Nanman are aboriginal tribes who live in southwestern China.

They may be related to the Sanmiao, dated to around the 3rd century BCE.

The Nanman are multiple ethnic groups including the Miao, the Kinh, the Thai, and some Tibeto-Burman groups such as the Bai.

There is never a single polity that unites these people.

During the Three Kingdoms period, the Nanman alliance fights against the Chinese incursion under the leadership of Meng Huo.

After being captured and released no fewer than seven times, he finally submits to Zhuge Liang.During the Tang Dynasty, the Miao (Hmong) cease as a major non-Chinese group except in the province of Yunnan where they are ruled by the six "Zhao".

The southernmost, known as Mengshezhao or Nanzhao, unite all six Zhaos and establish the first independent Nanman state during the early 8th century.

The royals are thought to be the Bai people.

Nanzhao regularly pays tribute through the head of military district Jiannan Jiedushi.

When the Tang Dynasty gradually declines, Nanman gains more independence, but is assimilated by later dynasties.

However, some of Nanzhao's cultural influence is carried south due to its location.