Bangdong Town of Linxiang District, Lincang

Chinese Name: 临沧市临翔区邦东乡
English Name: Bangdong Town of Linxiang District, Lincang
ADD:临沧市临翔区邦东乡

Overview
Bangdong Town is located in Linxiang District, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. Situated at an altitude of 1,630 meters, it lies about 64 kilometers from Lincang city center. The town is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, surrounded by scenic landscapes that include mountains, rivers, and historic sites. It shares borders with towns in both Lincang and neighboring cities, such as Simao (Pu’er City) and Jingdong County. Bangdong is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Han, Yi, Dai, Lahu, Bai, Wa, and Blang people.

Climate
Bangdong has a temperate climate, with an average annual temperature of 17°C. The area receives about 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually and enjoys approximately 2,115 hours of sunshine. The frost period lasts around 340 days each year, making it suitable for a variety of agricultural activities.

Natural Resources
Bangdong is rich in water resources, with three main rivers: Zhangzhen River, Damanlang River, and Nakang River. The town also has sections of the Lancang River, running approximately 26 kilometers through its territory. There are two reservoirs in the area: the Qianshao Reservoir and the Dalanba Reservoir, with a combined storage capacity of 510,000 cubic meters.

Main Attractions

  1. Bangdong Snow Mountain (邦东大雪山)
    • Location: West bank of the Lancang River, within Linxiang District.
    • Description: A scenic area accessible via the Linbang Highway. It encompasses multiple attractions such as the Tianyun Scatter Pond, Rhododendron Forest, and the Fairy Cave. The main peak stands at 3,429.6 meters, offering rare views of snow-capped mountains at low latitudes. The mountain is part of a provincial nature reserve, noted for its rich biodiversity and pristine environment.
  2. Old Bangdong Ruins (老邦东遗址)
    • Location: 7 kilometers northeast of the town government, near Laobangdong Street.
    • Description: An archaeological site with remnants from the Neolithic era, including stone tools like axes, chisels, and hammers, as well as pottery shards. The site spans an area of 10,000 square meters.
  3. Xigui Ruins (昔归遗址)
    • Location: On the banks of the Lancang River, 28.7 kilometers east of the town government.
    • Description: An archaeological site featuring cultural deposits about 1.5 to 2 meters thick. Artifacts include charcoal fragments, black pottery shards, and various stone tools. The site is associated with the Manghuai culture.
  4. Ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古驿道)
    • Historical Significance: A trade route dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1385), connecting Lincang with Jingdong and other regions. It was a major pathway for trading tea, salt, and other goods. Caravans traveled this route, which played a vital role in commerce, particularly in exporting tea to Myanmar and various parts of China.
  5. Bangdong Ancient Town Ruins (邦东古镇遗址)
    • Location: Near the Old Bangdong Street, alongside the Neolithic site.
    • Description: Once a bustling market town during the Republican era, it served as a key hub on the trade route to Jingdong. The streets still bear marks from mule caravans that frequented the area.
  6. Gali Ancient Ferry (嘎里古渡)
    • Location: 20 kilometers from the town government, on the Lancang River.
    • Description: An important historical crossing point for trade routes during the Qing Dynasty. Merchants used the ferry to transport goods, mainly salt and tea. The ferry service was restored in the 1980s and upgraded in the late 1990s.
  7. Ancient Papermaking Workshop Ruins (造纸古作坊遗址)
    • Location: 10 kilometers north of the town government, on the eastern slopes of Snow Mountain.
    • Description: A traditional papermaking site established during the late Qing Dynasty. Using bamboo, lime, and tree bark, the workshop produced paper for educational and daily use. Some local families still maintain the traditional papermaking methods today.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer the best weather conditions for visiting Bangdong, especially for hiking and exploring outdoor sites.
  • Accommodation: Various guesthouses and local homestays are available, providing a comfortable base for exploring the area.
  • How to Get There: Lincang is accessible by bus or car from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan. From Lincang, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi to reach Bangdong Town.
  • Travel Maps: It’s advisable to use detailed travel maps highlighting major attractions and transportation routes for easier navigation.

Bangdong Town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and historical significance, making it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences in Yunnan Province.