Jinding Town of Lanping County, Nujiang

Geographical Location and Administrative Divisions: Jinding Town is located in the southeast of Lantsang Bai and Pumi Autonomous County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is the county seat of Lantsang County and covers a total area of 406.48 square kilometers. The town is situated in the valley of the Hengduan Mountains, with an altitude of over 2,240 meters. It has a subtropical, mountainous monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 11.7°C and an annual precipitation of 1,015.5 mm. The town is bordered by Jianchuan County to the east, Yunlong County to the south, La Jing Town to the west, and Tongdian Town to the north. It is 3.5 kilometers away from the county seat.

Cultural Characteristics: Jinding Town is a multi-ethnic settlement, primarily inhabited by Bai, Pumi, Lisu, Yi, Han, and other ethnic groups. The Bai people make up 80.13% of the population, while the Pumi people account for 7.63%. The town is rich in cultural heritage, with notable sites such as the Erwu Mountain Xuanyuan Shrine, a site associated with the legendary Yellow Emperor, and the Jinji Temple, a historic Buddhist site.

Economic Development: Jinding Town is the political, economic, and cultural center of Lantsang County. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as rice, corn, and wheat. It is also a significant commodity grain production base in the county. The town is rich in mineral resources, particularly lead-zinc, which is of high quality and in large reserves. The town has seen significant economic growth, with a total industrial and agricultural output of 223.33 million yuan in 2007, a growth rate of 28%. The average per capita income for farmers was 2,200 yuan, with a growth rate of 12.1%.

Natural Resources and Tourism: Jinding Town is known for its rich natural resources, including forests and wildlife. It is also a key forestry town in the county, with a forest coverage rate of 42%. The town features attractions such as the Erwu Mountain Xuanyuan Shrine and the Jinji Temple, which attract visitors with their historical and cultural significance.

Infrastructure and Development: The town has well-developed infrastructure, with all villages having access to electricity, roads, television, and telecommunications. The town’s main roads are paved, and there are numerous educational and medical facilities, including several primary schools and middle schools.

Jinding Town, with its unique geographical location, rich ethnic culture, and diverse economic development model, stands as a distinctive and vibrant town in Lantsang County.