Geographical Distribution of Hualuo Ethnic People

The Hualuo people (花倮人) are a branch of the Yi ethnic group (彝族) and are one of the smaller minority groups in China. They primarily reside in the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), specifically in Guangnan County (广南县) and Xichou County (西畴县) in Yunnan Province. The population of the Hualuo people is estimated at around 2,000 to 4,000, with a concentration in several villages, including Nasha Town (那洒镇) in Guangnan County and Manlong Village (曼竜村) in Xichou County.

The Hualuo people maintain rich cultural traditions, including their own language, distinctive clothing, and unique festivals. One of their most significant festivals is the Qiao Cai Festival (荞菜节), which takes place during the fourth month of the lunar calendar and features the traditional Hulusheng Dance (葫芦笙舞), recognized as an important part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. This festival commemorates the role of buckwheat in the survival of the Hualuo people.

The Hualuo people have preserved many traditional practices, including their ancient marriage customs, distinct clothing made from self-woven fabrics, and intricate jewelry. Their culture, especially their dances and attire, is deeply rooted in their history and the symbolism of natural elements like birds and mountains. Despite being a small group, the Hualuo have maintained their unique cultural identity for centuries.

Distribution and Administrative Division of the Hualuo People in Yunnan

Basic Distribution and Population

The Hualuo people (花倮人) are a branch of the Yi ethnic group (彝族) and are considered one of the smaller ethnic minorities in China. They are primarily distributed in the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), specifically in Guangnan County (广南县) and Xichou County (西畴县) in Yunnan Province. The specific areas of settlement include:

Guangnan County (广南县):

• Nasha Town (那洒镇) – includes villages like Xinwaluo Village (新挖龙村), Laowaluo Village (老挖龙村), and Nala Village (那腊村).

• Zhuanjiao Township (篆角乡) – includes Shibeipo Village (石碑坡) and Jiuping Village (九坪村).

Xichou County (西畴县):

• Jijie Township (鸡街乡) – Manlong Village (曼竜村).

• Xingjie Town (兴街镇) – Manlong Village (曼竜村).

The population of the Hualuo people (花倮人) is estimated to be around 2,000 to 4,000, with approximately 1,737 people living in the three villages of Nasha Town (那洒镇), and 578 people residing in Manlong Village (曼竜村) in Xichou County (西畴县).

Administrative Division

Currently, there is no independent Hualuo Autonomous Prefecture or Autonomous County for the Hualuo people (花倮人). Their settlement areas fall under the administration of the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州).

Main Towns and Villages

Guangnan County (广南县):

• Nasha Town (那洒镇) – the area with the highest concentration of Hualuo people (花倮人), including three major villages.

• Zhuanjiao Township (篆角乡).

Xichou County (西畴县):

• Jijie Township (鸡街乡) – Manlong Village (曼竜村) is the only Hualuo (花倮人) settlement in the area.

Population Concentration

Town: Nasha Town (那洒镇), Guangnan County (广南县) – approximately 1,737 people.

Villages:

• Xinwaluo Village (新挖龙村), Guangnan County (广南县) – 536 people.

• Manlong Village (曼竜村), Xichou County (西畴县) – 578 people.

Notable Villages and Cultural Highlights

Traditional Villages and Festival Locations

Longwangdong Village (龙汪洞村), Nasha Town (那洒镇), Guangnan County (广南县):

• Hosts the Qiao Cai Festival (荞菜节) annually during the fourth month of the lunar calendar. The festival includes the Hulusheng Dance (葫芦笙舞) to honor ancestors and has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Manlong Village (曼竜村), Jijie Township (鸡街乡), Xichou County (西畴县):

• This village preserves the Hualuo language, attire, and customs. It is the primary cultural representative village of the Hualuo people (花倮人) in Wenshan (文山) Prefecture, with 95% of the population identifying as Hualuo people (花倮人).

Cultural Significance

Hulusheng Dance (葫芦笙舞):

• Known as the “Eastern Disco,” this dance originated from agricultural labor scenes and is popular in Manlong Village (曼竜村) and Nasha Town (那洒镇).

Qiao Cai Festival (荞菜节):

• Celebrated on the first Dragon Day of the lunar fourth month, this festival commemorates the historical significance of buckwheat in saving the Hualuo people (花倮人). The core activities include sacrificial rites, singing, dancing, and the preparation of traditional food.

Other Information

Distribution Range:

• The Hualuo people (花倮人) are mainly concentrated in Guangnan County (广南县) and Xichou County (西畴县) in Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州), Yunnan. No other areas or regions have recorded Hualuo settlements.