Geographical Distribution of Tibetan Ethnic Minority in Yunnan

The Tibetan ethnic group in Yunnan is predominantly concentrated in the northwestern region, particularly in Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), which includes Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Deqin County (德钦县), and Weixi County (维西县). Tibetans make up 36.3% of the population in Deqen Prefecture, with Deqin County having the highest concentration, where Tibetans account for over 80% of the population.

The region is known for its unique Tibetan culture, with traditional villages such as Niru Village (尼汝村) and Yubeng Village (雨崩村), which attract visitors for their scenic beauty and religious significance. Key festivals include the Shangri-La Horse Racing Festival (香格里拉赛马会) and the Dengba Festival (登巴节), celebrated in Niru Village.

Cultural features in the region include Shangri-La Yak Meat (香格里拉牦牛肉) and Benzilan Woodwork (奔子栏木器), which are recognized as National Geographical Indication Products and provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, respectively. Yunnan’s Tibetan communities continue to preserve and celebrate their rich cultural traditions through festivals, crafts, and daily life.

Distribution and Administrative Division of Tibetans in Yunnan

Major Areas of Distribution

Tibetans in Yunnan are mainly concentrated in the northwestern region of the province, with a highly concentrated distribution.

Core Settlement Area

Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州): Tibetans make up 36.3% of the population in the prefecture (around 135,000 people). This area includes Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Deqin County (德钦县), and Weixi County (维西县), with Tibetans comprising over 80% of the population in Deqin County.

Main Towns and Villages in the Core Area:

Shangri-La City: Jiantang Town (建塘镇), Niru Township (尼汝乡)

Deqin County: Shengping Town (升平镇), Benzilan Town (奔子栏镇)

Weixi County: Tacheng Town (塔城镇) (a multi-ethnic mixed settlement)

Scattered Tibetan Settlements

Yulong County, Lijiang City (丽江市): Shibazhaigou (十八寨沟) (The first Tibetan administrative village, with 51% Tibetan population)

Gongshan County, Nujiang Prefecture (怒江州贡山县): A small number of Tibetans live here.

Population and Proportion

Province-wide data: Approximately 130,000 Tibetans (2010 census), making up 1.4% of the total ethnic minority population in the province.

Deqen Prefecture: By 2024, 135,000 Tibetans, accounting for 36.3% of the registered population in the prefecture.

Deqin County: Tibetans make up over 80% of the population, making it the area with the highest concentration of Tibetans in Yunnan.

Autonomous Administrative Divisions

Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Yunnan’s Only)

Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州):

• Established: 1957

• Tibetan Population Proportion: 36.3%

• Counties under its jurisdiction: Shangri-La City, Deqin County, Weixi County

Tibetan Townships (Partial List)

Most Populous Township: Jiantang Town (建塘镇), Shangri-La City (with over 20,000 registered residents)

Other Key Townships:

• Benzilan Town (奔子栏镇), Deqin County (Tibetan cultural protection area)

• Niru Township (尼汝乡), Shangri-La City (Concentration of traditional Tibetan villages)

Unique Tibetan Villages and Cultural Identifiers

Traditional Villages and Characteristic Villages

Festival Venues

Shangri-La Horse Racing Festival (香格里拉赛马会): Held annually in May-June at the Shangri-La National Sports Center.

Dengba Festival (登巴节): Celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month at Niru Village (featuring horse races and Guozhuang Dance).

Mountain Worship and Horse Racing Festival (祭山跑马节): Held on the 15th day of the 9th Tibetan lunar month at Niru Village on Shengga Mountain.

Geographical Indicators and Cultural Features

Shangri-La Yak Meat (香格里拉牦牛肉): A National Geographical Indication Product with an annual production value exceeding 100 million yuan.

Benzilan Woodwork (奔子栏木器): A provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, famous for Tibetan-style wooden bowls.

Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城): A key town along the Tea Horse Road, with the Tibetan name meaning “Moonlight City“.

Note: Some population data may vary due to differences in statistical methods. It is recommended to refer to the latest government reports from Deqen Prefecture.