Geographical Distribution of Lahu Ethnic Minority

The Lahu (拉祜族) people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily located in southwestern China, particularly in Yunnan Province. They are concentrated in Pu’er City and Lincang City, with the Lan Cang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县) serving as their cultural and demographic heart. The Lahu population in China is estimated at over 400,000, with notable settlements in other Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos.

The Lahu maintain a rich cultural heritage, with traditions in music, dance, and festivals. Their distinct celebrations include the Kuza Festival (拉祜年) and Lan Cang Lahu Cultural Tourism Festival. Traditional customs like stilted homes and the Lahu Lusheng Dance (拉祜族芦笙舞) are preserved in villages like Lao Dabo Village (老达保村) in Lan Cang County.

Historically, the Lahu have experienced varied marriage practices, from polyandry to monogamy, and their burial customs reflect a belief in an afterlife, marked by rituals like soul calling and fire burials. The community also values agricultural festivals and religious traditions tied to their worldview.

The Lahu people’s lifestyle is intertwined with the natural environment, which is reflected in their migration history, marked by significant areas such as Ailao Mountain (哀牢山) and Wuliang Mountain (无量山), which also feature ancient tea trees and terraced farming systems.

Core Distribution and Population Data

Major Settling Areas

• Pu’er City: The core settlement area of the Lahu (拉祜族) ethnic group. Lan Cang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县) is the only Lahu autonomous county in China, with a Lahu population making up 43.5% of the county’s total population (approximately 220,000 people), representing half of the entire Lahu population in China.

• Lincang City: The Lahu people mainly reside in counties like Shuangjiang (双江), Gengma (耿马), and Cangyuan (沧源). In Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, and Blang Autonomous County (双江拉祜族佤族布朗族傣族自治县), there are 36,700 Lahu people (2025 data).

• Other Settlements: Scattered Lahu populations can be found in Xishuangbanna (西双版纳) — including Menghai County (勐海县), Honghe (红河) — specifically in Luchun County (绿春县), and Yuxi City (玉溪市) — especially in Xinping County (新平县).

Population Statistics

• Total Population: Approximately 447,600 people (2021 statistics), with the most concentrated Lahu population in Lan Cang County (澜沧县) of Pu’er City (普洱市).

• Most Populated Areas:

  • Region: Pu’er City (普洱市), with Lan Cang County (澜沧县) being the core.

  • County/City: Lan Cang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县), with a Lahu population of around 220,000.

  • Township: Mujia Township (木戛乡) in Lan Cang County, where 98.44% of the population is Lahu, with a population of 14,995 people.

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Counties

• Lan Cang Lahu Autonomous County (澜沧拉祜族自治县) (established in 1953): The only Lahu autonomous county in China, with Lahu people making up one-third of the total Lahu population globally.

• Menglian Dai, Lahu, and Wa Autonomous County (孟连傣族拉祜族佤族自治县): A joint Lahu, Dai (傣族), and Wa (佤族) autonomous county.

• Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, Blang, and Dai Autonomous County (双江拉祜族佤族布朗族傣族自治县): A multi-ethnic autonomous county with a Lahu population of 36,700.

Ethnic Townships

• Mujia Township (木戛乡) (Lan Cang County): A Lahu majority area, with 98.44% of its population being Lahu, the most concentrated Lahu township in Yunnan Province.

• Nanmila Lahu Ethnic Township (南美拉祜族乡) (Lincang City, Linxiang District): Preserves traditional Lahu culture.

• Manghong Lahu and Blang Ethnic Township (芒洪拉祜族布朗族乡) (Gengma County): A multi-ethnic autonomous township.

Notable Villages and Cultural Heritage

Core Cultural Villages

• Lao Dabo Village (老达保村) (Lan Cang County, Jiu Jing Township): A national intangible cultural heritage site, known for its Lahu music and Lahu Lusheng Dance (拉祜族芦笙舞) traditions. The village preserves the traditional stilt house architecture and customs.

• Manbang San Dui (曼邦三队) (Menghai County, Blang Mountain Township): A Lahu settlement with a history of hunting, now transitioning to tea farming. In 2019, the average income per person was 8,826 CNY.

Traditional Villages and Festival Venues

Ethnic Festivals

• Kuza Festival (库扎节) or Lahu New Year (拉祜年): Celebrated throughout Lan Cang County (澜沧县), featuring customs such as “grabbing new water” and predicting the year’s harvest.

• Lan Cang Lahu Cultural Tourism Festival (澜沧拉祜文化旅游节): Held annually in Lan Cang County (澜沧县), showcasing Lahu music, dance, and agricultural culture.

Geographical Features and Landmarks

Lan Cang River (澜沧江) West Bank

The traditional distribution area of the Lahu people, extending from Gengma (耿马) in the north to Lan Cang (澜沧) and Menglian (孟连) in the south, covering most of Pu’er City (普洱市).

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

A key area in the Lahu migration history, now home to ancient tea tree groves and terraced field relics.