Dousha Town of Yanjin County in Zhaotong

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Dousha Town, located in the southwestern part of Yanjin County (盐津县), Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province, is a town rich in natural resources, historical significance, and cultural heritage. It spans an area of 156 square kilometers and had a population of 24,424 residents as of 2019.

History and Administrative Evolution

Dousha Town has undergone several key administrative changes in its long history:

• In 1727, during the Qing Dynasty (Emperor Yongzheng’s 5th year), Dousha Town transitioned from local rule to imperial governance.

• By 1950, it was part of Daguan County (大关县).

• In 1970, it became Dousha Commune.

• In 1984, following the separation of politics and society, it became Dousha District.

• In 1988, it was renamed Dousha Township.

• Finally, in 2002, Dousha Township was elevated to Dousha Town.

As of June 2020, Dousha Town consists of one community and six administrative villages.

Geography and Natural Features

Dousha Town is located at the southern foot of the Dali Mountain Range (大黎山脉), with a terrain that is higher in the north and south, while the central area is lower, forming a river valley. The highest point is Mount Wangu (万古黎山), standing at an elevation of 1,984 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is located at the mouth of Heiyan Creek (黑眼溪) at 460 meters.

The climate is temperate with an average annual temperature of 17.9°C and average annual precipitation of 1,079 mm. The area enjoys an average of 841 hours of sunlight each year.

Dousha Town has a rich water system, with nine rivers and streams running through the region. The Guan River (关河) is one of the main rivers, flowing for 11 kilometers through the area.

Natural Resources

Dousha Town is known for its underground mineral resources, which include anthracite coal, iron, copper, silver, and sulfur. This makes the town an area of interest for mining and industrial development. The town’s economy also benefits from its agricultural activities.

Economy and Infrastructure

In 2019, Dousha Town had nine industrial enterprises, including one large-scale enterprise. It also had ten comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area of over 50 square meters, offering a variety of goods and services to the local population.

Transportation

Dousha Town is well connected by road, with access to major highways and transportation routes in Yunnan Province:

• Yanjin County, where Dousha Town is located, lies at the heart of the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan-Chongqing region, facilitating transportation to major cities like Kunming, Chongqing, Chengdu, and Guiyang.

• The town is well-served by national highways, including the Kunming-Water Highway and G85 Expressway.

• In the future, the Yunnan-Chongqing High-Speed Railway will further enhance accessibility, reducing travel time between Dousha Town and key cities to about 1.5-2 hours.

Cultural and Historical Heritage

Cultural and Historical Sites

Dousha Town boasts several historical and cultural sites that attract visitors and scholars alike:

• Yuan Zi’s Cliff Inscription: This inscription, located 15 kilometers southwest of Dousha Pass (豆沙关), was made in 794 AD during the Tang Dynasty. It commemorates the diplomatic mission of Yuan Zi, who was sent by the Tang Dynasty to the Nanzhao Kingdom. This inscription was recognized as a national key cultural relic in 1988.

• Sanguanlou Stone Pagoda: Situated about 150 meters north of Dousha Town, this pagoda is intricately carved with floral, insect, animal, and geometric patterns, representing the town’s rich cultural heritage. In 2013, it was included as part of Zhaotong’s second batch of city-level cultural heritage sites.

Intangible Cultural Heritage

• Yanjin Baba (盐津粑粑): Yanjin Baba is a traditional food in Dousha Town, consisting of various types of cakes such as large buns, pumpkin cakes, and triangular cakes. This traditional culinary skill has been recognized as part of Yunnan’s fifth batch of provincial-level intangible cultural heritage.

Scenic Attractions

Dousha Town and its surroundings offer a wealth of natural beauty and historical significance:

Dousha Pass Scenic Area (豆沙关风景名胜区)

Located about 22 kilometers from Yanjin County, Dousha Pass Scenic Area is situated at the intersection of northeastern Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. It is home to several national and provincial landmarks, including Yuan Zi’s Cliff Inscription, and is known for its diverse landscapes, such as waterfalls, ancient trees, and the Old Li Mountain Range (老黎山).

The scenic area comprises 60 attractions, including the ancient Dousha Pass, Lotus Cave (莲花洞), Three Rivers Waterfall (三股水瀑布), and various rare flora and fauna. Other historical relics include the Five-foot Path (五尺道), Tang Dynasty memorial stones, and hanging coffins of the Bo people.

Mount Dafu (大佛山)

Located in Zhonghe Town (中和镇), Mount Dafu is one of the two major mountains in Yanjin County. The mountain is rich in forests and natural beauty, with its highest peak reaching 2,263 meters. Key attractions include the Main Peak, Caiyun Cave (彩云洞), and Stone Pillar Slope. There are also cultural relics such as ancient roads and temples.

Local Specialties

Dousha Town is renowned for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes like Wugui Chicken Stew with Bamboo Shoots (乌骨鸡炖笋) and Piggy Cakes (猪儿粑). These dishes reflect the town’s unique food culture and are a key part of the town’s tourism appeal.

Recognition and Honors

Dousha Town and Yanjin County have received several honors in recognition of their achievements:

• 2019: Yanjin County was named a National Ecological Civilization Demonstration County by the Ministry of Ecology and Environment.

• 2021: Yanjin County was selected as a Key County for National Rural Revitalization by the Central Rural Work Leading Group and the National Rural Revitalization Bureau.

Dousha Town offers visitors a combination of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural history, and unique local traditions, making it an important destination for those looking to explore the wonders of Yunnan Province. Its mix of natural beauty and historical significance, coupled with its accessibility, make Dousha Town a place worth visiting for tourists and scholars alike.