Geographical Distribution of Kucong Ethnic People

The Kucong (苦聪) ethnic group primarily resides in the mountainous regions of Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) and Wuliang Mountain (无量山) in Yunnan Province (云南省), China. With a population of approximately 40,000 people (as of 2025), they are predominantly located in Zhenyuan County (镇沅县) and Jinping County (金平县). Historically isolated in the remote forests, the Kucong people lived in primitive conditions, relying on hunting and gathering.

Their society has undergone significant changes since the 1960s, when the government assisted them in transitioning to settled agricultural life. Kucong culture is rich in traditional practices, including the celebration of the TemoKe Festival (特懋克节), which honors the use of iron tools, and the New Rice Festival (新米节), marking the harvest season.

The Kucong are known for their unique customs, such as their traditional clothing, including tree bark garments, and their distinct hunting techniques. While they are largely dependent on agriculture, the Kucong have adapted to modernity, with some villages, like Xiaohunan Village (者东镇帮海村), achieving economic growth through tobacco cultivation and transport industries.

Their rich cultural heritage and resilience in the face of historical challenges make the Kucong an integral part of Yunnan’s diverse ethnic landscape.

Core Distribution and Population Data

Primary Settlement Areas

Pu’er City (普洱市), Zhenyuan County (镇沅县): The core settlement area of the Kucong (苦聪) people, primarily located in the middle of Ailao Mountain (哀牢山), encompassing the towns of Zhedong (者东), Jiu Jia (九甲), and Heping (和平). These towns are home to more than 70% of the total Kucong population in the county.

Honghe Prefecture (红河州), Jinping County (金平县): The Kucong are mainly distributed in Zhemi La Lahu Ethnic Township (者米拉) and the towns of Mengla (勐拉) and Jinshuihe (金水河), with 31 natural villages. As of 2005, the population was 6,658.

Other Scattered Settlements: There are smaller populations in Lvchun County (绿春县), Xinping County (新平县), and Mojian County (墨江县), particularly in mountainous areas above 1,700 meters.

Population Statistics

Total Population: Approximately 40,000 people (as of 2025).

• Zhenyuan County (镇沅县): 12,000 people

• Jinping County (金平县): 6,658 people

Most Populous Regions

Prefecture: Pu’er City (普洱市)

County: Zhenyuan Yi, Hani, and Lahu Autonomous County (镇沅彝族哈尼族拉祜族自治县)

Township: Zhedong Township (者东镇)

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Ethnic Township

Zhemi La Lahu Ethnic Township (者米拉), Jinping County (金平县): This area is jointly administered by the Kucong (苦聪), Lahu (拉祜), and Miao (苗族) ethnic groups. It contains 9 village committees, with the Kucong people making up about 40% of the population.

Key Villages and Cultural Centers

Cultural Core Villages

Dapingzhang Kucong New Village (镇沅县恩乐镇): This village is home to the first Kucong cultural theme museum in China, showcasing over 150 traditional hunting tools, tree bark clothing, and other artifacts.

Xiaohunan Village (者东镇帮海村): A modern Kucong settlement, where the average annual income of villagers reached 120,000 CNY in 2022. The village is centered around the cultivation of tobacco and transport industries.

Traditional Villages and Festival Locations

Ethnic Festivals

TemoKe Festival (特懋克节)

The TemoKe Festival (特懋克节) is celebrated from the 3rd to the 9th day of the lunar New Year to commemorate the use of iron tools. The main celebrations take place in Zhedong Township (者东镇).

New Rice Festival (新米节)

The New Rice Festival (新米节) is celebrated after the autumn harvest, with traditional ritual ceremonies preserved in Zhemi Township (者米乡), Jinping County (金平县).

Geographical Features

Ailao Mountain – Wuliang Mountain (哀牢山-无量山)

This is the traditional living area of the Kucong (苦聪) people, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,100 meters. The region is also home to a unique ancient tea tree forest, covering 6,000 acres.

Zhegan River Valley (者干河谷)

This is the birthplace of the Kucong (苦聪) people’s agricultural culture in Zhenyuan County (镇沅县). It is home to well-preserved terraced fields dating back to the Ming Dynasty (明朝).