Abstract: Objective To compare ethnic differences in prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and to analyze the relationship between CVDs and smoking and nicotine dependence between Jing Po ethnic minority and Han majority in rural areas of Yunnan Province. Methods A total of 3 000 rural residents aged 35 years and over from Jing Po ethnic minority in a township in Mangshi county and Han majority in a township in Yiliang County were recruited using probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling method. Each participant received a face-to-face questionnaire interview and physical examination. Results The standardized prevalence rates of hypertension, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke were 36.85%,0.95% and 1.17% for Jing Po ethnic, and 30.32%,2.96% and 1.58% for Han majority, respectively. Jing Po ethnic minority had higher prevalence rate of hypertension than Han majority (χ²=13.641, P<0.001), and lower prevalence rate of CHD than Han majority (χ²=14.676, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in prevalence of stroke between these two groups (χ²=0.895, P=0.344). The prevalence rates of hypertension were higher in females than in males in both groups (all P<0.05), and male Han majority had higher prevalence rate of CHD than female Han nationality (χ²=4.181, P=0.041). Current smokers had higher risk of hypertension, CHD and stroke than non-smokers (all P<0.05). With high level of nicotine dependence, the risk of hypertension, CHD and stroke were higher in Han majority (all P<0.05). Conclusions There are significant differences in prevalence rate of hypertension and CHD between Jing Po ethnic minority and Han majority. Reducing prevalence rate of smoking and nicotine dependence is helpful to decrease the occurrence of hypertension, CHD and stroke.