Abstract: Agricultural produces of Chuxiong are diverse due to its characteristic topography and plateau monsoon climate, and thus its diverse diet practices. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368―1911), these practices mainly showed in staple food, vegetables, meat and alcoholic beverages. After maze, potato and pepper were introduced from Americas and planted here, the local agricultural crops structure began to change, so did the diet structure and eating practices of the local people. Changes of the living standards of the people of Chuxiong showed some characteristics varying across different social classes.

Key words: Ming and the Qing Dynasties (1368―1911), Chuxiong, diet custom, living standard