The Transformation of Yunnan in Ming China

This insightful exploration reveals how the Ming state transformed Yunnan from a distant border area into a fully integrated province. The Transformation of Yunnan in Ming China offers a fresh perspective on this historical shift.

This book delves into the intricate process by which the Ming state, during the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries, reshaped the multi-ethnic society of Yunnan into a cohesive province. It challenges the traditional view of Yunnan as a remote borderland, illustrating how local societal changes were pivotal in this transformation. By examining the historical context and the influence of Ming governance, the author sheds light on the significant shifts that occurred in Yunnan, moving it closer to the center of Chinese civilization.

The narrative emphasizes that prior to Ming rule, Yunnan was largely outside the central government's reach, having been governed by the Dali kingdom from 937 to 1253. Even the establishment of Yunnan as a province by the Yuan regime in 1276 did not significantly alter its existing political, social, and religious structures. It was only through the Ming state's military and civilian control mechanisms that profound changes were initiated, ultimately redefining local society and its governance.

In contrast to other scholarly works that depict Yunnan as a non-Han frontier waiting to be colonized, this book, The Transformation of Yunnan in Ming China, offers a fresh perspective by focusing on the active changes within local society. This approach not only enriches the historical narrative but also repositions Yunnan within the broader context of Chinese history, highlighting its importance and complexity beyond mere borders.