Abstract: A large number of stele inscriptions in Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture are well preserved. Rich in content and mostly dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), they are important historical materials for the study of ethnic exchanges, communication, and integration. Affected by the policy of “replacing local chieftains with officials appointed by the central government,” growing Han migrant population and dissemination of Confucianism during these two dynasties, ethnic interactions, exchanges, and integration flourished in various aspects, including politics, economy, culture, and social life. Politically, they strengthened grassroots management and social governance functions to better maintain local stability; economically, they promoted the development of agriculture, water conservancy, and the salt industry; culturally and ideologically, the integration of culture of the Central Plains and regional cultures has helped the development of cultural education and social value identification; in social life, exchanges and interactions across multiple fields collectively promoted the interaction and integration of social culture. By analyzing these stele inscriptions, we can not only reveal the inner law of development of ethnic relations in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, but also provide valuable experience for building harmonious ethnic relations in the new era, so as to offer a new perspective for better studying the history of ethnic relations in Yunnan.

Key words: Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911), extant stele inscription, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, inter-ethnic exchange,communication and integration, consciousness of community for the Chinese nation