Yunnan history dates far back. By the Neolithic period - around 9500 BC - there already were human settlements near Kunming. Around 300 BC, the area around the present day Kunming was known as Dian. General Zhuang Qiao, from the Chu-people that were living northeast of Dian, entered the region and made himself 'King of Dian'. This was the start of Chinese influence in the Yunnan province, and the beginning of a long history of migration and cultural expansion.