Geographical Distribution of Akha Ethnic People

The Aka people, a subgroup of the Hani (哈尼族) ethnic group, are distributed in the southern part of Yunnan Province (云南省), China, as well as across the border regions of Myanmar (缅甸), Laos (老挝), Vietnam (越南), and Thailand (泰国). They are part of the Sino-Tibetan language family, within the Tibeto-Burman branch, and are considered a typical highland ethnic group.

The Aka population in Yunnan is concentrated in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Pu’er City (普洱市), and Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州). Their cultural practices include distinctive festivals such as the Ga Tang Pa Festival (嘎汤帕节) and the Yang Ana Festival (仰阿娜节), as well as traditional clothing made from fire grass fibers. The Aka people also face challenges in preserving their cultural heritage due to urban migration, but efforts are underway through tourism development to promote and safeguard their traditions.

Their villages, like Aka Village (阿卡村) in Honghe County (红河县) and Yongqian Old Village (永前老寨) in Menglian County (孟连县), are known for their unique architectural styles, including the “Pole and Fence” system, and their agricultural and handicraft skills. The Aka people’s rich cultural identity and close-knit community structure continue to play an important role in the region’s cultural landscape.

Distribution and Population Data

Provincial Distribution

The Aka people are primarily concentrated in the southern areas of Yunnan Province (云南省), such as Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) — including Honghe County (红河县) and Yuanyang County (元阳县), Pu’er City (普洱市) — including Menglian County (孟连县) and Jiangcheng County (江城县), and Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳傣族自治州) — including Jinghong City (景洪市) and Mengla County (勐腊县).

The Aka people also live in neighboring countries, with approximately 80% of the global Aka population residing within China.

Population

The Aka population in Yunnan Province (云南省) is around 23,000 (as of 2025). Among these, Honghe County (红河县) alone has a Hani population of about 289,900, making it the largest Hani community in China.

Population by Region

Aka Villages in Yunnan

Wantang Township (湾塘乡) – Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州)

Aka Village (阿卡村): This village is composed of several small groups including Shigu, Aka, and Yakou. The area has 989 people and 254 households, with the majority being from the Hani ethnic group (Aka subgroup).

Menglian County (孟连县) – Pu’er City (普洱市)

Laga Village, Yongqian Old Village (拉嘎村永前老寨): An important Aka settlement with rich cultural traditions, this village is one of the key tourist villages in Menglian County.

Mangjiu New Village (芒旧新寨): Home to a small subgroup of Pointed-headed Aka, this village preserves traditional “Pole and Fence” architecture and the ancient Choka governance system.

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

Daxiangjie Township (大羊街乡): The core cultural area where Aka people constitute about 75% of the population, with a total of 13,900 residents.

Festivals and Cultural Heritage

Ga Tang Pa Festival (嘎汤帕节) – Aka New Year

Date: Celebrated on the 2nd day of the 1st lunar month (for 2025, it falls on January 4). Large celebrations take place in Menglian County (孟连县) and Mengla County (勐腊县).

Activities: Includes a welcome ceremony, folk performances, and traditional songs and dances like Dong Ba Cha (咚吧嚓).

Yang Ana Festival (仰阿娜节) – Maiden Festival

Location: Held at Mengu Red Capital Mountain (孟子红都山) in Honghe County (红河县), where young men and women sing, participate in beauty contests, and engage in traditional rituals.

Geographical Landmarks

Mengu Red Capital Mountain (孟子红都山) – Honghe County

The sacred mountain of the Aka people, at an altitude of 2125 meters, is the site of the Yang Ana Festival (仰阿娜节).

Sakura Valley (樱花谷) – Honghe County (红河县)

Located at the border of Daxiangjie Township (大羊街乡) and Langdi Township (浪堤乡), famous for its springtime cherry blossom terraced fields and agricultural culture exhibition area.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

Fire Grass Clothing (火草服饰)

Recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, these garments are made from fire grass fibers and are known for their durability and breathability.

Aka Black-bone Chicken (阿卡乌骨鸡)

A national agricultural genetic resource, with an annual output of 80,000 birds, this breed is a key part of the local economy.

Language and Attire

The Aka people speak Hani (哈尼语), a Tibeto-Burman language, and there are notable differences in attire between the Pointed-headed Aka and Flat-headed Aka. The former is known for wearing high silver crowns, a characteristic feature of their dress.

Contemporary Challenges

The Aka people face the challenge of young adults migrating to urban areas, leading to difficulties in passing down traditional knowledge and skills. Recent efforts have been made through tourism projects, like those in Azheke Village (阿者科村), to help preserve and promote their cultural heritage.