Zhangbenzhai Village of Baoxiu Town in Shiping County, Honghe Prefecture

🌍 Location & Geography

Zhangbanzhai Village (张本寨村) is part of Zhengying Administrative Village in Baoxiu Town (宝秀镇), Shidian County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Situated in a plain area at an altitude of 1,430 meters, the village enjoys a mild climate suitable for growing rice, bayberry, and citrus fruits. Covering an area of 1.84 square kilometers, it is bordered by Lijiazai Village (李家寨村) of Yilong Town (异龙镇) to the east and Chiru Lake (赤瑞湖) to the west. The landscape blends farmland with wetlands, creating a picturesque “mountain-lake-field” ecological pattern.

📊 Population & Economy

The village has a close-knit rural community with a strong agricultural base. Most residents engage in farming and animal husbandry, while supplementary income comes from small-scale fisheries, forestry, and local businesses. A portion of the population works outside the village, mostly within the province. The local economy is steadily developing with a focus on agricultural production and specialty industries.

🌱 Key Industries & Development

Core Industry: The village prioritizes the tofu and bean product processing industry, a major contributor to the local economy.

Specialty Agriculture: Zhangbanzhai is known for its bayberries, citrus fruits, and dragon fruit, with the Baoxiu Town Jixiang Dragon Fruit Plantation (宝秀镇吉祥火龙果种植基地) located within the village, focusing on cultivation and sales.

Future Plans: Local development aims to expand the bean product processing sector, integrate tourism with animal husbandry, and increase the planting area of bayberries and citrus fruits, raising residents’ income while promoting sustainable agriculture.

🌳 Natural Resources & Environment

The village features fertile farmland, orchards, and water resources, supporting a mixed farming model that combines crop cultivation and livestock raising. Its proximity to Chiru Lake (赤瑞湖) wetlands contributes to local biodiversity, making it a key area for ecological conservation and rural tourism.

🏗️ Infrastructure & Community Life

Zhangbanzhai Village (张本寨村) is well-equipped with essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, roads, telephone, and television coverage, along with street lighting. The village is organized into several community groups, and local public spaces, such as vegetable markets, promote agricultural trade and strengthen social cohesion.

🏛️ Culture & Heritage

The village preserves historical architecture with Ming and Qing dynasty styles, including the Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall (张氏宗祠), showcasing traditional southern Yunnan wood carving and clan culture. Nearby, the Zheng Clan Ancestral Hall (郑氏宗祠), a nationally protected heritage site, enriches the regional historical narrative and reflects the multicultural interactions along the ancient Tea Horse Road.

🚶 Tourism Experiences

Agricultural Activities:

• Visit in summer to experience bayberry and citrus picking.

• Tour the dragon fruit plantation (火龙果基地) and taste fresh fruits.

Cultural Exploration:

• Stroll through the ancient village and visit the Zhang Clan Ancestral Hall (张氏宗祠).

• Cycle around Yilong Lake Wetland (异龙湖), enjoying birdwatching and lotus blooms.

Local Cuisine & Souvenirs:

• Specialty tofu and bean products, ecological lake fish, and bayberry preserves make for delightful local treats.

📝 Travel Tips

• Best Season: May to July for bayberries and lotus flowers; winter for birdwatching in a mild climate.

• Transportation: Main roads are paved, with some rural paths better suited for off-road vehicles. Baoxiu Town (宝秀镇) is approximately 15 minutes by car from the county center.

• Sustainable Travel: Respect local farming practices and participate in ecological protection initiatives.