Traditional Continuation and Modern Transformation: A Study on the Changes of Structures and Functions of Border Markets in Yunnan Province

Abstract

The border areas of Yunnan show complex and diverse ecological environments and unique geographical locations which make their rural markets bear typically ethnic, regional and open features of cross-border exchanges. The structures and functions of the border markets are undergoing significant modern transformation with the development of market economy, rapid urbanization and construction of towns in the border areas. This paper explores how the space and time structures of the markets have been reshaped in the process of modern changes; while as the traditional economic function of the markets has been gradually weakened, a trend of increasing social and cultural functions has emerged. This factor reflects that the border markets, rural societies and ethnic cultural traditions in Yunnan are undergoing structural changes bringing about diversity in the marketing system.