Han Dynasty literature did not record the etymology of Yunnan, so people have many conjectures. Common conjectures are south of colorful clouds () and south of Yun Range (Yunling) (). Some annals in Ming Dynasty, for example Dian Lüe () and Yunnan General Annals (), record the first conjecture. But modern historian Tan Qixiang disagrees with this; he states that is a superficial explanation of the literal meaning. It is totally wrong for the second conjecture because the name Yunling Mountains first appeared in Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) literature, but Yunnan first appeared in Han Dynasty (202 BC-220 AD). Yunnan has been a place name already before Yunling Mountains. Modern research gives more conjectures. You Zhong said Yunnan means south of the mountain (Cang Mountain) with clouds. Wu Guangfan said Yunnan might be a Loloish or Bai language name.