Abstract: Historically, after Confucianism was introduced into the southwestern ethnic minority areas and integrated with the local ideologies, it exerted a profound influence on the local society, culture and ethnic relations through three dimensions: material, moral and institutional cultural practices. To achieve this, it took a series of concrete measures, including the establishment of Confucian temples, the promotion of charity schools, the propagation of imperial edicts, political discipline, system integration and folk exchanges. Its functions of political border consolidation, social border stabilization and cultural border nourishment have greatly enhanced the cohesion and sense of identity of the Chinese nation. Among these developments, the Confucianization process in the southwestern ethnic minority areas deserves in-depth exploration. From an academic perspective that integrates the center and the borderlands, history and practice, as well as structure and function, highlighting the historical role and practical value of Confucianism as a symbol of Chinese culture will be of great benefit to the current construction of a culturally strong nation.

Key words: Chinese cultural identity, Confucianism, cultural practice, southwestern ethnic minority area, culturally strong nation