Abstract: Li Yuanyang, a renowned historian and thinker of the Ming Dynasty, was hailed as “the foremost scholar of the Bai ethnic group” by later generations. During over a decade of official service, he developed profound “statecraft” thought and rich social practice experience. After resigning to return to seclusion, he dedicated himself to academic research—his major works such as Gazetteer of Yunnan (Wanli Reign) systematically elaborate on Yunnan's strategic status as a hub for the central dynasty's engagement with Southeast Asian countries, as well as its pivotal role in economic exchanges and cultural interactions.The local gazetteer substantiate that Yunnan was not only a bridgehead for China to connect with South and Southeast Asian countries but also undertook the crucial function of safeguarding national territorial integrity and border stability in the geopolitical pattern with Southeast Asian nations, holding significant historical reference value for Yunnan's accelerated construction of a radiation center facing South and Southeast Asia today.

Key words: Ming Dynasty, Li Yuanyang, Yunnan Province, Southeast Asian countries, frontier perspective