Wenshan Zhuang And Miao Autonomous Prefecture (文山壮族苗族自治州)

1. Introduction

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (Zhuang: Vwnzsanh Bouxcuengh Myauzcuz Swcicouh; Miao, Chuanqiandian dialect: Wenx Shangb Langs Hmongb Zif Zhif Zheub), abbreviated as Wenshan Prefecture, is an autonomous prefecture under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the southeastern part of Yunnan. The prefecture borders Honghe Prefecture to the west, Qujing City to the northwest, Baise City of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the north and east, and Vietnam to the south. Situated on the southeastern edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, it is primarily a karst plateau region, with the Nanpan River flowing through its northwestern part. The prefecture covers an area of 31,408 square kilometers and has a total population of 3.5032 million. The Han, Zhuang, and Miao ethnic groups account for approximately 42%, 28%, and 14% of the population, respectively. The prefectural capital is located in Wenshan City. Wenshan Prefecture is the main production area of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Panax notoginseng (Sanqi), earning it the title "Hometown of Sanqi."

2. Etymology

The name of Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture originates from its geographical location and historical background. The term "Wenshan" in the prefecture's name derives from the county name, which in turn originates from the mountain name, reflecting the inheritance of earth mother culture. Furthermore, the administrative evolution of Wenshan Prefecture can be traced back to 221 BCE after the Qin dynasty unified China. After multiple adjustments to administrative divisions, Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture was ultimately established in 1958.

3. History

In the sixth year of the Yuanding era of the Western Han Dynasty (111 BCE), Emperor Wu of Han expanded into the southwestern Yi regions, establishing Zangke Commandery. The present-day Wenshan Prefecture was subordinate to it, and counties such as Jincheng, Dumeng, Chanfeng, and Gouting were established within its territory. In the third year of the Jianxing era of the Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period (225 CE), Zhuge Liang pacified the various commanderies of Nanzhong. He separated the southwestern part of Zangke Commandery and the southern part of Yizhou Commandery to establish Xinggu Commandery and also set up the Laijiang Chief Commandery, administered from Wanwen County (northwest of present-day Yanshan County). During the Western Jin Dynasty, the Laijiang Chief Commandery was reorganized into Ningzhou, and Xinggu Commandery's seat was moved to Shengxiu County (north of present-day Jiangchuan District, Yuxi City). In the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the seat returned to Wanwen County, with most of the present-day area belonging to Xinggu Commandery. During the Southern Qi period of the Southern Dynasties, Xinggu Commandery moved its seat to Xizhong County (within present-day Wenshan City). Xinggu Commandery was abolished in the late Liang period of the Southern Dynasties. From the Eastern Jin to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, most commanderies and counties were controlled by the Cuan clan. By the Sui Dynasty, Nanningzhou was established in the Nanzhong region, and present-day Wenshan Prefecture was subordinate to it.

During the Tang Dynasty, the present-day area came under the control of Nanzhao. The western part belonged to the Liaozibu territory of the Tonghai Chief Commandery of Nanzhao, while the eastern part belonged to the Qianzhong Circuit. In the Dali Kingdom period, the western part belonged to the territories of the Wangnongshanbu, Jiaohe Sanbu, and Huimebu of Zuining Prefecture, and the eastern part belonged to the Temodao and Zuojiangdao of Guangyuanzhou in Guangnan West Circuit. Fuzhou was established in present-day Funing County and was subordinate to Yongzhou.

In the 12th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1275), the Guangnan West Circuit Pacification Commission was established (administered from present-day Guangnan County). In the 15th year of the Zhiyuan era (1278), it was changed to the Guangnan West Circuit Pacification Office. Wenshan City belonged to the Jiaohe Sanbu territory; Maguan, Xichou, and Malipo belonged to the Yinigabu and were subordinate to Lin'an Route; the northwestern part belonged to Guangxi Route. During the Zhiyuan era, Fuzhou was divided to establish Anningzhou (southwest of present-day Funing County) and Luozuozhou (northeast of present-day Funing County). In the 4th year of the Dade era (1300), Huimebu was used to establish Weimozhou (administered from present-day Weimo Township, Yanshan County), subordinate to Guangxi Route.

