Yingpan Town of Lanping County, Nujiang

Geographical Location and Administrative Divisions: Yingpan Town is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, in the Lancang River Valley of Lantsang Bai and Pumi Autonomous County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture. The town government is situated in Yingpan Street, which is 1,600 meters above sea level and 53.8 kilometers away from the county seat (Jinding Town). It is 157 kilometers from the prefecture capital, Lukou. The town covers an area of 547 square kilometers and is bordered by Lajing Town to the east, Tuo’e Township to the south, and the counties of Lushui and Fugong in Nujiang Prefecture to the west. It is connected to Shiding Township to the north.

Cultural Characteristics: Yingpan Town is a multi-ethnic settlement, primarily inhabited by Bai, Lisu, Han, Pumi, Nu, Yi, Naxi, Hui, and Tibetan ethnic groups. The Bai people make up 59.7% of the population, while the Lisu people account for 35.7%, and other ethnic groups make up 4.6%. The town is rich in cultural heritage, with notable sites such as the Yang Yuke Family Shrine Complex, a provincial-level cultural protection unit, and the Yang Yuke Residence, which is associated with a renowned anti-French general and patriotic leader.

Economic Development: Yingpan Town is a key commercial and logistics hub in western Lantsang County and is the most populous town in Nujiang Prefecture. It is also the second-largest rice production area in the prefecture, after Shangjiang. The town’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with rice, corn, and wheat being the main crops. It is a significant commodity grain production base in the county. Additionally, the town is rich in mineral resources, particularly copper, which is of high quality and in large reserves. Copper products from the area are exported to major cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. In recent years, the tourism industry has been growing, with attractions like the Yang Yuke Family Shrine and the natural beauty of the Lancang River Valley drawing visitors.

Historical Evolution: Yingpan Town has a rich history. The name “Yingpan” originated in the fourth year of the Tongzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty (1865), when troops were stationed there. Before 1913, the area belonged to Lijiang County and was known as Shanhou Li. After the establishment of Lanping County, it was renamed Xin Hua Li. In 1919, it was designated as the third district. The town has undergone several administrative changes and was officially established as Yingpan Town in 1987.

Natural Resources and Infrastructure: The town is characterized by its diverse topography, with altitudes ranging from 1,402 to 4,168 meters. It has 53,140 acres of arable land, including 15,585 acres of paddy fields and 37,555 acres of dry land. The town also boasts 25,563 acres of forest and 99,384 acres of potential afforestation land. Water resources are abundant, with over 20 rivers and streams, two county-run hydropower stations, and two town-run stations. The Lancang River runs through the town for 56 kilometers, and there is a planned Huangdengyan hydropower station on the river. Infrastructure development has been significant, with all 17 village committees having access to telephones, electricity, and broadcast and television services. Ten village committees have access to rural roads, and the town has a wireless paging and mobile phone service.

Yingpan Town, with its strategic location, rich ethnic culture, and diverse economic development, stands as a distinctive and vibrant town in Lantsang County.