Geographical Distribution of Azhe Ethnic People

The Azhe ethnic group, a sub-branch of the Hani (哈尼族) people, is primarily located in Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) and surrounding areas in southern Yunnan Province, China. With a population of approximately 45,000, they predominantly reside in Mile City (弥勒市), Kaiyuan City (开远市), and Huaning County (华宁县). The Azhe people have maintained rich cultural traditions, including unique festivals, handicrafts, and a distinct language.

Key Areas of Settlement

The core Azhe population can be found in towns such as Xunjiansi (巡检司镇) and Wushan Township (五山乡) in Mile City, where they make up a significant portion of the population. Other areas include Xiagaodian Village (下高甸村) and Taowa Village (陶瓦村), which is notable for its preservation of the Azhe Women’s Dragon Worship Ceremony (阿哲女子祭龙).

Cultural Heritage

The Azhe people are known for their vibrant embroidery (Azhe Embroidery 阿哲刺绣) and traditional foods like Tuo Tuo Meat (坨坨肉) and Homemade Rice Wine (自酿米酒). Their key festivals include the Dragon Worship Festival (祭龙节) and the Aizo and Aisha Arts Festival (爱佐与爱莎艺术节), both of which celebrate their unique traditions and are closely tied to the Torch Festival (火把节).

Preservation and Protection

The Azhe people’s villages, such as Taowa Village, are undergoing efforts for cultural preservation, including the establishment of cultural heritage centers. Yunnan’s Traditional Village Protection Methods ensure the conservation of the Azhe people’s cultural heritage across 777 villages in the province.

1. Core Distribution and Population Data

Main Areas of Settlement

Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州): The core settlement area of the Azhe people is primarily located in Mile City (弥勒市) (including Xunjiansi Town (巡检司镇), Wushan Township (五山乡), and Jiangbian Township (江边乡)) and Kaiyuan City (开远市) (including Xiaolongtan and Zhongheying), with a total population of approximately 45,000.

Yuxi City (玉溪市): Huaning County (华宁县), particularly Panxi Township (盘溪乡), is home to about 7,200 Azhe people.

Other Regions: Jianshui County (建水县), specifically Panjiang Township (盘江乡), with around 200 Azhe people.

Township-Level Population Characteristics

Wushan Township (五山乡), Mile City: Over 80% of the population is Azhe people, making it one of the most complete regions for Azhe cultural preservation.

Xunjiansi Town (巡检司镇), Mile City: Azhe people comprise 63% of the total population.

Panxi Township (盘溪乡), Huaning County: This area is the primary settlement region of the Azhe people.

Key Population Areas:

• Mile City: Approximately 36,000 Azhe people (1987 data), accounting for 18% of the Yi ethnic population in the city.

• Wushan Township (五山乡): 96.7% of the population is Yi, including Azhe people (2021 data).

2. Autonomous Administrative Division

The Azhe people live under the administration of Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州) and do not have a dedicated autonomous region or prefecture.

Mile City (弥勒市) and Huaning County (华宁县) are the main administrative divisions where the Azhe people reside.

Population by Region

Mile City: Approximately 36,000 Azhe people.

Wushan Township: A high concentration of Azhe people.

3. Notable Villages and Heritage Preservation

Nationally Certified Villages

Taowa Village (陶瓦村), Xunjiansi Town (巡检司镇), Mile City: This is the only village that has preserved the unique Azhe Women’s Dragon Worship Ceremony (阿哲女子祭龙) and was included as a provincial intangible cultural heritage site in 2017. It is also recognized as a Yunnan Minority Ethnic Village and a Cultural Heritage Protection Village.

Other Important Villages

Xiagaodian Village (下高甸村), Xunjiansi Town (巡检司镇): Known for its preservation of the ancient Azhe songs and the hosting of the “Aizo and Aisha” Arts Festival (爱佐与爱莎艺术节).

Shegu Village (舍姑村), Wushan Township (五山乡): A traditional village where Azhe and Dake Yi communities coexist.

Village Protection Status

Taowa Village has implemented distinctive housing renovations and established the Azhe Culture Inheritance Institute (阿哲文化传习所).

Yunnan Provincial Traditional Village Protection Methods, effective in 2025, cover 777 traditional villages, including those of the Azhe people.

4. Ethnic Festivals and Cultural Symbols

Important Festivals

Dragon Worship Festival (祭龙节): Celebrated from the end of the first lunar month to the second day of the second lunar month, held in Taowa Village (陶瓦村), this ceremony is primarily led by women and features elements of fertility worship.

Aizo and Aisha Arts Festival (爱佐与爱莎艺术节): Held on June 24th in Wushan Township (五山乡), this festival combines traditional songs and dances with the Torch Festival (火把节) celebrations.

Cultural Symbols

Azhe Embroidery (阿哲刺绣): This intricate form of embroidery uses techniques like thread embroidery and 3D stitching to depict natural motifs. The vibrant color contrasts make it highly distinctive, and it is applied to clothing, handbags, and other accessories.

Traditional Foods: The Azhe people are known for their Tuo Tuo Meat (坨坨肉), Chicken Congee (鸡肉稀饭), and Homemade Rice Wine (自酿米酒).

5. Geographic Distribution and Cultural Corridor

The Azhe people’s settlement areas form a continuous band that stretches from Guangnan County (广南县) in the east to Mile City (弥勒市) in the west, extending south to Maguan County (马关县) and north to Kunming City (昆明市). This region forms the “Western Ethnic Cultural Corridor” (西部民族文化走廊), which is defined by the intersections of various Yi language dialects in the southern and eastern parts.