In the 15th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1382), the Guangnan West Circuit Pacification Commission was changed to Guangnan Prefecture. Anningzhou and Luozuozhou were abolished and merged into Fuzhou, subordinate to Guangnan Prefecture. Lin'an Route was changed to Lin'an Prefecture, which governed the Jiaohua Chiefdom. Guangxi Route was changed to Guangxi Prefecture. In the 12th year of the Yongle era (1414), the Bazhai Chiefdom was established (administered from present-day Bazhai Town, Maguan County), directly subordinate to the Yunnan Regional Military Commission. In the 42nd year of the Wanli era (1614), Sanxiang County was added (administered from present-day Mazhelong, Shuanglongying Town, Qiubei County), but was later abolished.

In the 1st year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1662), the Bazhai Chiefdom was changed to Yongpingli. In the 6th year of Kangxi (1667), the native chieftain system was replaced by appointed officials (gaitu guiliu). The territories of the Jiaohua, Wangnong, and Annan chiefdoms were used to establish Kaihua Prefecture (administered from present-day Wenshan City). In the 8th year of Kangxi (1669), Weimozhou was abolished; its southern part was assigned to Kaihua Prefecture, and its northern part to Guangnan Prefecture. Sanxiang County was re-established but was abolished the following year. In the 6th year of the Yongzheng era (1729), Mabaiguan was established in present-day Maguan County. In the 7th year of Yongzheng (1730), Wenshan County was established as the attached county of Kaihua Prefecture. In the 9th year of Yongzheng (1731), a Sub-prefect (Zhou Tong) was established in Shizongzhou, stationed in Qiubei, the former site of Weimozhou. In the 1st year of the Qianlong era (1736), Baoning County (present-day Guangnan County) was established as the attached county of Guangnan Prefecture. In the 35th year of Qianlong (1770), an Assistant County Magistrate (Xian Cheng) from Shizong County was stationed in Qiubei. In the 25th year of the Jiaqing era (1820), the Anping Sub-prefecture (Anping Ting) was established as an attached division of Kaihua Prefecture. In the 20th year of the Daoguang era (1840), Qiubei County was established (administered from present-day Jinping Town, Qiubei County), subordinate to Guangxi Directly-Administered Department (Zhili Zhou). In the 22nd year of the Guangxu era (1896), the Malipo Deputy Superintendency was established in present-day Malipo County. In the 26th year of Guangxu (1900), Fuzhou was changed to Fuzhou Sub-prefecture (Fuzhou Ting). In the 32nd year of Guangxu (1906), the Anping Sub-prefecture seat was moved to Mabaiguan (present-day Maba Town, Maguan County).

In the 2nd year of the Republic of China (1913), prefectures, departments (zhou), and sub-prefectures (ting) were abolished and converted into counties. These included Wenshan, Anping, Guangnan, Fuzhou, Qiubei, and others, belonging to the Linkaiguang Circuit, which was changed to the Mengzi Circuit the following year. In 1914, Pulang Administrative District was separated from Kaihua County (administered from present-day Xisa Town, Xichou County). Anping County was renamed Maguan County due to sharing the same name with Anping County in Guizhou Province. In 1919, Malipo was reorganized into the Malipo Frontier Inspection Superintendency, directly subordinate to Yunnan Province. In the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927), Fuzhou County was renamed Funing County; the Mengzi Circuit was abolished in the same year. In 1929, the Pulang Administrative District was changed to Xichou County. In the same year, the territories of Funing, Guangnan, and Malipo counties became part of the Baise Uprising base area led by Deng Xiaoping. In 1933, Malipo was changed to the Malipo Special Frontier Inspection District. Yanshan Administrative Bureau was established in the territory of the former Weimozhou (administered from present-day Jiangna Town). In 1935, Yanshan Administrative Bureau was changed to Yanshan County. In the 31st year of the Republic of China (1942), it belonged to the Second Administrative Supervision District of Yunnan Province.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in 1949, the Malipo District was changed to Maliepo County. In 1950, Maliepo County was changed to Malipo City. Wenshan Special District was established, governing seven counties—Wenshan, Yanshan, Qiubei, Xichou, Maguan, Guangnan, Funing—and Malipo City. The Commissioner's Office was stationed in Wenshan County. In 1955, Malipo City was changed to Malipo County. On May 24, 1957, the establishment of the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture was approved, and it was officially established on April 1, 1958. In 1960, Yanshan County was merged into Wenshan County, and Malipo County was merged into Xichou County. In 1962, Yanshan and Malipo counties were re-established. In 1965, the name of Wenshan Prefecture was changed to Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. In December 2010, Wenshan County was abolished and Wenshan City was established.

