[Objectives]  To describe the distribution patterns and diversity of bumblebees in Yunnan province. [Methods]  We studied a sample of 5 655 bumblebee specimens of 35 species collected throughout Yunnan province between 2009 and 2018. Regional divisions and species richness were analyzed by comparing species composition and the number of the species present within grid cells of 0.5° longitude × 0.5° latitude, and species abundance was quantified as the number of individuals per species. [Results]  The bumblebee fauna of Yunnan can be divided into two regions, the Yunnan plateau (Ⅰ) and the Hengduan mountains (Ⅱ). The Yunnan plateau region can be further subdivided into five smaller subregions, which include the western to central part of the subtropical mid-mountain canyon community (Ⅰ1), the south tropical low-mountain valley community (Ⅰ2), the southeast subtropical karst mountain river valley community (Ⅰ3), the eastern subtropical plateau basin community (Ⅰ4) and the northeastern subtropical mid-mountain river valley community (Ⅰ5). Similarly, the Hengduan mountain region can also be subdivided into three smaller subregions, which include the western subtropical alpine canyon community (Ⅱ1), the middle temperate alpine canyon community (Ⅱ2) and the northwestern, high, cold alpine, meadow community (Ⅱ3). Bumblebee species richness in these eight communities can be ranked in descending order; Ⅱ3, Ⅰ3, Ⅱ2, Ⅰ1, Ⅰ5, Ⅰ4, Ⅱ1 and Ⅰ2. The highest richness (18 bumblebee species) was found in grid cell (27.00°-27.50°N，99.50°-100.00°E) in the Hengduan mountain region. Two species, Bombus friseanus and B. breviceps, were highly abundant, comprising almost 50% of all specimens collected. Conversely, some species, including B. chinensis, B. richardsiellus and B. bellardii, were very rare. [Conclusion]  Distinct distribution patterns of bumblebees in Yunnan probably reflect differences in topography and climate. Two species, B. friseanus and B. breviceps, were relatively common, but several species were very rare. Further research should be conducted to ensure the conservation of rare species.