Due to the influence of geographical environment and historical conditions, the development of Chuxiong culture presents the dual characteristics of richness, openness, singleness and closeness. In the dam area and along the traffic line, due to the influence of the surrounding culture and the development of the Central Plains dynasties, a local culture with Chinese culture as its main feature was formed. In the mountainous minority areas, the traditional cultures of the Yi people and other ethnic minorities have been preserved because of their relative isolation from the outside world. However, the two cultures have blended, influenced and absorbed each other for a long time, forming a pluralistic and integrated national and local traditional culture in Chuxiong Prefecture.

Yi people have a large number of myths, legends and epics about the universe and the origin of human beings, such as Mei Ge and Zhan, which are treasures in the treasure house of Chinese culture. In the Ming Dynasty, a large number of immigrants from the south of the Yangtze River flowed into the state, and the Han culture gradually spread in towns and dam areas, and a large number of local literati emerged, such as Yao An's Ertao (Tao Zi and Tao Gong) and later Gao Ying, Chuxiong's Liu Liansheng and Chi Shengchun, who made outstanding achievements in literature, history and philosophy. From the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China, society changed rapidly. With the emergence of modern education and the introduction of various new ideas and new cultures, Chuxiong culture has developed in a turbulent social environment and has always been combined with social change and national salvation movement. Some Chuxiong students went abroad to study, participated in various new cultural movements, promoted social improvement, advocated civilized atmosphere, accepted Marxism-Leninism and devoted themselves to the cause of Chinese national liberation. During the Anti-Japanese War, a large number of mainland intellectuals set foot in China, and new cultural activities such as movies, photography, newspapers and periodicals, literature and art, and drama performances began to appear. Mass cultural activities were active for a while, and medical care, sports, and natural sciences also developed accordingly.

While Han culture is widely spread in the dam area, ethnic minorities in mountainous areas are gradually learning Sinology, among which there are many China scholars. In the process of communication with the Han nationality, ethnic minorities gradually use Chinese language, absorb Chinese culture and enrich their own culture. Han culture is also influenced by the local natural environment and national culture, and has obvious local characteristics. For example, the lanterns in the dam area are widely spread, and Yuanmou, Lufeng, Yao 'an, Lianhualuo and other places have different styles, and Yi lanterns with strong characteristics have also been produced. There are different styles of folk songs, yangko and folk songs all over the country, and Yunnan opera is also different in the state. However, due to class oppression and national prejudice, the excellent culture of Yi and other ethnic minorities has never been valued and advocated by the ruling class, which has greatly suppressed the prosperity of unique national culture. Most Yi languages and books are only circulated among the people and kept in Bimo's hands. Some excellent national folk cultures are just handed down from generation to generation, while others are left to their own devices. Feng Tusi in Wuding once founded the Book of Changes and published the Book of Changes. A large number of ancient Yi books have recorded history, astronomy, literature and art, medicine, customs, politics and so on. In 2008, "Mei Ge" declared by Wei Chu was selected as the third batch of national intangible cultural heritage list, and the serial number was 550.

In 20 10, the "Yi medicine (Yi medicine paste therapy)" declared by Wei Chu was selected into the third batch of national intangible cultural heritage list, traditional medicine, serial number 2.