Abstract: This study made classification of the Yunnan ‘Golden Corridor’tobacco growing areas according to the quality index and analyzed the characteristics of each subtype. Samples of 53 counties in Yunnan ‘Golden Corridor'tobacco growing areas were collected and appearance quality, 79 indexes including physical characteristics, chemical component and organoleptic quality were compared. Cluster analysis and variance analysis were used to do the classification. Differential quality index were found and the characteristics of each subtype were induced. The result showed that Yunnan ’Golden Corridor爷tobacco growing areas could be classified into three subtypes and each subtype had its own characteristics. Leaves of subtype I had good maturity and soil, higher thickness, leaf density and filling power, higher total nitrogen, alkaloid, petroleum ester extract and flavor related compounds content, outstanding fresh sweetness, fruity, baked and acidic note. Leaves of subtype II had orange color, good maturity, higher stretching force, leaf weight, extension ability and equilibrium moisture content, higher nitrogen to alkaloid ratio, (5 -Methyl -2 -furyl) methanol and neophytadiene content, outstanding hay, baked, nutty note. Leaves of subtype III had loose structure, good body and soil, stronger chroma, lower stem content, higher reducing sugar content and sugar to alkaloid ratio, outstanding honey, green, spicy note.