Geographical Distribution of Lisu Ethnic Minority

The Lisu ethnic minority is one of the most distinctive groups in southwestern China, primarily residing in Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州) and surrounding areas of Yunnan Province. Known for their rich cultural heritage, unique customs, and historical significance, the Lisu have maintained their traditional way of life while adapting to the modern world. Their population in Yunnan is part of the larger Lisu community in China, which numbers over 760,000.

Distribution and Population

The Lisu people are mainly found in the Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, the only prefecture of its kind in China, where they make up more than half of the population. Other significant populations can be found in regions like Lijiang (丽江), Dali (大理), and Diqing (迪庆). In these areas, Lisu communities are scattered in a “large dispersion, small settlement” pattern, with the largest populations residing in towns such as Lushui City (泸水市) and Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县).

Core Distribution and Population Data

Main Settling Regions

Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州): The only Lisu autonomous prefecture in China, home to 304,500 Lisu people (as of the end of 2023), which constitutes 56.9% of the total population in the prefecture. The Lisu are primarily concentrated in Lushui City (泸水市), Fugong County (福贡县), Gongshan County (贡山县), and Lanping County (兰坪县).

Other Distributions: The Lisu people are also found in Lijiang (丽江) with a population of 111,200, Diqing Weixi County (迪庆维西县), Dali, Baoshan, and Dehong, forming a “large dispersion, small settlement” pattern.

Population Statistics

Total Population: Nationwide, the Lisu population is 763,000 (as of 2021), with between 557,100 to 763,000 residing in Yunnan (depending on different statistical measures).

Most Populous Regions:

  • Prefecture: Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州)

  • County/City: Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县), the only Lisu autonomous county in Yunnan.

  • Township: Daxingdi Township (大兴地镇) in Lushui City (泸水市), where the Lisu population makes up over 90% of the residents.

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Autonomous Prefecture

Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江傈僳族自治州) was established in 1954 and administers four counties, with the Lisu population as the dominant group.

Autonomous Counties

Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县) was established in 1985 under Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州) and is known for its rich preservation of Lisu culture.

Ethnic Townships

Name County/City Features
Tuoding Lisu Ethnic Township (拖顶傈僳族乡) Deqin County (德钦县) One of the three ethnic townships in Diqing Prefecture, with 7 village committees
Xiaruo Lisu Ethnic Township (霞若傈僳族乡) Deqin County (德钦县) Integrates Lisu and Tibetan cultures, spanning 1,414.91 square kilometers
Biaocun Lisu Ethnic Township (表村傈僳族乡) Yunlong County (云龙县) One of only two ethnic townships in Dali Prefecture (大理州), with 34% Lisu population

Tuoding Lisu Ethnic Township (Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture)

Located in Diqing Prefecture, this township has seven village committees: Tuoding, Luosha, Dacun, Niensa, Pingtuan, Zuoli, and Luoyu. It is a typical cold, mountainous area with 48% forest coverage. The Zhubalong River flows through the township.

Population: 8,383 (as of 2023), primarily involved in rice, corn, and walnut farming.

Xiaruo Lisu Ethnic Township (Deqin County, Diqing Prefecture)

Located near Tuoding Township, this township spans an area of 1,414.91 square kilometers. It retains Lisu hunting culture and features a fusion of Tibetan architectural styles. The township houses 1 community and 7 administrative villages, such as Xiaruo Village and Shirong Village.

Biaocun Lisu Ethnic Township (Yunlong County, Dali Prefecture)

Located in Yunlong County, this township is one of only two ethnic townships in Dali Prefecture. The Lisu people make up 34% of the population here, with five village committees under its jurisdiction.

Notable Lisu Villages

Village Name Location Features
Dacun Village (大村村) Deqin County, Tuoding Township (德钦县, 拖顶乡) A traditional village layout in the shape of the Chinese character “品”, rebuilt after a 1950s fire
Tongle Village (同乐村) Weixi County, Ye Zhi Town (维西县, 叶枝镇) The largest Lisu ancient village in China, with “A Chi Mu Gua” (阿尺木刮) song and dance included in the national intangible cultural heritage list
Biaocun Village (表村村) Yunlong County, Miaowei Township (云龙县, 苗尾乡) A historical village by the Lancang River (澜沧江), established during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) under the reign of Emperor Yongle (永乐)

Tongle Village (Weixi County, Ye Zhi Town)

Known as the largest Lisu ancient village in the country, Tongle Village features well-preserved wooden plank houses and a rich cultural heritage, including the iconic “A Chi Mu Gua” (阿尺木刮) song and dance, which has been listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Dacun Village (Deqin County, Tuoding Township)

A traditional Lisu village with a “品” shaped layout. After a fire in the 1950s, the village was rebuilt with stone wall houses, representing typical Lisu architectural styles. The village preserves its Lisu and hunting culture.

Festival Locations

Kuoshi Festival Main Venue (阔时节主会场): Dalian Di Village (大练地村), Lushui City (泸水市), Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture (怒江州政府驻地)

Bathing Festival (澡塘会): Denggang Hot Springs (登埂温泉), Lushui City (泸水市), a place where bathing and trade activities are combined.

Geographic and Cultural Landmarks

Three Parallel Rivers Area (三江并流区): The region around the Nujiang River (怒江), Lancang River (澜沧江), and Jinsha River (金沙江) preserves ancient slash-and-burn agricultural practices.

Gaoligong Mountain (高黎贡山): A biodiversity hotspot where Lisu hunting traditions coexist with rich ecological diversity.