Baoxiu Village of Baoxiu Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture

🏞️ Geography & Location

Baoxiu Village is the administrative center of Baoxiu Town (宝秀镇), located just 10 km from Shiping County in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan.

• Elevation: 1,440 m

• Climate: Subtropical, annual temperature 18 °C, rainfall ~900 mm

• Terrain: fertile basin area, ideal for agriculture

The village is surrounded by Yilong Town (east), Xuliuying Village (south), Fengshan Village (west), and Zhuwazi Village (north), with a postal code of 662200.

📜 History & Cultural Background

• Name origin: derived from two local landmarks — Baoshan Pavilion (宝山阁) and Xiushan Temple (秀山寺), symbolizing elegance and cultural refinement.

• Historical roots: trace back to the Ming Dynasty (Hongwu reign), when Central Plains military households were stationed here for frontier defense. This blend of Han settlers and local ethnic groups made Baoxiu a witness to the Tea-Horse Road trade and multi-ethnic integration.

• Modern recognition: In 2021, Baoxiu Village transitioned into a community residents’ committee and was included in the 4th batch of China’s Traditional Villages List, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

👥 People & Ethnic Composition

• Total population: 7,788

  • Han: 6,069

  • Yi: 1,650

  • Other minorities: 69

• Gender distribution: 3,771 males, 4,017 females

• Main occupation: agriculture, supplemented by diverse secondary and tertiary industries

This creates a Han–Yi mixed settlement, reflecting deep cultural fusion.

🏡 Architecture & Village Landscape

Baoxiu preserves Ming–Qing style residences, harmoniously blending with surrounding fields and rivers.

Key landmarks:

• Baoshan Pavilion (宝山阁): a historic relic in the north, cultural symbol of the village.

• Xiushan Temple (秀山寺): in the south, offering a tranquil religious atmosphere.

Infrastructure highlights:

• Achieved the “Five Connections” (water, electricity, roads, TV, telecommunication).

• 219 households use biogas, 830 households installed solar energy systems, supporting green living.

• New countryside projects (facade renovation, street paving, investment of 3.46 million RMB) enhance both livability and tourism appeal.

🌾 Economy & Local Industries

Baoxiu’s economy remains agriculture-centered, with growing diversification.

• Main crops:

  • Sweet bamboo (甜龙竹): expanding into a signature industry.

  • Bayberries (杨梅): >200 mu planted in nearby villages, popular as seasonal gifts.

• Animal husbandry & fishery: annual revenues of 1.83 million RMB (livestock) and 0.52 million RMB (fishery).

• External labor income: 3.32 million RMB in 2008, driving rural vitality.

This balanced model of farming + livestock + migrant income supports community stability.

🎎 Culture & Traditions

Baoxiu retains strong military-settler (军屯) culture, blending Central Plains farming practices (plow, waterwheel use) with local customs.

• Farming heritage: emphasizes harmony between labor and nature.

• Festivals: though less prominent locally, nearby Yi Torch Festival (火把节) brings lively ethnic celebrations, with bonfires and group dances.

• Community life: 7 Party branches and 1 Youth League committee foster collective activities, including village cultural programs.

🌿 Travel Experiences

• Cultural Exploration: stroll through the ancient village, visit Baoshan Pavilion and Xiushan Temple, and uncover centuries-old frontier defense history.

• Eco Leisure: enjoy Yilong Lake wetlands, admire lotus blossoms in summer, or birdwatch in winter.

• Farm Activities: take part in sweet bamboo cultivation or bayberry harvest (May–June), and taste fresh seasonal produce.

⚠️ Travel Tips

• Best seasons:

  • May–July: bayberry harvest + lotus season

  • Winter: birdwatching & cool countryside retreats

• Transport: main road is paved asphalt, though some side roads remain dirt; about 15 minutes’ drive from Shiping County.

• Health services: periodic free clinics are offered, e.g., in Aug 2025, Honghe Third People’s Hospital held a volunteer medical service in Baoxiu Town. Travelers may check local health info before visiting.