Hexi Township of Lanping County, Nujiang

Geographical Location and Administrative Divisions: Hexi Township is located in the northeast of Lantsang Bai and Pumi Autonomous County, on the banks of the Tongdian River. It is 66 kilometers away from the county seat and has a total area of 577.12 square kilometers. The township is bordered by Yulong County to the east; Tongdian Town to the south, 35 kilometers away; Zhongpai and Shiding Townships to the west, 57 kilometers from the Zhongpai Township government; and Weixi County to the north. It administers 13 villages, including Hexi Village, Gongxing Village, Renxing Village, Yongxing Village, Xinfah Village, Bailong Village, Yushi Village, Qinghua Village, Dayang Village, Sanjie Village, Shengxing Village, Lianhe Village, and Shengxing Village.

Cultural Characteristics: Hexi Township is a multi-ethnic settlement, mainly inhabited by the Lisu, Bai, Pumi, Yi, and Han ethnic groups. The Pumi people are known for their rich traditional culture, and the area also boasts diverse folk cultures, such as the Bai dance “Cuocuo” and Lisu folk songs.

Economic Development: The economy of Hexi Township has seen significant growth, particularly in the cultivation of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. In 2024, the township achieved remarkable results in this sector, with a planting area of 12,000 mu and a production value exceeding 60 million yuan. This industry has become a key source of income for local residents, with over 2,900 households benefiting and an average income increase of more than 20,000 yuan per household. The township has also developed other agricultural products such as walnuts, chili peppers, and rapeseed oil. Additionally, Hexi Township is rich in mineral resources, including silver, copper, lead-zinc, and iron.

Historical Evolution: Hexi Township has a long history. Before the Republic of China period (1913), it belonged to Lijiang County. It underwent several administrative adjustments and was officially established as Hexi Township in 1987 after being designated as a commune in 1958 and later converted to a district in 1964.

Development Model: Hexi Township has been actively promoting the “work-for-relief” model to boost the income of the local population. Through the establishment of construction companies or teams by the township, the model has been implemented in 17 projects with a total investment of 50.75 million yuan. This has provided employment opportunities for over 2,000 local residents, resulting in the distribution of approximately 6.5 million yuan in labor wages, with an average income increase of over 3,000 yuan per person. The township has also focused on training to develop skilled construction workers, enhancing their skills and management capabilities, which has further contributed to the local economy and improved the standard of living for the residents.

Hexi Township, with its unique geographical location, rich ethnic culture, and diverse economic development model, has become a distinctive town in Lantsang County.