4. Geography

Wenshan Prefecture is located in the southeastern part of Yunnan Province. It borders Baise, Guangxi to the northeast and southeast, and shares a 438-kilometer border with Hà Giang Province, Vietnam to the south. To the southwest and northwest, it neighbors the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture within the same province, and connects with Qujing City to the north and northwest.

The overall terrain of Wenshan Prefecture slopes stepwise from high in the northwest to low in the southeast, with mountainous and semi-mountainous areas accounting for 94.6% of its total area. The prefecture also features the most developed and extensive karst landforms in Yunnan Province, including landscapes such as Puzhehei and Bamei. Cultivated land constitutes 7.26% of the total area.

Climate

Most counties and cities in Wenshan Prefecture, including Wenshan City and Funing County, experience a humid subtropical climate of the southern Asia type, while areas like Yanshan and Qiubei belong to the humid subtropical climate of the central Asia type. The region enjoys mild winters without severe cold and cool summers without intense heat.

Wenshan (1981−2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |---------------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|-------------| | Average high °C (°F) | 17.6 (63.7) | 20.2 (68.4) | 24.1 (75.4) | 27.2 (81.0) | 27.8 (82.0) | 28.2 (82.8) | 27.9 (82.2) | 27.8 (82.0) | 26.6 (79.9) | 23.8 (74.8) | 21.1 (70.0) | 18.1 (64.6) | 24.2 (75.6) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 11.5 (52.7) | 13.6 (56.5) | 16.9 (62.4) | 20.5 (68.9) | 22.2 (72.0) | 23.2 (73.8) | 23.0 (73.4) | 22.6 (72.7) | 21.3 (70.3) | 18.8 (65.8) | 15.3 (59.5) | 11.9 (53.4) | 18.4 (65.1) | | Average low °C (°F) | 7.7 (45.9) | 9.4 (48.9) | 12.3 (54.1) | 16.0 (60.8) | 18.3 (64.9) | 20.0 (68.0) | 20.0 (68.0) | 19.4 (66.9) | 17.9 (64.2) | 15.7 (60.3) | 11.6 (52.9) | 8.0 (46.4) | 14.7 (58.4) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 15.2 (0.60) | 18.1 (0.71) | 32.2 (1.27) | 57.8 (2.28) | 105.0 (4.13) | 140.5 (5.53) | 198.6 (7.82) | 175.3 (6.90) | 109.6 (4.31) | 61.0 (2.40) | 47.9 (1.89) | 13.5 (0.53) | 974.7 (38.37) | | Average relative humidity (%) | 76 | 73 | 69 | 67 | 71 | 77 | 81 | 81 | 78 | 79 | 77 | 76 | 75 |

5. Administrative Divisions

Wenshan Prefecture administers 1 county-level city and 7 counties.

County-level city: Wenshan City Counties: Yanshan County, Xichou County, Malipo County, Maguan County, Qiubei County, Guangnan County, Funing County

