Laozhai Miao Ethnic Town in Mengzi City, Honghe

Chinese Name: 蒙自市老寨苗族乡
English Name: Laozhai Miao Autonomous Town in Mengzi City, Honghe
ADD:红河州蒙自市老寨苗族乡

General Information

  • Chinese Name: 蒙自市老寨苗族乡
  • English Name: Laozhai Miao Autonomous Town in Mengzi City, Honghe Prefecture
  • Location: Situated at the junction of two prefectures (Wenshan and Honghe) and three counties (Mengzi, Pingbian, and Wenshan) in Yunnan Province. It is 53 kilometers away from Mengzi City. Laozhai borders Wenshan to the east, Pingbian to the south, and Mingjiu Town of Mengzi to the northwest.
  • Area: 157 square kilometers
  • Elevation: The town is located in a high-cold mountainous area, making it one of the most remote towns in Mengzi County. The highest point is 2,567.8 meters (the highest in Mengzi), and the lowest point is 1,480 meters, with an average elevation of 1,984 meters.
  • Climate: Annual average rainfall is over 1,273.4 mm. The annual average temperature is 18.8°C, with the coldest month averaging 6.6°C. There is no frost for about 210 days a year.

Administrative Divisions and Population

  • Administration: Laozhai Miao Autonomous Town administers 4 village committees, 37 natural villages, and 49 village groups.
  • Population: As of December 2007, there were 2,213 households with a total population of 10,767. The major ethnic groups include Han, Miao, and Yi. Ethnic minorities account for 5,911 people (54.9% of the total population), with the Miao population being 4,850 (46% of the total).

Natural Resources

  • Forestry and Land: The town has 113,000 acres of forest land, with a forest coverage rate of 33.3%. It also has 8,710 acres of rocky land, 51,600 acres of less-utilized land, and 91,200 acres of barren hills.
  • Agricultural Land: The arable land area totals 19,696 acres, with an average of 1.87 acres per person. Main crops include rice, corn, wheat, rapeseed, and vegetables. Economic crops feature Sanqi (a medicinal herb) and tobacco. Additionally, there are fruit trees like walnuts, pears, plums, and a small number of apples.
  • Mineral Resources: Laozhai is known for its rich mineral resources, including the Bainiuchang Silver Polymetallic Ore Vein, which ranks second in the world and first in China for reserves. This mine is being developed by Guangxi Nandan Longquan Mining and Metallurgy Company. Other resources include antimony ore, high-quality stone materials suitable for extraction, and extensive silver deposits that provide significant economic development opportunities for the region.

Cultural and Educational Aspects

  • Cultural Significance: Laozhai Miao Autonomous Town is known for its vibrant Miao culture. The “Caihuashan” (Mountain Flower) Festival is a major cultural event in Laozhai, celebrated with much enthusiasm and is one of the most lively flower festivals in Mengzi. The town’s cultural richness and the celebration of ethnic traditions make it a unique cultural hub in the area.
  • Education: The Laozhai Miao Autonomous Town Central School is located in this remote region at the junction of two prefectures and three counties. The school covers an area of over 15 acres and includes 13 school sites: 5 complete primary schools, 3 higher primary schools, and 5 village schools. As of 2008, the school had 75 teachers and 1,265 students. The school has evolved significantly, providing a conducive learning environment and playing a vital role in the education of local Miao children.

Laozhai Miao Autonomous Town represents a blend of rich cultural heritage, abundant natural resources, and ongoing educational development, making it a unique and integral part of Mengzi City in Yunnan Province.