Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture (楚雄彝族自治州)

1. Introduction

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture (Chuxiong Yi script: , IPA: /ɣo21 lu21 nə55 su33 ʑɔ33 gɔ21 mi33/), abbreviated as Chuxiong Prefecture, historically known as Weichu, is an autonomous prefecture under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. It is located in the central part of Yunnan Province, with its prefectural capital situated in Chuxiong City. The prefecture borders Kunming City to the east, Yuxi City and Pu'er City to the south, Dali Prefecture to the west, and Lijiang City as well as Panzhihua City and Liangshan Prefecture of Sichuan Province to the north. Situated on the central Yunnan plateau, between the Wumeng Mountains and the Ailao Mountains, the prefecture is traversed by the Jinsha River in its northern part, along with other major rivers such as the Wanma River, Longchuan River, Mengguo River, and Lishe River. The prefecture covers a total area of 28,439 square kilometers. In 2020, its total population was 2.4167 million, with the Han ethnic group accounting for approximately 67% and the Yi ethnic group making up about 27% of the population.

2. Etymology

The name "Chuxiong" of the Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture originates from its geographical environment and historical background. According to historical records, the name "Chuxiong" can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, the Chuxiong region became an important military stronghold and economic center due to its strategic geographical location. The name "Chuxiong" is composed of two characters: "Chu" and "Xiong," which together convey the meaning of "the grandeur of the Chu region."

3. History

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in 1950, Chuxiong Special District was established (governing 11 counties: Chuxiong, Shuangbai, Zhennan, Mouding, Yao'an, Dayao, Yanfeng, Yongren, Lufeng, Guangtong, and Yanxing) and Wuding Special District (governing 6 counties: Yuanmou, Wuding, Anning, Luoci, Luquan, and Fumin). In 1953, Wuding Special District was merged into Chuxiong Special District. In 1954, Zhennan County was renamed Nanhua County. In 1957, Anning County was transferred to Kunming City. In October 1957, the establishment of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture was approved, and it was officially established in April of the following year. In 1958, Nanhua, Mouding, and Shuangbai counties were merged into Chuxiong County; Yao'an, Yanfeng, and Yongren counties were merged into Dayao County; Yanxing, Luoci, and Guangtong counties were merged into Lufeng County; Yuanmou County was merged into Wuding County; and Fumin County was transferred to Kunming City. The six counties of Yongren, Yao'an, Nanhua, Shuangbai, Mouding, and Yuanmou were later re-established between 1959 and 1961 (Shuangbai County relocated its seat to Tuodian Town). In September 1983, Chuxiong County was abolished and replaced by Chuxiong City; in October of the same year, Luquan County was transferred to Kunming City.

4. Geography

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is situated in the western part of the southern segment of the Kangdian Axis, spanning from 100°43′ to 102°30′ east longitude and 24°13′ to 26°30′ north latitude. It belongs to the western part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and forms the main body of the central Yunnan plateau. It borders Kunming City to the east, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture to the west, Simao Prefecture and Yuxi City to the south, and Panzhihua City and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province to the north. To the northwest, it faces Lijiang Prefecture across the Jinsha River. Historically, it has served as a protective barrier for the provincial capital, a corridor in central Yunnan, and a passageway between Sichuan and Yunnan. The total area of the prefecture is 29,258 square kilometers. The terrain generally slopes from northwest to southeast, with a maximum east-west width of 175 kilometers and a maximum north-south length of 247.5 kilometers.

4.1 Topography

The prefecture is predominantly mountainous, with mountainous areas accounting for over 90% of the total land area, earning it the description "nine parts mountains and rivers, one part flatland." The Wumeng Mountains dominate the east, the Ailao Mountains stretch across the southwest, and the Baicaoling Mountains stand majestically in the northwest, forming a tripartite mountainous configuration. The Jinsha River and Yuan River systems, using the central part of the prefecture as their watershed, flow north and south respectively, creating a pattern of two diverging waterways. The prefectural seat, Lucheng Town, sits at an elevation of 1,773 meters, which is roughly the general altitude of the flatland areas across the prefecture. Nestled among the mountains are 104 basins (flatlands), each with an area exceeding one square kilometer, scattered like stars across the prefecture. These form various economic and cultural regions of different scales and unique characteristics.

