Yunnan Arts and Culture
Discover Traditional Ethnic Cultures that Have Survived Millennia
Yunnan is Breathtaking!
It is no wonder that many Chinese come to Yunnan for vacation. From the height of its majestic mountains to the colorful textiles of its people, it exudes a persistence of place in ways that are unique and unforgettable.
Ethnic Groups
Yunnan, China, one of the world’s most diverse ethnolinguistic regions, is home to 26 ethnic groups. While the Han Chinese account for 92% of mainland China’s population, in Yunnan, Han account for just 67% of the population. The remaining 33% of the population is comprised of 25 ethnic minority groups, including the Yi, Bai, Hani, Dai, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Hui, Wa, Lahu, Jingpo, Bulang, Buyi, Naxi, Pumi, Achang, Jino, De’ang, Mongol, Dulong, Tibetan, Nu, Shui, Manchu, and Lisu peoples. In all, residents of Yunnan speak over 60 different dialects and languages.
As a flourishing example of Yunnan's rich diversity, each ethnic group is unique in their cultural identity, language, religion, architecture, clothing, food, & customs.
The majority of city dwellers and agricultural workers along the plains and valleys of Yunnan are of Han descent. As the most ethnically dominant population, the Han are descendants of conquering armies and an influx of immigrants during the Han Dynasty. The resulting effect is twofold; the siloing of non-Han communities to more remote areas of the province, along with intermarrying of Han and non-Han peoples.
The largest ethnic minority group are the Yi people, comprising 11% of the province’s population. Primarily residing in communities along the Jinsha and Yuanjiang Rivers and in the Aliao and Wuliang Mountains, the Yi have a history as upland farmers and pastoralists. They are also skilled artisans, working in lacquer painting, silverwork, embroidery, carving and more.
Art & Architecture
Ancient and distinctive architectural traditions continue to thrive within Yunnan’s countryside, bolstered by the region’s mountainous natural landscape. Hidden between each valley and gorge are structural styles and techniques that vary widely across ethnic enclaves. From northwest Yunnan’s ‘Duomufang’ log houses to the stilted bamboo houses prevalent in the Dai culture of southern Yunnan, the province is a testament to China’s rich architectural heritage.
Bulang House in Jingmai
This house shows traditional Bulang architectural structure.
Traditional House in Haiyan Village
It has an interior courtyard beyond this entrace with two raised roofs over a central doorway.
Dai House in Xishuangbanna
This house features a raised living space with workshop underneath
Traditional Dai Home near Xishuangbanna
Traditional Adobe in Haiyan Village near Lake Dianchi
Bulang House Lower Level in Jingmai
Place-Based Design
Inherent in the development of Yunnan’s traditional architecture is a consideration of how the surrounding environment impacts building practices. Centuries of optimization of material use, climate concerns, and topography adaptations among other factors have contributed to a built landscape that harmoniously blends with existing nature. This regional architectural language is complex and specific to Yunnan, where buildings are not only unique in their ethnically specific design, but also oftentimes sustainable.
Yunnan Traditional Design
These photos capture some of the traditional ethnic arts and architecture seen by Prof. Cogdell on her visit from Kunming up through the northwest of Yunnan, through Dali and Lijiang to Shangri-La near Tibet.
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