Full Name: Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture
Chinese Name: 楚雄彝族自治州 (chǔ xióng yí zú zì zhì zhōu)
Population : 2, 566,600  
Area: 29,258 square kilometers (11,297 square miles)
Nationalities: Yi, Han 

Administrative Division: nine counties (Changbai, Muding, Nanhua, Yao'an, Dayao, Yongren, Yuanmou, Wuding, Lufeng); one county-level city (Chuxiong)  

Seat of the Prefecture Government: 125, Lucheng Nan Lu, Chuxiong City   

Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Information: 0878-3129104, 96927 
                                           Weather Forecast: 121
                                           Zip Code Inquiry: 184

Bank of China Chuxiong Branch: 39, Lucheng Dong Lu, Chuxiong City 
China Post Chuxiong Branch: Lucheng Xi Lu, Chuxiong City

 Location: Situated in the north-central of Yunnan Province, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture neighbors Kunming in the east and Dali Bai Autonomous Region in the west. It is separated from Lijiang by the Jinsha River in the northwest and bordered by Sichuan Province in the north,        

 History: The fossilized remains of Yuanmou Man who lived 1.7 million years ago were discovered in Yuanmou County in 1965. Before the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), three main ethnic groups were recorded as active in this region. After hundreds of years of multiethnic fusion, Chuxiong became a residential area with Yi ethnic minority as its largest group. However, this was to change during the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when the Han became the largest group in this area due to the large number of migrants from Central China.        
 
 Physical Features: The terrain of the prefecture inclines from the northwest to the southeast. This is a mountainous region with more than ninety percent of its territory made up by hills and mountains. The Jinsha Jiang and Yuan Jiang are two of the many rivers that flow from the central Chuxiong area and go their separate ways.                

 Climate: Chuxiong enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with neither extreme heat nor cold. It has defined dry and wet seasons. May to October is the rainy season. The average annual temperature falls to around 15-21℃ (59-69.8℉). Like most cities in Yunnan, the temperature varies greatly during the day but only slightly during the course of the year.   
     
 When to Go: The Yi Torch Festival is held during the sixth lunar month (August) every year. When traveling in the prefecture during the rainy season, warm clothing and rainwear are vital for comfort. 

 Local Highlights: Nabeng Village of Yuanmou County is well known for the discovery of Yuanmou Man, the earliest human to have lived in Asia. 
               
Yi is the largest ethnic minority of Chuxiong. Black is the predominant color for Yi costumes in this area. While different tribes of Yi have their own styles. Axi Dance under the Moon is the popular dance of the Axi Tribe. The 'three courses of wine' is the most courteous reception the Yi minority offers to their guests.

Special Local Products: Mountain delicacies including edible fungus, ornaments and traditional Yi garments, totem masks, and silk products

 Attractions:
Yuanmou Clay (Earth) Forest: The Clay Forest is a natural landform shaped by the erosion of rocks over the centuries by water. In the main, the clay forests in Yuanmou County are made up of three scenic spots: Hutiaotan, Banguo and Xinhua among which the Banguo Clay Forest is the largest, boasting the grandest clay landscape. 

Exhibition Hall of Yuanmou Man: Following the discovery of Yuanmou Man, the earliest human in Asia, Chuxiong is regarded as the cradle of Asia. The Exhibition Hall of Yuanmou Man is located in the Longchuan Jie in Yuanmou County seat. 

Other Scenic Spots: Ten Month Calendar Garden of Chinese Yi Nationality, Zixishan Forest Park, Wutai Mountain

 Travel Tips:
1. June to September is the rainy season of Yuanmou Clay Forest. Neither the road nor the landscape in the scenic area is in good condition at this time. October to March is the best months in which to visit Yuanmou. Chuxiong is halfway along the highway from Kunming to Dali. Visitors can arrange their journey to Dali and Lijiang together with the tour to Kunming and Chuxiong.   
2. 160 kilometers (99 miles) highway between Chuxiong and Kunming makes it possible to get from one city to the other within two hours.
3. Chuxiong City has four principal bus stations: Chuxiong Passenger Transport Bus Station (the West Station) in Lucheng Xi Lu, the North Station in Zixi Dadao, the South Station in Houfu Jie and the East Station in Xiongbao Lu.