Baqishan Village in Xibanshan Mountain in Mengku, Lincang
Chinese Name: 勐库西半山:坝气山
English Name: Baqishan Village in Xibanshan Mountain in Mengku, Lincang
Overview
- Location: Baqishan Village (坝气山) is located in the Mengku Town (勐库镇) of Shuangjiang Lahu, Wa, and Blang Autonomous County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. It is situated in the western part of Mengku Town, approximately 5 kilometers from Dongguo Village Committee and 24 kilometers from Mengku Town.
- Area: The village covers 0.79 square kilometers with an elevation of 1,710 meters.
- Climate: The region has an annual average temperature of 20°C and receives 1,750 mm of rainfall annually, making it suitable for growing tea, walnuts, and other crops.
Demographics and Economy
- Population: The village has a total of 235 residents, with 152 males and 83 females. There are 58 households, with an average of 2.40 acres of farmland per person. The local population mainly consists of Han people.
- Agriculture: The village has 582 acres of cultivated land, including 162 acres of paddy fields and 420 acres of dry land. It also has 600 acres of forested land.
- Economic Status: In 2006, the village’s total economic income was 468,000 RMB, with a per capita net income of 700 RMB. The primary income source for the villagers is agriculture. The village is classified as impoverished, with a focus on improving agricultural conditions and increasing farmer incomes.
- Education: The village has 35 students in compulsory education, including 28 primary school students and 7 secondary school students.
Tea Industry
- Tea Production: Baqishan Village is known for its tea cultivation, which is a significant part of the local economy. The tea is primarily sold outside the province. In 2006, the village’s tea industry generated a total revenue of 151,000 RMB, accounting for 32.3% of the rural economy’s total income.
- Tea Characteristics: The tea from Baqishan has a golden-yellow infusion with a fresh taste, characteristic of the Xibanshan region. The tea has a robust flavor with initial bitterness that quickly fades, leaving a pleasant aftertaste with good sweetness and richness.
Development Plans
The village is focusing on enhancing its large-leaf tea industry and expanding agricultural and livestock farming. Plans include improving agricultural production conditions and increasing farmer income through better cultivation practices and industry development.
Summary
Baqishan Village is a crucial link between Dongguo and Moli, known for its high-quality tea that reflects the distinct flavors of the western Mengku region. Despite its challenges, the village is working towards economic development through agriculture and tea production, aiming to improve the livelihoods of its residents.