Yunnan Information
Overview
Yunnan boasts the nation’s most diverse population with eight
registered ethnicities holding a significant presence and many
others inhabiting portions of the province, but simultaneously is
one of China’s most underdeveloped provinces. Located in the
country’s southwestern frontier, Yunnan is home to many natural
wonders, such as the famed stone forest. The province covers
152,230 square miles (394,100 sq km), ranking 8th largest in the
nation. The provincial population places 12th with 44,150,000
people. The capital and largest city, Kunming, is located centrally
just above Dian Chi Lake. The title Yunnan translates to south of
clouds.
Yunnan Geography
Yunnan province averages an altitude of 6,500 ft (1,980 m). Karst landforms in the east create a number of
spectacular gorges with the river runoff from the Tibetan Plateau to the northwest. The western half also has
many north-south running rivers, including the Mekong. Yunnan province borders Sichuan, Guizhou, Tibet, and
Guangxi domestically and Burma (Myanmar), Laos, and Vietnam internationally. Yunnan is home to China’s
largest wild animal population, earning the title Kingdom for Wild Animals.
Yunnan Demographics
Yunnan province is 67% Han Chinese. Yi come in second with 11% of the population. Bai and Hani compose
3.6% and 3.4% respectively. Zhuang and Dai each constitute 2.7% followed closely by Miao who comprise
2.5%. Hui make up 1.5%. Lisu, Lahu, Va, Naxi, Yao, Tibetan, Jingpo, Blang, Pumi, Nu, Achang, Deang
(Penglong), Mongolian, Drung and Jino are also present in Yunnan.
Yunnan History
Yunnan province can be viewed somewhat as a cusp region. In the south its history and culture are tied to those
of Burma, Vietnam, and Laos to varying degrees. It also played an interesting role in Chinese-Tibetan relations
throughout the years. Yunnan first entered greater Chinese history around the 3rd century BC during the
Warring States Period (481 BC – 212 BC) when a general from the Chu Kingdom entered the region and
proclaimed himself King. Yunnan was formally incorporated into Chinese dynastic history during the first
unification of China at the onset of the Qing Dynasty (221 BC – 206 BC). A couple of centuries later, Mongols
invasions led by Kublai Khan took the region. Yunnan was subsequently integrated into greater China for the
most part, although its southern international borders, not being delineated by natural landforms, have been
constantly contested.
Yunnan Industry
Cultivated land constitutes a small portion of Yunnan’s total area due to the mountainous and uneven landscape.
However, tobacco farming does constitute a significant portion of the region’s economy. Also important are
mining and tourism. In addition to tobacco, Yunnan exports machinery, electrical equipment, chemical
products, and non-ferrous metals. Yunnan is well situated for trade with ASEAN countries.