Abstract: Since Nanzhao kingdom unified Yunnan and expanded its territory to an unprecedented scale, for the first time it had
realized and greatly promoted the integration of ethnic cultures of Yunnan. Ethnic groups in various regions began to coordinate and
develop in a unified manner. Nanzhao, which carried a strong cultural feature of the Central Plain, expanded urban construction to
the border areas of its territory. In the tenth year of Zhenyuan (794 AD), Nanzhao entered the middle and late period of the kingdom.
During this period, Nanzhao has formed an unparalleled vast territory, and the division of political districts brought about by the
dynasty regime had gradually become clear and stable. Out of the needs of military deterrence and political rule, Nanzhaos urban
construction achieved a relatively comprehensive development. The distribution of cities and towns in the later period basically
established the development pattern of the later Yunnan towns. The formation and development of the border towns made the blueprint
of the southwestern border gradually clear.

Key words: middle?and?late?Nanzhao, ?border?towns, ?ethnic?settlement, ?border