Geographical Distribution of Aini Ethnic People

The Aini ethnic group(爱伲人), a branch of the Hani people (哈尼族), primarily resides in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) and Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州) in Yunnan Province. The Aini people are known for their rich cultural heritage, including their unique terraced rice culture, traditional festivals like the Kuzhaza Festival (矻扎扎节) (celebrating the rice harvest) and Gatangpa Festival (嘎汤帕节) (the lunar new year celebration), and distinctive villages like Azeka Village (阿者科村).

Aini culture is deeply connected to their agriculture, especially the famous Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (红河哈尼梯田) (a UNESCO World Heritage site), and they have a strong presence in Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县) and Mojian Hani Autonomous County (墨江哈尼族自治县). Their traditional dress, polyphonic songs, and distinctive crafts such as Hani Silver Jewelry (豪尼服饰) and purple glutinous rice (紫糯米饭) are key elements of their identity.

In recent years, efforts to preserve and promote Aini culture have led to policies supporting traditional village protection and tourism development, ensuring the continuation of their unique way of life.

Core Distribution and Population Data

Major Settlements

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): This is the largest settlement area for the Aini people. The Hani population in the region is 911,900 (19.3% of the total population in the prefecture), with Honghe County (红河县) accounting for 80.89% of the Hani population.

Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州): The Aini subgroup (a branch of the Hani people) is primarily distributed in Menghai County (勐海县), including Gelanghe Township (格朗和乡) and Mengla Town (勐腊镇), with a total population of 158,000.

Pu'er City (普洱市): The core area for the Aini people is Mojian Hani Autonomous County (墨江哈尼族自治县), with Lianzhu Township (联珠镇) and Tongguan Township (通关镇) being major Aini settlements.

Yuxi City (玉溪市): Yuanjiang Hani, Yi, and Dai Autonomous County (元江哈尼族彝族傣族自治县) has 93,600 Hani people, representing 44.3% of the county's population.

Cross-Prefecture Distribution Characteristics

2025 Population Data

The total Hani population in the province is approximately 1.63 million, including the Aini subgroup. They make up 10.44% of the province’s total ethnic minority population.

The registered population of Honghe Prefecture is 4.71 million, with 19.3% of them being Hani.

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Prefecture

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): This prefecture governs four cities, six counties, and three autonomous counties.

Autonomous Counties

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

Mojian Hani Autonomous County (墨江哈尼族自治县) in Pu'er City

Most Populated Regions

Honghe Prefecture (红河州): Home to 911,900 Hani people

Honghe County (红河县): 289,900 Hani people

Township-level Settlement Patterns

Featured Villages and Certifications

World-Class Recognition

Azeka Village (阿者科村) in Yuanyang County: Listed as a "Best Tourism Village" by the United Nations in 2024, a model of ecological harmony with four-dimensional symbiosis.

National Recognition

Festival Locations

Kuzhaza Festival (矻扎扎节): Held in Azeka Village, Yuanyang County on the 24th day of the 6th month in the lunar calendar, celebrating the rice harvest.

Gatangpa Festival (嘎汤帕节): Celebrated in Menghai County, Aini Villages, marking the lunar new year in January.

Geographical and Cultural Indicators

World Heritage

Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (红河哈尼梯田): A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013, representing one of the best-preserved examples of terraced agriculture.

Geographic Indicators and Products

Yuanyang Red Rice (元阳红米): A geographically protected product of national significance.

Purple Glutinous Rice (紫糯米饭): A festive food specialty of the Aini people.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Hani Polyphonic Folk Songs (哈尼族多声部民歌): A national intangible cultural heritage.

Haoni Costume (豪尼服饰): Silver jewelry, an important cultural symbol of the Aini people.

Preservation Status

Policy Support

In March 2025, the "Yunnan Province Traditional Village Protection Regulations" (云南省传统村落保护办法) were implemented, protecting 777 traditional villages across the province.

Cultural and Tourism Projects

Azeka Village Plan (阿者科计划): A collective economy and tourism development model aimed at preserving and showcasing Aini culture.