ABSTRACT
Based on the detailed records on the four plague epidemics of Kunming in the Qing dynasty, there are similar epidemical characteristics, viz., epidemics occurred at a time later than its surrounding regions, severe epidemics prevalent in both urban and rural areas, massive fatalities. The massive plague epidemics during Xianfeng and Tongzhi reigns were somewhat similar to that of the severe plague epidemics of 1347 in Europe, including rapid spreading and severe fatalities. The impetus of the former epidemic was the migration of army, while that of the latter, the cities as the centers of trade passages. The epidemic pattern of Kunming around the Islamic war was similar to that of Europe in 1351, with very different background, also different from other Yunnan cities. The similarities and dissimilarities of epidemic pattern reflect the difference among the social structure and natural surroundings of different locations.
