Xuanwei

Xuanwei is a county-level city located in the eastern part of Yunnan Province, China. It falls under the jurisdiction of the prefecture-level city of Anning and is situated along the Jinsha River, the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The city covers an area of approximately 1,467 square kilometers and lies at an average elevation of 1,200 meters above sea level. Its coordinates are roughly 25°27′N latitude and 102°42′E longitude. Xuanwei sits within the subtropical highland climate zone, experiencing mild winters and humid summers, with an average annual temperature around 16.5°C.

As of the latest national census, Xuanwei has a population of about 500,000 residents, composed mainly of Han Chinese and various ethnic minorities such as the Yi and Tibetan peoples. The dominant languages spoken are Mandarin Chinese and local Yi dialects, with Tibetan serving as a minority language in certain villages. The city’s economy traditionally centers on agriculture, forestry, and mining. Key agricultural products include rice, corn, medicinal herbs, and local specialties such as xuanwei wax, a type of pigmented bee wax used in religious rituals. Copper and iron ore mining also play significant roles in local industry.

Transportation infrastructure in Xuanwei connects it to Yunnan’s provincial capital, Kunming, via national highways and provincial railways. The Anhui–Sichuan railway and local bus services provide commuter and freight access, enhancing economic ties with neighboring prefectures. In addition, a new highway link opened in the early 2020s, improving road connectivity to the economic corridor of the southern China region.

Culturally, Xuanwei is known for its diverse ethnic festivals, traditional Yi costumes, and ancient architectural styles such as the wooden pagoda in the historic Xuanwei Temple. The city’s growing tourism industry promotes regional folk music, handicrafts, and unique landscapes, including the scenic Xuanwei Gorge and waterfalls along the Jinsha River.