Distribution Areas of Achang Ethnic Group

The Achang (阿昌族), an ethnic group officially recognized by the People’s Republic of China, are primarily located in southwest China and Myanmar. Their distribution highlights historical migration routes and contemporary political boundaries. Below are the key regions where the Achang people can be found:

1. Yunnan Province, China

The Achang are most predominantly found in Yunnan Province, which is home to several autonomous prefectures and counties that accommodate ethnic minorities. The areas where the Achang people are concentrated include:

Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (云南省德宏傣族景颇族自治州)

  • The Achang people are most commonly found in Dehong Prefecture, particularly in the Mangshi (芒市) area, which is the administrative center of the prefecture.
  • Dehong borders Myanmar, making it a region of historical significance for trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Ruili City (瑞丽)

  • Located within Dehong Prefecture, Ruili is a border city that is a key area for Achang settlements.
  • Ruili has long been an important hub for cross-border trade and cultural exchanges with Myanmar.

Longchuan County (陇川县)

  • Longchuan County, part of Dehong Prefecture, is another significant area where the Achang people live.
  • Its proximity to Myanmar strengthens the historical and cultural ties between the Achang communities across the border.

Yunxian County (云县)

  • Yunxian County, located in the Baoshan area of Yunnan, also hosts small populations of Achang people.
  • This area is not as densely populated with Achang as Dehong, but still contributes to the distribution of the group in Yunnan.

2. Myanmar (Burma)

In addition to their presence in China, the Achang people have historically lived in Myanmar, particularly in the northern regions that border China.

Kachin State 

  • The Achang community is predominantly found in Kachin State, a region in northern Myanmar that shares close cultural and geographical ties with the Dehong Prefecture in China.
  • In Myanmar, the Achang are also known as Maingtha and maintain strong cultural and familial links with the Achang people across the border in China.

Ethnic Distribution Summary

  • Mainland China:
    • Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (Yunnan): The primary settlement area for the Achang people, with a focus on Mangshi and Ruili.
    • Longchuan County and Yunxian County (Yunnan): Secondary settlements of Achang populations.
  • Myanmar:
    • Kachin State: The Achang people also reside in Kachin State, a significant region in Myanmar, contributing to the ethnic community across the border.

The Achang people’s presence in both China and Myanmar reflects their historical and cultural ties that transcend national borders, influencing trade, culture, and social relations between these two regions.