The Yunnan Museum of Minority Nationalities (Yúnnánmínzú Bówùguǎn, 云南民族博物馆) is the provincial government's stab at cramming all of the diversity of Yunnan's 26 ethnic groups into one place.

And though there's no substitue for actually visiting remote villages where Yunnan's various minorities—Bai, Dai, Naxi, Yi and so on—live free of theme park-style presentations and official government spin, the museum does function as a useful primer for those who plan on traveling around the province or alternatively as a substitute for those with no time.

The museum is actually a large park with exhibition halls spread out over 130,000 sq m (15,5479 sq yd), with each hall representing the achievements and customs of Yunnan's minorities.

Wander the park and you'll stumble upon the "Yunnan National Minority Ecology Industry Hall," "Spinning, Craft Weaving and Clothing Hall," "Festival Music, Dancing and Celebrations Hall" and the "Reform and Development Hall," among others. 

Located adjacent to the museum are ten "Ethnic Minority Villages," with the largest representing the Bai, Dai, Naxi and Yi minorities. These villages employ actors who dance in suitably colorful costume, hammering home the preferred message that China's minorities are more or less analagous to happy children thrilled to be guided by the paternal hand of Party and State.    

The strip between the museum and the villages is dominated by souvenir shops and hawkers selling knock-offs, trinkets and snacks. 

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