The formation of the district was approved on November 24, 2016, after the dissolution of the former Jinning County (晋宁县) by the State Council.

The southwestern "panhandle" of Jinning District (Xiyang Township, 夕阳乡) contains two caves (Yanzi and Shitou) known for their bat population.

[2][3] In 303 CE, during the Jin dynasty, Li Xiu became commander of the area after the abrupt death of her father, defeating a local rebellion after lasting a seven-year siege.

The residents had been unhappy about a land deal related to the building of a trade and logistics centre.

[9][10] The Shizhaishan Tombs (Shizhaishan gumuqun 石寨山古墓群), and the grave of Ma station Hazhi (Ma Hazhi mubei 马哈只墓碑) in the greater community Kunyang, the father of Zheng He, are since 2001 and 2006 respectively on the list the monuments of the People's Republic of China.