4.2 Climate

The climate of Chuxiong Prefecture is classified as a subtropical monsoon climate. However, due to the high mountains and deep valleys, the climate exhibits significant vertical variation. The general climatic characteristics of the entire prefecture are: short winters and summers, long springs and autumns; large daily temperature ranges, small annual temperature ranges; no severe cold in winter, no intense heat in summer; distinct dry and wet seasons, with rainfall coinciding with the warm season; ample sunshine, relatively short frost periods; relatively low precipitation, with severe spring and summer droughts. The annual average temperature ranges from 14.8°C to 21.9°C. In most areas, the average temperature of the coldest month (January) is 7.4°C, and the average temperature of the hottest month (June) is 21.4°C. The extreme maximum temperature recorded was 42°C (May 31, 1963), and the extreme minimum temperature was -8.4°C (January 1, 1974). Precipitation across the prefecture is relatively low, with an annual average of 800-1000 millimeters, concentrated mainly from July to October. Chuxiong Prefecture lies within a high sunshine value area of Yunnan Province, with an annual average sunshine duration of 2,450 hours, decreasing from northwest to southeast. The average annual evaporation across the prefecture is 2,432 millimeters, more than three times the annual rainfall.

4.3 Resources

• Land Resources

The total land area of Chuxiong Prefecture is 43.887 million mu, of which cultivated land comprises 2.3836 million mu, including 1.2395 million mu of paddy fields. There are 19 soil types in total, including 14 types of cultivated soil and 5 types of natural soil. Purple soil is the most widely distributed, followed by red soil. Additionally, paddy soil is the most important cultivated soil, covering 1.28 million mu across the prefecture, mainly distributed in flatland areas.

• Mineral Resources

The geological structure within the prefecture is complex, and mineral resources are abundant, involving 41 mineral types with 431 known deposits and mineralization sites. Among these, copper, iron, arsenic, rock salt, mirabilite, and gypsum can be considered advantageous mineral types. Coal, iron, petroleum, and natural gas reserves are relatively rich. Other distributed mineral deposits include gold, silver, lead, marble, asbestos, phosphorus, and platinum.

• Flora and Fauna Resources

Chuxiong Prefecture is home to over 6,000 species of plants, primarily consisting of forests, medicinal herbs, and wild edible fungi. Common tree species in the prefecture include Yunnan pine, Huashan pine, Yunnan fir, hypericum, Yunnan olive, azalea, and Chinese tallow tree. Herbaceous plants are most commonly represented by lemongrass, Chinese alpine rush, Arundinella hirta, and globe amaranth. Notable medicinal plants include mint, rhubarb, goldthread, and poria cocos. The prefecture hosts over 110 species of wild mammals, more than 390 species of birds, 66 species of reptiles, 34 species of amphibians, and 85 species of fish.

5. Administrative Divisions

Chuxiong Prefecture administers 2 county-level cities and 8 counties.

County-level cities: Chuxiong City, Lufeng City
Counties: Shuangbai County, Mouding County, Nanhua County, Yao'an County, Dayao County, Yongren County, Yuanmou County, Wuding County
Administrative Division Map of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture | Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Ethnic Townships | |--------|---------|-------------------------|----------|---------------|------|--------|----|----|----|-----| | 532300 | Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture | Chǔxióng Yízú Zìzhìzhōu | 28,439 | 2,416,747 | Chuxiong City | 675000 | 3 | 63 | 38 | 4 | | 532301 | Chuxiong City | Chǔxióng Shì | 4,434 | 631,530 | Lucheng Town | 675000 | 3 | 10 | 3 | | | 532302 | Lufeng City | Lùfēng Shì | 3,549 | 366,512 | Jinshan Town | 651200 | | 11 | 3 | | | 532322 | Shuangbai County | Shuāngbǎi Xiàn | 3,888 | 133,884 | Tuodian Town | 675100 | | 5 | 3 | | | 532323 | Mouding County | Múdìng Xiàn | 1,450 | 149,437 | Gonghe Town | 675500 | | 4 | 3 | | | 532324 | Nanhua County | Nánhuá Xiàn | 2,265 | 203,704 | Longchuan Town | 675200 | | 6 | 4 | 1 | | 532325 | Yao'an County | Yáo'ān Xiàn | 1,700 | 164,165 | Dongchuan Town | 675300 | | 6 | 3 | | | 532326 | Dayao County | Dàyáo Xiàn | 4,031 | 228,961 | Jinbi Town | 675400 | | 8 | 4 | 1 | | 532327 | Yongren County | Yǒngrén Xiàn | 2,150 | 97,985 | Yongding Town | 651400 | | 3 | 4 | 1 | | 532328 | Yuanmou County | Yuánmóu Xiàn | 2,026 | 201,510 | Yuanma Town | 651300 | | 3 | 7 | | | 532329 | Wuding County | Wǔdìng Xiàn | 2,947 | 239,059 | Shishan Town | 651600 | | 7 | 4 | 1 |

