Bouyei Township (果布嘎彝族苗族布依族乡)

  • Fa’er Yi, Miao, and Bouyei Township (发耳布依族苗族彝族乡)

  • Jichang Yi, Bouyei, and Miao Township (鸡场布依族彝族苗族乡)

  • Shuangga Yi Township (双嘎彝族乡)

  • Longchang Yi, Bai, and Miao Township (龙场苗族白族彝族乡)

  • Yingpan Yi, Bai, and Miao Township (营盘苗族彝族白族乡)

  • Shunchang Yi, Bouyei, and Miao Township (顺场苗族彝族布依族乡)

  • Huaga Yi and Bouyei Township (花嘎苗族彝族布依族乡)

  • Miro Yi and Bouyei, Miao Township (米萝布依族彝族苗族乡)

  • Houchang Yi and Bouyei Township (猴场苗族布依族彝族乡)

  • Hongyan Yi and Bouyei, Miao Township (红岩布依族彝族苗族乡)

Liuzhi Special District (六枝特区):

  • Sazhi Yi, Bouyei, and Miao Township (洒志彝族布依族苗族乡)

  • Suoga Yi, Miao, and Hui Township (梭嘎苗族彝族回族乡)

  • Luobie Bouyei and Yi Township (落别布依族彝族乡)

  • Zhexi Yi Township (折溪彝族乡)

  • Niuchang Yi Township (牛场彝族乡)

  • Zhongzhai Yi and Bouyei Miao Township (中寨苗族彝族布依族乡)

  • Qinkou Yi, Gelao, and Bouyei Miao Township (箐口彝族仡佬族布依族乡)

  • Maokou Yi and Bouyei Miao Township (毛口布依族苗族乡)

  • Longjiao Yi and Bouyei Township (陇脚布依族乡)

Pannan County (盘县):

  • Machang Yi and Miao Township (马场彝族苗族乡)

  • Jichangping Yi Township (鸡场坪彝族乡)

  • Jiu Ying Bai and Yi Township (旧营白族彝族苗族乡)

  • Yangchang Bouyei, Bai, and Miao Township (羊场布依族白族苗族乡)

  • Baoji Yi and Miao Township (保基苗族彝族乡)

  • Sige Yi Township (四格彝族乡)

  • Yunyi Yi Township (淤泥彝族乡)

  • Pugu Yi and Miao Township (普古彝族苗族乡)

  • Pingdi Yi Township (坪地彝族乡)

  • Songhe Yi Township (松河彝族乡)

Puding County (普定县):

  • Pingshang Yi, Miao, and Bouyei Township (坪上苗族彝族布依族乡)

Bijie City (毕节市):

  • Tiankan Yi Township (田坎彝族乡)

  • Datun Yi Township (大屯彝族乡)

  • Ashi Miao Yi Township (阿市苗族彝族乡)

  • Tuanjie Yi and Miao Township (团结彝族苗族乡)

  • Yindi Yi, Miao, and Bai Township (阴底彝族苗族白族乡)

  • Qianxi Yi and Miao, Bai Township (千溪彝族苗族白族乡)

Dafang County (大方县):

  • Zhuyuan Yi and Miao Township (竹园彝族苗族乡)

  • Xiangshui Bai and Yi, Gelao Township (响水白族彝族仡佬族乡)

  • Dingxin Yi and Miao Township (鼎新彝族苗族乡)

  • Niuchang Yi and Miao Township (牛场苗族彝族乡)

  • Lihua Yi and Miao Township (理化苗族彝族乡)

  • Anle Yi and Gelao Township (安乐彝族仡佬族乡)

  • Fengshan Yi and Mongolian Township (凤山彝族蒙古族乡)

  • Bainai Yi Township (百纳彝族乡)

  • Sanyuan Yi and Miao, Bai Township (三元彝族苗族白族乡)

  • Pudi Yi and Miao, Bai Township (普底彝族苗族白族乡)

  • Shachang Yi Township (沙厂彝族乡)

  • Dashui Yi and Miao, Bouyei Township (大水彝族苗族布依族乡)

  • Huangni Yi and Miao, Manchu Township (黄泥彝族苗族满族乡)

