Yunnan is a microcosm of China in the areas of minority affairs and nationality relations . The province has 25 minority groups , nearly half of the country's total ( 56 ethnic groups ) . With such ethnic diversity it is important to ask the question : what criteria are used to determine minority status and classification ? Basically , there are five ways : Race , Language , Culture , Religion , History . In Yunnan race is not a major consideration , as it is in northwest China where caucasian exist , Language and culture , however , are of primary interest because they are the basis for classfying most minority nationalities . Religion plays a role in groups such as the Hui ( Muslims ) who , to all intents and purposes , are Chinese except for their faith . Historical background can sometimes tip the balance in determining the status of a people . The Bai , who have a high cultural level and speak a language closedly related to Mandarin , are clearly not Chinese on the basis of their long , well-recorded and independent history .

Yunnan 25 minority nationalities .
| Name | Name |
| Yi | Jingpo |
| Bai | Bulang |
| Hani | Pumi |
| Zhuang | Buyi |
| Dai | Achang |
| Miao | Nu |
| Hui | Jinuo |
| Lisu | Deyang |
| Lahu | Sui |
| Wa | Menggu |
| Naxi | Dulong |
| Yao | Kucong |
| Zang(Tibetan) |
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