Yunnan

Yunnan is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the far southwest of the country spanning approximately 394,000 square kilometers (152,000 sq mi) and with a population of 45.7 million (2009). The capital of the province is Kunming. The province borders Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam.

Yunnan became part of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) during 2nd century BC. It became the seat of a Tibeto-Burman speaking kingdom known as the Kingdom of Nanzhao in the 8th century AD. Nanzhao was multi-ethnic, but the elite most likely spoke a northern dialect of Yi, which became established as the prestige dialect (see Nuosu language).  Ethnic minorities in Yunnan account for about 34 percent of its total population. Major ethnic groups include Yi, Bai, Hani, Zhuang, Dai and Miao.

Yunnan means literally south of the colorful clouds for its name. The province is one of the most diverse in ethnic minority groups, life of plants and animals, mineral resources in China. The northwest Yunnan is heavily influenced by bordering Tibet and its south is proximity to Laos and Burma. The province is famed for its 25 ethnic groups (55 officially recognized in China), whose population take up over one-third of total in Yunnan. Diverse customs, traditions and cultures of ethnic groups can still be seen today and be mainly featured by Yi torch festival, Bai minority in Dali, YuanyangHani tribe terrace culture, Dai Water Splashing Festival, Zhuang opera, Miao songs and more.