The Bai ethnic minority is predominantly distributed in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), located in Yunnan Province. Dali is the ancestral homeland and primary settlement area of the Bai people, with approximately 80% of the entire Bai population in China residing here. In addition to Dali, Bai communities are also found in various regions of Yunnan Province, including Kunming (昆明), Lijiang (丽江), Nujiang (怒江), Diqing (迪庆), Baoshan (保山), Yuxi (玉溪), Chuxiong (楚雄), Wenshan (文山), and Lincang (临沧). The Bai ethnic minority also has populations in other parts of China, including Zhangjiajie (张家界) and Xiangxi (湘西) in Hunan Province, Bijie (毕节) and Anshun (安顺) in Guizhou Province, and Leshan (凉山) in Sichuan Province.

Autonomous Regions

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture was established on November 22, 1956.

Lanping Bai and Pumi Autonomous County (兰坪白族普米族自治县) was established on May 25, 1988.

Distribution in Other Provinces and Regions

Guizhou: Bai people can be found in Liupanshui (六盘水), Bijie (毕节), and other areas.

Hunan: Bai communities are located in Zhangjiajie (张家界), particularly in Sangzhi County (桑植县).

Hubei: Bai populations can also be found in Enshi Prefecture (恩施州), especially in Hefeng County (鹤峰县).

Bai Ethnic Distribution and Cultural Overview (2025 Edition)

Core Distribution and Population Data

The Bai people are most heavily concentrated in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), which is the largest Bai settlement area. The Bai population in the province is approximately 1.25 million, making up 34.3% of the total population of Dali Prefecture and 77.8% of the Bai population in the province. Other regions with significant Bai populations include:

Kunming (昆明): Approximately 45,000 Bai people, mostly in Wuhua District (五华区) and Xishan District (西山区).

Lijiang (丽江): Bai people are found in Yulong County (玉龙县), particularly in Jiuhe Bai Ethnic Township (九河白族乡), where Bai people comprise 62% of the population.

Nujiang (怒江): Lushui County (泸水县) has about 3,800 Bai people, with Laowo Bai Ethnic Township (老窝白族乡) as the main settlement area.

Baoshan (保山): Bai people reside in Longyang District (隆阳区), notably in Yangliu Bai and Yi Ethnic Township (杨柳白族彝族乡) and Wama Bai and Yi Ethnic Township (瓦马彝族白族乡).

The total Bai population in Yunnan is approximately 1.608 million, constituting 10.26% of the province’s minority population.

Administrative Divisions and Autonomous Regions

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture is the only Bai Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan, with an area of 29,459 square kilometers and established on November 22, 1956.

Lanping Bai and Pumi Autonomous County was established in 1988, with Bai people making up around 40% of the population.

Township-Level Settlement Patterns

The Bai population is concentrated in specific towns and villages, including:

Jiuhe Bai Ethnic Township (九河白族乡) in Yulong County (玉龙县), where Bai people make up 62% of the population.

Laowo Bai Ethnic Township (老窝白族乡) in Lushui County (泸水县), with about 3,800 Bai residents.

Yangliu Bai and Yi Ethnic Township (杨柳白族彝族乡) in Longyang District (隆阳区), where Bai people make up 31% of the population.

Cultural and Historical Villages

Nodeng Village (诺邓村) in Yunlong County (云龙县), a 1,300-year-old salt-producing village with preserved Yuan Dynasty architecture and Bai language and traditions.

Gusheng Village (古生村) in Dali City (大理市), a traditional village located on the western shore of Erhai Lake (洱海), which was listed as a China Traditional Village in 2014.

Baiya Ancient City Village (白崖古城村) in Midu County (弥渡县), a National 3A Scenic Area and a historic site that promotes Bai culture.

Key Festivals and Cultural Symbols

March Street Ethnic Festival (三月街民族节): Held from the 15th to the 21st of the lunar third month, this event in Dali Ancient City (大理古城) celebrates the historic trade exchanges dating back to the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏).

Torch Festival (火把节): Celebrated on the 25th day of the lunar sixth month, this festival is particularly famous in the Taoyuan Bai Ethnic Village (桃源白族民俗村) to honor the legendary Bai Festival Lady.

Bai Cultural Identity

Architecture: Bai traditional dwellings, such as the “Three Courtyards and One Screen Wall” (三坊一照壁) and “Four-sided Courtyard with Five Patios” (四合五天井), are distinctive features of Bai culture.

Clothing: Bai women wear white clothing, with distinctive headwear like the Phoenix Scarf (凤凰帕) and other regional variations.

Cuisine: Bai cuisine includes dishes like Milk Fan (乳扇), Three-Taste Tea (三道茶), which consists of bitter tea, sweet tea, and aftertaste tea.

Geographical Products: Nuodeng Ham (诺邓火腿) is a nationally recognized geographical product.

Cultural Preservation and Support

Policy Support: Since March 2025, Yunnan Province’s Traditional Village Protection Method has been in effect, safeguarding 777 traditional villages, including those of the Bai people.

Typical Case: Nodeng Village has preserved its ancient architecture, while Baiya Ancient City Village is promoting cultural tourism through the “collective + enterprise + farmer” model.

Autonomous Regions

Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), established on November 22, 1956.

Lanping Bai and Pumi Autonomous County (兰坪白族普米族自治县), established on May 25, 1988.

Distribution by Region and Province

This table provides a detailed overview of the geographical distribution of the Bai ethnic minority across various regions in China. The Bai people are mainly concentrated in Yunnan Province, especially in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, but they are also found in smaller communities throughout the provinces of Guizhou, Hunan, and Hubei.