Geographical Distribution of Mongolian Ethnic Minority

The Mongolian ethnic minority in Yunnan is primarily concentrated in Xingmeng Mongolian Ethnic Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) in Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), the province’s only Mongolian settlement. The Mongolian population in this area is approximately 5,600 people, making up 95% of the township’s population. Smaller populations can also be found in Wenshan Prefecture (文山州) and Pu’er City (普洱市).

Mongolian culture in Yunnan is deeply rooted in its history, with descendants of soldiers from Kublai Khan’s (忽必烈) 1253 southern campaign. The community preserves unique traditions, including the Kazhao language (喀卓语) and distinct attire known as three-fold water (三叠水服饰). They celebrate the Naadam Festival (那达慕大会) every three years, featuring cultural performances and athletic competitions.

Other settlements include Tiejia Po (铁家坡) and Baobao Di (包堡地), where Mongolian descendants continue to maintain traditional customs. The Xingmeng Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) remains the cultural heart of Mongolian heritage in the region.

Distribution and Cultural Overview

Core Distribution and Population Data

Provincial Distribution Patterns

The Mongolian ethnic minority in Yunnan is primarily concentrated in Xingmeng Mongolian Ethnic Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) in Tonghai County (通海县), Yuxi City (玉溪市), which is the only Mongolian settlement in the province. The population in this township is approximately 5,600 people, making up about 95% of the township’s total population.

Other Distribution Areas

In Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山州), there is a small Mongolian population of around 5,500 people, mainly found in counties like Malipo (麻栗坡), Maguan (马关), and Guangnan (广南), with the largest population located in Majie Township (马街乡), Malipo County (麻栗坡县).

Total Population

As of 2020, the total Mongolian population in Yunnan is about 28,000, accounting for 0.47% of the national Mongolian population.

Comparison of Mongolian Populations by Region

Xingmeng Mongolian Ethnic Township (Yuxi City, Tonghai County)

Unique Features

Xingmeng Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) is the only Mongolian ethnic township in Yunnan, with Mongolians comprising over 95% of the population. The township covers an area of 4.77 square kilometers and is composed of three administrative villages: Baigezhong Village (白阁中村), Xiacun Village (下村), and Taogzui Village (桃家嘴).

Historical Background

Established in 1988, Xingmeng Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) traces its origins to Mongol cavalrymen who accompanied Kublai Khan (忽必烈) during his southern conquests in 1253. The descendants of these cavalrymen transitioned from a nomadic herding lifestyle to fishing, and later to farming.

Cultural Characteristics

Xingmeng Mongolian community preserves the Kazhao language (喀卓语), a unique blend of Mongolian, Yi, and Hani languages, and distinctive three-fold water attire. The community hosts the annual Naadam Festival (那达慕大会) and reveres Genghis Khan (成吉思汗) and his sons at San Sheng Temple (三圣宫).

Key Villages in Xingmeng Township

Baige Village‌白阁村‌ (‌Xingmeng Mongolian Ethnic Township)

Core Settlement: The township’s administrative center, with historical Qing Dynasty (清代) brick-and-stone houses and Mongolian religious practices.

Intangible Cultural Heritage: Traditional Mongolian weddings, Ancestor Worship Festivals (祭祖节), and Tai Chi fish dishes (太极鳝鱼).

Taogzui Village‌桃家嘴村 (Xingmeng Mongolian Ethnic Township)

Industry: Primarily engaged in the cultivation of melons and grapes, with a focus on traditional dining services.

Other Mongolian Settlements

Tiejia Po (铁家坡) in Zhen Tai Township (镇沅县振太乡), Pu’er City (普洱市): A settlement of Mongol descendants who were once part of the “Iron surname” Mongolian community.

Baobao Di (包堡地) in Zhehai Town (者海镇), Huize County (会泽县): A community of Mongolian military settlers from the Qing Dynasty.

Distribution Characteristics

The Mongolian population in Yunnan is concentrated in Xingmeng Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡), with scattered populations in places like Zhen Tai (镇沅), Huize (会泽), and other areas. Most of these are descendants of Mongol soldiers from the Yuan (元朝) and Ming (明朝) Dynasties.

Cultural Fusion

While the language and dress have fused with local ethnic customs, Mongolian identity is preserved through festivals and architectural symbols such as the Aobao (敖包, a Mongolian sacred stone mound).

Xingmeng Township: Cultural Features

Traditional Architecture

The homes in Xingmeng Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) mainly feature the traditional “Yi Ke Yin” (一颗印) courtyard style, often combined with elements of the Mongolian yurt (蒙古包).

Local Specialties

Xingmeng Melons (兴蒙甜瓜): A nationally recognized product known for its thin skin and crisp flesh.

Tai Chi Fish (太极鳝鱼): A traditional delicacy combining Mongolian and local culinary techniques.

Festivals and Celebrations

Naadam Festival (那达慕大会)

This festival is held every three years in Xingmeng Township (usually in December) and is considered the “Olympics of Qilu Lake” (杞麓湖). It includes cultural performances, athletic competitions, and other events celebrating Mongolian heritage.

Luban Festival (鲁班节)

Held on the second day of the fourth lunar month, this festival honors Luban (鲁班), the patron deity of Mongolian craftsmen. The event in Xingmeng Township (兴蒙蒙古族乡) features rituals and demonstrations of traditional craftsmanship.

Cultural and Linguistic Identity

Kazhao Language (喀卓语): A unique language of the Mongol people in Xingmeng (兴蒙), incorporating elements from Mongolian (蒙古语), Yi (彝语), and Hani (哈尼语) languages, and has no written form.

Three-Fold Water Attire (三叠水服饰): A distinct style of dress worn by Mongolian women in Xingmeng (兴蒙), symbolizing the “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.”

Historical Background of the Mongols in Yunnan

The Mongols in Yunnan are descendants of soldiers who followed Kublai Khan (忽必烈) during his southern campaign in 1253. Over time, they assimilated into local communities, adopting agricultural practices, and developed a unique cultural identity known as Kazhao Culture (卡卓文化). The township, originally known as “Fisherman’s Village” (渔夫村), was officially recognized as a Mongolian settlement in 1988.