It was formed in March 1952 and in August designated as a light division of the national defense force.

The division was organized from units and detachments of the 5th Army Group left in Guizhou province.

From August 1967 to 1968, Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, 49th Army Division was deployed to North Vietnam for air defense missions.

Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment, 31st Motorized Infantry Division was established.

Both brigades are now part of the PLA 75th Group Army, stationed in Dali, Yunnan.