6. Economy

6.1 Overview

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located in central Yunnan Province and is a multi-ethnic region predominantly inhabited by the Yi people. The economy of Chuxiong is based on agriculture, with industry and services also developing continuously, forming a diversified economic structure.

6.2 Agriculture

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is rich in agricultural resources. The main agricultural products include:

• Grain Crops: Rice, corn, wheat, etc.
• Cash Crops: Tobacco, tea, sugarcane, walnuts, etc.
• Animal Husbandry: Pigs, cattle, sheep, etc.

6.3 Industry

The industry in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is primarily resource-based, with key industrial sectors including:

• Mineral Processing: Chuxiong is rich in mineral resources, mainly copper, iron, lead, zinc, etc.
• Energy Industry: Renewable energy industries such as hydropower and wind power.
• Food Processing: Deep processing of agricultural products like tobacco, tea, and walnuts.

6.4 Services

The service industry in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture has developed rapidly in recent years, with key service sectors including:

• Tourism: Chuxiong boasts abundant natural and cultural attractions, such as Yuanmou Earth Forest, Wuding Lion Mountain, and Chuxiong Yi Ancient Town, attracting a large number of tourists.
• Commerce and Logistics: Chuxiong is situated along a major transportation route in central Yunnan, with a well-developed commerce and logistics industry.

6.5 Economic Policies

The government of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture places high importance on economic development and actively promotes industrial upgrading and economic restructuring. Through measures such as investment attraction, infrastructure construction, and technological innovation, the government continuously enhances the city's economic competitiveness and fosters prosperous economic growth.

7. Transportation

7.1 Overview

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located in the central part of Yunnan Province and is a multi-ethnic region primarily inhabited by the Yi people. Chuxiong boasts a well-developed transportation network, encompassing highways, railways, aviation, and other modes of transport, providing robust support for the region's economic and social development.

7.2 Highways

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture has an extensive highway network, with major roads including:

• Expressways: Several expressways pass through Chuxiong, such as the G56 Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway and the G85 Yinchuan–Kunming Expressway, connecting major cities like Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang.
• National and Provincial Highways: Multiple national and provincial highways, such as National Highway G320 and Provincial Highway S220, connect various counties and cities within the prefecture.

7.3 Railways

The railway network in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is continuously improving, with major railways including:

• Chengdu–Kunming Railway: This railway passes through Chuxiong, connecting Kunming and Chengdu.
• Guangtong–Dali Railway: This railway also passes through Chuxiong, linking Kunming and Dali.

7.4 Aviation

Aviation transportation in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture primarily relies on Kunming Changshui International Airport, located approximately 150 kilometers from downtown Chuxiong, with a travel time of about two hours by road. Kunming Changshui International Airport is the main aviation hub in Yunnan Province, offering numerous domestic and international flight routes.

7.5 Urban Transportation

Urban transportation in downtown Chuxiong mainly consists of buses and taxis. Bus routes cover major areas of the city, while taxis provide convenient and fast services. Additionally, urban rail transit is planned for downtown Chuxiong, which will further enhance the city's transportation capacity in the future.

7.6 Transportation Policies

The government of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture places great emphasis on transportation development, actively promoting the improvement and upgrading of transportation infrastructure. Through measures such as increasing transportation investment, optimizing the transportation network, and enhancing service quality, the government continuously improves transportation capacity to foster economic and social development.

8. Education

8.1 Overview

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located in central Yunnan Province and is a multi-ethnic region primarily inhabited by the Yi people. Chuxiong has a well-developed education system covering all stages from preschool to higher education, providing strong talent support for the region's economic and social development.

8.2 Preschool Education

Preschool education in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture has developed rapidly in recent years, with main forms including:

• Kindergartens: Chuxiong has numerous public and private kindergartens that provide quality preschool education services for children of appropriate age.

