Between Winds and Clouds: The Making of Yunnan
Between Winds and Clouds: The Making of Yunnan is Bin Yang’s history of Yunnan from the second century BCE to the twentieth century CE. It examines the region’s frontier position, cross-regional trade, struggles for imperial control, and changing demographics, administration, and economy.
At a glance
- Follows Yunnan’s history across roughly two millennia, from the second century BCE to the twentieth century CE.
- Connects local changes with regional trade and political activity across East and Southeast Asia, Tibet, the Indian Ocean, and modern Europe.
- Discusses military competition, demographic and administrative change, economic transformation, and imperial legacies in modern state building.
Reference price: $75.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The long historical span makes it useful for readers seeking a broad account of Yunnan rather than a single dynasty or period.
- Its cross-regional approach links Yunnan’s frontier history to trade and political forces beyond the region.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Columbia University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | November 11, 2008 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0231142544 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0231142540 |
| Weight listed | 1.53 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6 x 0.94 x 9 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Yunnan, Chinese frontier regions, or long-term regional history.
- Students and readers studying trade, imperial governance, or state building in East and Southeast Asia.
Customer reviews on Amazon
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Frequently asked questions
What period does this book cover?
The title gives a span from the second century BCE to the twentieth century CE, and the description presents the book as a two-thousand-year history of Yunnan.
What topics does the book address?
The description highlights cross-regional trade, military control, demographic and administrative change, economic transformation, and the impact of imperial legacies on modern state building.
How does the book approach Yunnan’s history?
It uses a cross-regional perspective, bringing in connections with Southeast and East Asia, Tibet, the Indian Ocean, and modern Europe.
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