  • Hetao Yi and Bai Township (核桃彝族白族乡)

  • Babao Yi and Miao Township (八堡彝族苗族乡)

  • Xinglong Yi and Miao Township (兴隆苗族彝族乡)

  • Xingxiu Yi and Gelao Township (星宿苗族彝族仡佬族乡)

  • Dashan Yi and Miao Township (大山苗族彝族乡)

Jinsha County (金沙县):

  • Taiping Yi and Miao Township (太平彝族苗族乡)

  • Shichang Miao and Yi Township (石场苗族彝族乡)

  • Qingmen Miao, Yi, and Gelao Township (箐门苗族彝族仡佬族乡)

  • Malu Yi and Miao Township (马路彝族苗族乡)

  • Anluo Miao and Yi, Manchu Township (安洛苗族彝族满族乡)

  • Xinhua Miao and Yi, Manchu Township (新化苗族彝族满族乡)

  • Datian Yi and Miao, Bouyei Township (大田彝族苗族布依族乡)

Qianxi County (黔西县):

  • Yongshen Yi and Miao Township (永燊彝族苗族乡)

  • Jinpo Miao and Yi, Manchu Township (金坡苗族彝族满族乡)

  • Huaxi Yi and Miao Township (花溪彝族苗族乡)

  • Zhongjian Miao and Yi Township (中建苗族彝族乡)

  • Renhe Yi and Miao Township (仁和彝族苗族乡)

  • Dingxin Yi and Miao Township (定新彝族苗族乡)

  • Xiehe Yi and Miao Township (协和彝族苗族乡)

  • Tailai Yi and Miao Township (太来彝族苗族乡)

  • Zhongshan Bouyei and Yi Township (钟山布依族彝族乡)

  • Lvhua Bai and Yi Township (绿化白族彝族乡)

  • Honglin Yi and Miao Township (红林彝族苗族乡)

  • Wuli Bouyei and Miao Township (五里布依族苗族乡)

  • Tieshi Yi and Miao Township (铁石苗族彝族乡)

  • Shajing Miao and Yi, Gelao Township (沙井苗族彝族仡佬族乡)

Zhijin County (织金县):

  • Daping Miao and Yi Township (大平苗族彝族乡)

  • Chadian Bouyei and Miao, Yi Township (茶店布依族苗族彝族乡)

  • Jinlong Miao, Yi, and Bouyei Township (金龙苗族彝族布依族乡)

  • Jichang Miao, Yi, and Bouyei Township (鸡场苗族彝族布依族乡)

Nayong County (纳雍县):

  • Shedongguan Yi and Miao, Bai Township (厍东关彝族苗族白族乡)

  • Dongdi Yi and Miao Township (董地苗族彝族乡)

  • Zuo’er Niao Yi and Miao Township (左儿鸟戛彝族苗族乡)

  • Guoquan Yan Yi and Miao Township (锅圈岩苗族彝族乡)

  • Xinfang Yi and Miao Township (新房彝族苗族乡)

  • Huazuo Yi and Miao Township (化作苗族彝族乡)

  • Kunzhai Yi and Miao, Bai Township (昆寨苗族彝族白族乡)

  • Zhuchang Yi and Miao Township (猪场苗族彝族乡)

Hezhan County (赫章县):

  • Shuitangbao Yi and Miao Township (水塘堡彝族苗族乡)

  • Xingfa Miao, Yi, and Hui Township (兴发苗族彝族回族乡)

  • Songlinpo Bai and Yi Miao Township (松林坡白族彝族苗族乡)

  • Zhi Jie Yi and Miao Township (雉街彝族苗族乡)

  • Zhushi Yi Township (珠市彝族乡)

  • Fuchu Yi and Miao Township (辅处彝族苗族乡)

  • Shuangping Yi and Miao Township (双坪彝族苗族乡)

  • Kele Yi and Miao Township (可乐彝族苗族乡)

  • Guda Miao and Yi Township (古达苗族彝族乡)

  • Hezhen Yi and Miao Township (河镇彝族苗族乡)

  • Jiegou Yi and Miao Township (结构彝族苗族乡)