Abstract: In the Qing Dynasty, Yunnan was the main gathering area for mining immigrants in China. Under the encouragement of mining policies, immigration activities lasted for more than 100 years and reached a climax during the Qianlong period, with an immigrant population of more than 100,000. Mining immigrants are spontaneous. In order to adapt to the production and life of the mining area, their settlements have experienced the evolution from gathering homes to living together. In this process, immigrants have integrated into the local social and economic development, and completed the transformation from immigration to indigenous identity. Their social activities promoted the prosperity of Yunnan mining and metallurgy industry and promoted the development process of mountainous areas in Yunnan.

Key words: mining immigrants, scale, form of settlement, motivation, role