In the 12th century, a Tai Lue kingdom was established in this area. In Chinese historical records during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, the area is known as Cheli Commandery and the local leaders are recognized as tusi. Many of the leaders adopted the Chinese family name Dao. PRC established the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Region in 1953 and ended the tusi system. The area was renamed an autonomous prefecture in 1955. Shao Cunxin, 1922, former head of the Chieftain's outer council (1944-1950) and chief of Meng Peng (1938-1950), was the chief of the autonomous prefecture from 1955 to 1992.