Administrative Division Map of Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Seat of Government | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|---------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|------------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------|----------------------| | 532600 | Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture | Wénshān Zhuàngzú Miáozú Zìzhìzhōu | 31,408 | 3,503,218 | Wenshan City | 663000 | 3 | 42 | 59 | 16 | | | | Vwnzsanh Bouxcuengh Myauzcuz Swcicouh | | | | | | | | | | 532601 | Wenshan City | Wénshān Shì | 2,967 | 623,772 | Wolong Subdistrict | 663000 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 5 | | | | Vwnzsanh Si | | | | | | | | | | 532622 | Yanshan County | Yànshān Xiàn | 3,869 | 476,587 | Jiangna Town | 663100 | | 4 | 7 | 4 | | | | Yensanh Yen | | | | | | | | | | 532623 | Xichou County | Xīchóu Xiàn | 1,491 | 203,630 | Xisa Town | 663500 | | 2 | 7 | | | | | Sihcouz Yen | | | | | | | | | | 532624 | Malipo County | Málìpō Xiàn | 2,358 | 243,587 | Mali Town | 663600 | | 4 | 7 | 1 | | | | Mazliboh Yen | | | | | | | | | | 532625 | Maguan County | Mǎguān Xiàn | 2,666 | 318,704 | Mabai Town | 663700 | | 9 | 4 | | | | | Majgvanh Yen | | | | | | | | | | 532626 | Qiubei County | Qiūběi Xiàn | 5,038 | 468,172 | Jinping Town | 663200 | | 3 | 9 | 5 | | | | Ciuhbwz Yen | | | | | | | | | | 532627 | Guangnan County | Guǎngnán Xiàn | 7,730 | 771,948 | Liancheng Town | 663300 | | 7 | 11 | | | | | Gvangjnanz Yen | | | | | | | | | | 532628 | Funing County | Fùníng Xiàn | 5,290 | 396,818 | Xinhua Town | 663400 | | 6 | 7 | 1 | | | | Funingz Yen | | | | | | | | |

6. Economy

In 2002, the total gross domestic product (GDP) of the entire prefecture reached 8.714 billion yuan. Wenshan Prefecture is a typical agricultural region, with the agricultural population accounting for 92.3% of the total population.

7. Transportation

Transportation in the Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is primarily road-based, with a relatively well-developed network. Wenshan City serves as the transportation hub of the prefecture, featuring multiple passenger terminals such as the North Bridge General Passenger Terminal and the South Bridge Passenger Terminal. Daily bus services connect the city to other areas within the prefecture and neighboring regions. The total road mileage in the prefecture reaches 4,288 kilometers, with rural road coverage achieving 100%. Additionally, Wenshan is advancing the "Four-Good Rural Roads" initiative and plans to establish a comprehensive transportation layout by 2035, characterized by "three horizontal and two vertical corridors, one central hub, three sea access points, and one transportation junction."

8. Education

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, located in southeastern Yunnan Province, is a multi-ethnic region where ethnic minorities account for 54.8% of the total population. In terms of education, Wenshan Prefecture has made significant progress in recent years, striving to achieve educational modernization and high-quality development. According to the plan, by 2025, Wenshan Prefecture aims to achieve a gross enrollment rate of 92% for preschool education, a retention rate of 92% for nine-year compulsory education, and a gross enrollment rate of 92% for senior secondary education.

Wenshan Prefecture places high importance on the strategy of prioritizing education. Through measures such as "one demonstration school per county, one public school per township, and one preschool per village," it promotes the universal accessibility and affordability of preschool education. For compulsory education, Wenshan Prefecture advances integrated urban-rural development, ensures the implementation of mechanisms to prevent student dropouts, and enhances educational quality through balanced and high-quality development. Senior secondary education focuses on increasing enrollment rates and improving quality, with the goal of achieving full coverage and free education by 2035.

Vocational education is also an important component of education in Wenshan Prefecture. Institutions such as Wenshan Senior Technical School are dedicated to cultivating skilled professionals. Additionally, Wenshan University, the only undergraduate institution in the prefecture, continues to advance reforms in education and teaching.

Through a series of policies and measures, Wenshan Prefecture strives to narrow the urban-rural education gap, enhance educational equity and quality, and provide strong talent support for local economic and social development.

9. Population

According to the 2020 Seventh National Population Census, the permanent resident population of the prefecture was 3,503,218[14]. Compared with the 3,517,946 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a decrease of 14,728 people over the ten years, a decline of 0.42%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.04%. Among them, males accounted for 1,824,919 people, representing 52.09% of the total population; females accounted for 1,678,299 people, representing 47.91% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 108.74. The population aged 0-14 was 871,977 people, accounting for 24.89% of the total population; the population aged 15-59 was 2,143,647 people, accounting for 61.19% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 487,594 people, accounting for 13.92% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 350,366 people, accounting for 10% of the total population. The urban population was 1,303,117 people, accounting for 37.2% of the total population; the rural population was 2,200,101 people, accounting for 62.8% of the total population.