8.3 Basic Education

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture has a well-established basic education system, which mainly includes:

• Primary Schools: Chuxiong has a high enrollment rate in primary education, with continuously improving teaching quality.
• Junior High Schools: Junior high school education in Chuxiong focuses on the comprehensive development of students, with steadily improving teaching quality.
• Senior High Schools: Senior high school education in Chuxiong is oriented towards further education, and its teaching quality ranks among the top in the province.

8.4 Vocational Education

Vocational education in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture aims to cultivate practical talents, with main forms including:

• Secondary Vocational Schools: Chuxiong has several secondary vocational schools offering various practical majors, such as mechanical processing, electronic technology, and tourism services.
• Higher Vocational Colleges: Higher vocational colleges in Chuxiong aim to cultivate high-quality technical and skilled talents, offering various applied majors.

8.5 Higher Education

Higher education in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture has developed rapidly in recent years, with main forms including:

• Undergraduate Institutions: Chuxiong has several undergraduate institutions, such as Chuxiong Normal University, providing a large number of high-quality talents for the economic and social development of Chuxiong.
• Specialized Colleges: Specialized colleges in Chuxiong aim to cultivate applied talents, offering various practical majors.

8.6 Education Policies

The government of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture attaches great importance to education and actively promotes educational reform and development. By increasing investment in education, improving educational facilities, and enhancing teacher benefits, the government continuously improves education quality and promotes educational equity.

9. Population

At the end of 2022, the permanent resident population of the entire prefecture was 2.372 million, a decrease of 19,000 people compared to the end of 2021, representing a decline of 0.79%. The urban permanent resident population of the prefecture was 1.111 million, with an urbanization rate of 46.83%, an increase of 15,000 people and a 1 percentage point rise in the urbanization rate compared to 2021. The rural permanent resident population of the prefecture was 1.261 million, a decrease of 34,000 people compared to 2021.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the permanent resident population of the entire prefecture was 2,416,747. Compared with the 2,684,169 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a total decrease of 267,422 people over the ten years, a decline of 9.96%, with an average annual growth rate of -1.04%. Among them, males accounted for 1,235,004 people, representing 51.1% of the total population; females accounted for 1,181,743 people, representing 48.9% of the total population. The sex ratio (with females as 100) was 104.51. The population aged 0–14 was 383,951 people, accounting for 15.89% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 1,606,487 people, accounting for 66.47% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 426,309 people, accounting for 17.64% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 314,980 people, accounting for 13.03% of the total population. The population residing in urban areas was 1,083,258 people, accounting for 44.82% of the total population; the population residing in rural areas was 1,333,489 people, accounting for 55.18% of the total population.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the permanent resident population of the entire prefecture, the Han population was 1,601,325 people, accounting for 66.26%; the total population of various ethnic minorities was 815,422 people, accounting for 33.74%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population decreased by 195,522 people, a decline of 10.88%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.68 percentage points; the total population of various ethnic minorities decreased by 71,900 people, a decline of 8.1%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.68 percentage points. Among them, the Yi population decreased by 70,919 people, a decline of 9.9%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.02 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture (2020 Seventh National Population Census) | Ethnic Group | Han | Yi | Lisu | Miao | Hui | Dai | Bai | Hani | Zhuang | Naxi | Other Ethnic Groups | |------------------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|-------------------------| | Population | 1,601,325 | 645,708 | 48,803 | 47,577 | 19,924 | 19,804 | 17,087 | 6,807 | 2,185 | 874 | 6,653 | | Proportion of Total Population (%) | 66.26 | 26.72 | 2.02 | 1.97 | 0.82 | 0.82 | 0.71 | 0.28 | 0.09 | 0.04 | 0.28 | | Proportion of Minority Population (%) | — | 79.19 | 5.98 | 5.83 | 2.44 | 2.43 | 2.1 | 0.83 | 0.27 | 0.11 | 0.82 |

10. Religion

10.1 Overview

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, located in central Yunnan Province, is a multi-ethnic region predominantly inhabited by the Yi people. The religious culture in Chuxiong is diverse, primarily encompassing Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Each religion has a certain base of followers and venues for activities in Chuxiong, forming a unique religious and cultural landscape.

