Laowo Bai Ethnic Town of Lushui City, Nujiang

Geographical Location and Administrative Divisions: Laowu Bai Ethnic Township is located in the east of Lushui City, within the Hengduan Mountains’ longitudinal valley area. It is situated on the east bank of the Nujiang River, at the southern edge of the Biluo Snow Mountain, between Liuku Town and Caijian Town. The township covers an area of 312.33 square kilometers and is bordered by Lanping County to the north, Yunlong County’s Jiuzhou and Biaocun to the east, Yunlong County’s Caijian Town to the south, and the state capital, Lukou, to the west. The township government is located in Jingmenkou, 24 kilometers away from the state capital, Lukou, and is an important transportation hub connecting Nujiang to the mainland.

Cultural and Historical Background: Laowu Bai Ethnic Township is one of the three ethnic townships in Nujiang Prefecture. It is named after its geographical feature of being surrounded by mountains, resembling a “nest.” The township has a rich history, dating back to the Tang Dynasty when it was part of the Yinzhou Prefecture. It underwent several administrative changes and was officially designated as Laowu Bai Ethnic Township in 1987, and later upgraded to Laowu Town in 2011.

Cultural Characteristics: The township is predominantly inhabited by the Bai ethnic group, which accounts for 66.6% of the population. The Lisu people make up 32.97%, and other ethnic groups account for 0.36%. The area is rich in cultural heritage, with notable sites such as the Laowu Tusi Yamen (the former office and residence of the Laowu chieftain), which has been preserved and renovated.

Economic Development: The economy of Laowu Town is primarily based on agriculture, with crops such as rice, corn, and wheat. The town is also known for its rich forest resources and diverse biological species. In recent years, the town has focused on developing specialty agricultural products, such as walnuts, and has gained recognition for its Laowu Ham, which was designated as a national one-village-one-product model village in 2019.

Tourist Resources: Laowu Town features unique natural landscapes and cultural attractions. Notable sites include the Laowu Yinhe Cave, known for its peculiar stones and underground river, and the Xiangshui River Waterfall, which offers pristine water and beautiful scenery. The town is also home to the Yuantong Temple, a historic Buddhist site that attracts numerous visitors each year.

Infrastructure and Development: Significant progress has been made in infrastructure construction, including the completion of several rural roads and irrigation ditches, which have improved agricultural and living conditions for the residents. The town has also seen improvements in communication, radio, and television networks, enhancing the residents’ access to information and the outside world.

Laowu Bai Ethnic Township, with its unique geographical location, rich cultural heritage, and ongoing infrastructure improvements, stands as a distinctive and vibrant township in Lushui City.