Shangguan Town in Dali City
Overview of Shangguan Town
Shangguan Town (上关镇) is a town under the jurisdiction of Dali City (大理市), located in the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies on the northern shore of Erhai Lake (洱海), at the eastern foothills of Cangshan Mountain (苍山云弄峰). The town borders Shuanglang Town (双廊镇) and Huangping Town (黄坪镇) in Heqing County (鹤庆县) to the east, Erhai Lake to the south, and Dengchuan (邓川) and Yousuo (右所) towns in Eryuan County (洱源县) to the north. Covering an area of 129 square kilometers, Shangguan Town has a total population of 36,565, according to the seventh national census conducted on November 1, 2020.
Historically, Shangguan Town was part of the Deng Tan Zhao (邓赕诏) territory and was governed by Dengchuan Prefecture during the Yuan (元), Ming (明), and Qing (清) dynasties. The town was established in 2000 and was incorporated into Dali City on January 1, 2004. As of June 2020, Shangguan Town has 13 administrative villages, with the town government located at No. 1 Jiangwei Street, New District.
Geographic Location and Environment
Geographic Area
Shangguan Town is strategically located on the northern shore of Erhai Lake and at the eastern foothills of Cangshan Mountain. The town’s total administrative area is 129 square kilometers.
Topography
The terrain of Shangguan Town slopes from north to south, characterized by plateau plains. The highest point is located in Louyi Village (漏邑村) at an elevation of 3,560 meters, while the lowest point can be found in Dabaguan Village (大把关村) at an elevation of 1,680 meters.
Climate
Shangguan Town has a subtropical highland monsoon climate. The weather characteristics include:
- Average Annual Temperature: 18°C
- January Average Temperature: 8.9°C (record low of -1.4°C on January 23, 1997)
- July Average Temperature: 20.5°C (record high of 28.5°C on July 21, 1952)
The annual average temperature range is about 12.4°C, with approximately 2,300 hours of sunshine per year. Rainfall predominantly occurs from June to October, peaking in July.
Hydrology
The rivers in Shangguan Town are part of the Lancang River (澜沧江) basin. Key rivers include:
- Mijia River (弥苴河): 23 kilometers long, with a watershed area of 998 square kilometers.
- Luoshi River (罗时江): 56 kilometers long, with a watershed area of 112.3 square kilometers.
- Yong’an River (永安江): 6.5 kilometers long, with a watershed area of 110.3 square kilometers.
These rivers contribute to over 70% of the water supply for Erhai Lake.
Administrative Divisions
As of the end of 2011, Shangguan Town administratively governs 13 village committees, including:
- Majia Village (马甲邑)
- Qingsuo Village (青索)
- Zhaoyi Village (兆邑)
- Louyi Village (漏邑)
- Shaping Village (沙坪)
- Dongshaping Village (东沙坪)
- Dapai Village (大排)
- Hewai Village (河尾)
- Jiangwei Village (江尾)
- Daying Village (大营)
- Machang Village (马厂)
- Haichaohe Village (海潮河)
- Dabaguan Village (大把关)
The town consists of 142 village groups and has a total of 56 natural villages.
Cultural Heritage
Local Customs and Festivals
Shangguan Town boasts a rich tapestry of folk arts, including:
- Dragon Dance (龙灯): A traditional dance often performed during festivals.
- Horse Racing (赛马): An exciting local tradition.
- Lion Dance (狮灯): A lively performance believed to bring prosperity.
- Torch Festival (火把节): A celebration featuring bonfires, songs, and dances.
- Temple Fairs (庙会): Community gatherings celebrating local deities.
Local Products
The town is known for its agricultural specialties, including:
- Walnuts (核桃)
- Chestnuts (板栗)
- Pine Nuts (松子)
- Rice Noodles (粉丝)
- Milk Fan (乳扇)
- Rice Cake (饵丝)
- Mei Guo (梅果)
Additionally, eco-friendly agricultural products such as rice noodles, milk fan, and mei guo are produced in the region.
How to Get There
To reach Shangguan Town, you can travel from Dali City, which is well-connected by various transportation modes. The town is approximately a 30-minute drive from Dali’s city center. Public buses are available, providing a convenient and economical option for travelers.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Shangguan Town is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes that feature fresh produce from the area.
- Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially during festivals and community gatherings.
- Accommodation: Look for guesthouses or homestays for an authentic experience.