10.2 Buddhism

Buddhism has a long history and widespread influence in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture. There are several notable Buddhist temples within the prefecture, such as:

• Chuxiong Zixishan Buddhist Sacred Site: Located on Zixishan in Chuxiong City, it is one of the famous Buddhist sacred sites in Chuxiong Prefecture.
• Dayao White Pagoda Temple: Located in Dayao County, it is one of the historically significant Buddhist temples in Chuxiong Prefecture.

10.3 Taoism

Taoism also holds a certain degree of influence in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture. There are several Taoist temples within the prefecture, such as:

• Chuxiong Taihe Palace: Located in the urban area of Chuxiong City, it is one of the renowned Taoist sacred sites in Chuxiong Prefecture.

10.4 Christianity

The spread of Christianity in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture occurred relatively late, but it has developed rapidly in recent years. There are several Christian churches within the prefecture, such as:

• Chuxiong Christian Church: Located in the urban area of Chuxiong City, it is one of the main venues for Christian activities in Chuxiong Prefecture.

10.5 Islam

The number of followers of Islam in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is relatively small, but there are still certain venues for religious activities. There is one mosque within the prefecture, such as:

• Chuxiong Mosque: Located in the urban area of Chuxiong City, it is the primary religious venue for Muslims in Chuxiong Prefecture.

10.6 Religious Activities

Religious activities in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture are rich and varied. Various religious groups regularly hold ceremonies and events, such as Buddhist Dharma assemblies, Taoist rituals, Christian worship services, and Islamic prayers. These activities not only meet the religious needs of the followers but also enrich the cultural life of Chuxiong.

10.7 Religious Policy

The government of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture respects and protects the freedom of religious belief, manages religious affairs in accordance with the law, and supports religious groups in carrying out activities legally. At the same time, the government actively guides religions to adapt to the socialist society, promoting religious harmony and social stability.

11. Culture

11.1 Overview

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is located in central Yunnan Province and is a multi-ethnic area predominantly inhabited by the Yi people. The culture of Chuxiong is diverse and unique, integrating various elements such as ethnic culture, religious culture, historical culture, and natural culture, forming a distinctive cultural landscape.

11.2 Ethnic Culture

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is a multi-ethnic region, with major ethnic groups including the Yi, Han, Miao, and Hui. The cultures of each ethnic group are fully respected and protected in Chuxiong, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Ethnic Festivals: Chuxiong's ethnic festivals are rich and colorful, such as the Yi Torch Festival and the Miao New Year Festival. These festivals are not only an important part of ethnic culture but also a significant aspect of the spiritual life of the people in Chuxiong.
• Ethnic Arts: Chuxiong's ethnic arts include Yi song and dance, Miao embroidery, and Hui calligraphy. These art forms not only enrich the cultural life of Chuxiong but also preserve its historical and cultural heritage.

11.3 Religious Culture

The religious culture in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is diverse, primarily including Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Each religion has a certain base of followers and places of worship in Chuxiong, forming a unique religious cultural landscape. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Buddhist Culture: Chuxiong's Buddhist culture has a long history, with sites such as the Zixi Mountain Buddhist Sanctuary and the Dayao White Pagoda Temple being famous Buddhist holy places within the prefecture.
• Taoist Culture: Taoist culture also holds a certain influence in Chuxiong, with places like the Taihe Palace being well-known Taoist holy sites in the prefecture.

11.4 Historical Culture

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture has a profound historical and cultural heritage, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Historical Sites: Chuxiong has multiple historical sites, such as the Yuanmou Ape-Man Site and the Ancient City of Chuxiong. These sites are important carriers of Chuxiong's historical culture.
• Red Culture: Chuxiong is an important old revolutionary base in Yunnan Province. Red culture has a deep historical foundation here, with sites such as the Chuxiong Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery and the Chuxiong Revolutionary Memorial Hall.

11.5 Natural Culture

The natural culture of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is rich and diverse, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Natural Landscapes: Chuxiong boasts abundant natural landscapes, such as the Yuanmou Earth Forest and the Wuding Lion Mountain. These landscapes are not only tourist attractions but also an important part of Chuxiong's natural culture.
• Ecological Culture: Chuxiong emphasizes ecological protection and advocates green development, forming a unique ecological culture.

11.6 Cultural Policies

The government of Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture places great importance on cultural development and actively promotes the growth of cultural undertakings. Through measures such as organizing various cultural activities, building cultural facilities, and protecting cultural heritage, the government continuously enhances the city's cultural soft power and fosters cultural prosperity and development.

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