Ethnic Groups

Among the permanent resident population of the prefecture, the Han population was 1,487,947 people, accounting for 42.47%; the combined population of various ethnic minorities was 2,015,271 people, accounting for 57.53%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population decreased by 13,901 people, a decline of 0.93%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.22 percentage points; the combined population of ethnic minorities decreased by 827 people, a decline of 0.04%, but its proportion of the total population increased by 0.22 percentage points. Among them, the Zhuang population decreased by 39,697 people, a decline of 3.86%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 1.01 percentage points; the Miao population increased by 25,311 people, a growth of 5.26%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.78 percentage points; the Yi population increased by 10,621 people, a growth of 3.02%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.35 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (2020 Seventh National Population Census)

| Ethnic Group | Han | Zhuang | Miao | Yi | Yao | Hui | Dai | Bai | Buyei | Mongol | Other Ethnic Groups | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Population | 1,487,947 | 987,585 | 506,550 | 362,218 | 82,617 | 26,900 | 16,107 | 10,845 | 7,228 | 5,463 | 9,758 | | % of Total Population | 42.47 | 28.19 | 14.46 | 10.34 | 2.36 | 0.77 | 0.46 | 0.31 | 0.21 | 0.16 | 0.28 | | % of Ethnic Minority Population | — | 49.01 | 25.14 | 17.97 | 4.1 | 1.33 | 0.8 | 0.54 | 0.36 | 0.27 | 0.48 |

10. Religion

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture is a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, comprising 11 ethnicities including the Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Yi, Hui, and others. In terms of religious beliefs, the ethnic groups in this prefecture possess rich traditional beliefs and cultures.

The Zhuang people primarily believe in Moism, worship nature and ancestors, and preserve traditional customs such as bronze drum worship ceremonies and performing bronze drum dances. Additionally, the Zhuang people also adhere to animism or polytheism, striving for harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

The traditional religious beliefs of the Miao people are also polytheistic, with a focus on nature worship, such as offering sacrifices to mountain gods and tree gods. Some Miao people also practice Catholicism.

The Hui people in Wenshan have formed a unique "Zhuang Hui" Muslim community, integrating Hui religious beliefs with Zhuang cultural characteristics.

The Wenshan Prefecture government manages religious affairs in accordance with the law through institutions such as the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Commission, safeguards the freedom of religious belief for all ethnic groups, and promotes the adaptation of religion to socialist society.

11. Culture

Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, located in the southeastern part of Yunnan Province, is China's only autonomous prefecture primarily composed of Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups, boasting rich ethnic cultural resources. The prefecture is home to 11 indigenous ethnic groups, including the Zhuang, Miao, Yao, and Yi peoples. Over a long historical development, each ethnic group has formed unique cultural customs and festival traditions.

The cultural characteristics of Wenshan Prefecture are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Intangible Cultural Heritage: Wenshan Prefecture possesses abundant intangible cultural heritage resources, including national, provincial, and prefecture-level intangible cultural heritage projects. Among them, the Zhuang ethnic group's "Nong Ya Wai" dance, the Miao ethnic group's Lusheng dance, and the Yi ethnic group's Torch Festival are highly representative cultural expressions.

• Ethnic Festivals: The ethnic festivals in Wenshan Prefecture are diverse and vibrant, such as the Zhuang ethnic group's "March 3rd" Song Festival, the Miao ethnic group's Flower Mountain Festival, and the Yao ethnic group's Panwang Festival. These festivals showcase the unique cultural charm of each ethnic group.

• Traditional Architecture and Attire: The traditional architectural styles of the Zhuang and Miao ethnic groups in Wenshan Prefecture are distinctive, featuring stilt houses and hanging-foot buildings. Zhuang attire is dominated by blue, black, and brown tones, with women skilled in embroidery and weaving, while the Miao ethnic group is renowned for its silver ornaments and batik.

• History and Red Culture: Wenshan Prefecture has a long history and is one of the earliest revolutionary base areas in Yunnan, rich in red cultural resources. Famous revolutionaries such as Chu Tunan and Guo Moruo have left their footprints here.

• Natural and Cultural Landscapes: Situated on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Wenshan Prefecture features diverse natural landscapes, including mountains, streams, and karst caves. Scenic areas such as Puzhehei and Bamei attract a large number of tourists with their unique natural scenery.

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No. 62 Puxin Road, Wenshan City

Guangnan County

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