Baoshan (保山)

1. Introduction

Baoshan City, historically known as Yongchang, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the western part of Yunnan Province. The city borders Nujiang Prefecture to the north, Dali Prefecture to the northeast, Lincang City to the southeast, Dehong Prefecture to the west, and shares a small section of its northwestern and southern boundaries with Myanmar. Situated on the southern edge of the Hengduan Mountains, the Gaoligong Mountains and the Nushan Gorge run through the entire area, with the Lancang River, Nujiang River, and Longchuan River flowing from north to south. The city covers an area of 19,062 square kilometers, with a total population of 2.4312 million in 2020. The municipal government is located in Longyang District.

2. Etymology

The name "Baoshan" of Baoshan City originates from its geographical environment and historical background. According to historical records, the name of Baoshan City can be traced back to the Ming Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, the Baoshan region became a significant military stronghold and economic center due to its strategic location. The name "Baoshan" is composed of two characters: "Bao" and "Shan," symbolizing "protecting the mountain city."

3. History

During the pre-Qin period, the area of the present-day city belonged to the Ailao Kingdom, with the current urban area serving as the ruling center of the Ailao Kingdom. In the second year of the Yuanfeng era of the Western Han Dynasty (109 BCE), Emperor Wu of Han dispatched troops to attack Ailao and established Buwei County, which was part of Yizhou Commandery. The county seat was located in Jinji Village, east of Longyangba in the present-day urban area. According to legend, Emperor Wu of Han relocated the descendants and clans of Lü Jia, the chancellor of the Nanyue Kingdom, to this area to highlight the misdeeds of their ancestors, hence the name. Another theory suggests it was named after the relocation of the descendants and clans of Lü Buwei from the Qin Dynasty to this area. In the twelfth year of the Yongping era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (69 CE), King Liu Mao of Ailao submitted to Han rule, leading to the division of the seven western counties of Yizhou Commandery to establish Yongchang Commandery. The administrative seat was initially in Suitang County (present-day Jiuzhou Town, Yunlong County) and was relocated to Buwei County in the second year of the Jianchu era (77 CE). During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the commandery and counties gradually fell into disuse.

During the Tang Dynasty, the area belonged to Nanzhao. The Nanzhao Kingdom established the Yongchang Military Commissioner west of the Lancang River, with its seat in Yongchang City (present-day Longyang District). In the early Dali Kingdom, the Yongchang Military Commissioner was retained, and the Ruanhua Prefecture was established in Yuetan (present-day Tengchong City). In the later period of the Dali Kingdom, the Yongchang Military Commissioner was reorganized into Yongchang Prefecture, and Ruanhua Prefecture was renamed Tengchong Prefecture, which remained until the Dali Kingdom was conquered by the Mongols.

In the seventh year of the reign of Yuan Emperor Xianzong (1257), Yongchang Prefecture and Tengchong Prefecture were reorganized into thousand-household units. In the eleventh year of the Zhiyuan era (1274), they were reorganized into Yongchang Zhou and Tengyue Zhou, which were part of Dali Circuit under the Yunnan Branch Secretariat. Tengyue County was also established. The Shidian Chiefdom (present-day Shidian County) was established in the former Guangyi Zhou of the Dali Kingdom. In the fourteenth year of the Zhiyuan era (1277), Tengyue Zhou was reorganized into Tengchong Prefecture, which later absorbed Shunjiang Zhou and the three counties of Tengyue, Yuedian, and Guyong. In the fifteenth year of the Zhiyuan era (1278), Yongchang Zhou was elevated to Yongchang Prefecture. In the twenty-fifth year of the Zhiyuan era (1288), Tengchong Prefecture and Tengyue County were abolished. In the twenty-second year of the Zhiyuan era (1285), the Duan clan's Jinchi region of Dali was merged into Dali Circuit, and the Dali Jinchi Pacification Commission was established, with its seat relocated to Yongchang Prefecture.

In the seventeenth year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1384), the Shidian Chiefdom was reorganized into the Shidian Chiefdom under Yongchang Prefecture. In the twenty-third year of the Hongwu era (1390), Yongchang Prefecture was reorganized into the Jinchi Military-Civilian Commandery. In the first year of the Yongle era (1403), the Tengchong Thousand-Household Unit was established in the former Tengchong Prefecture, and Wanzhou (with its seat in present-day Xiwan, Changning County) was also established. In the fifth year of the Xuande era (1430), Guangyi Zhou (with its seat in present-day Guangyi, west of Changning County) was established. In the first year of the Zhengtong era (1436), Guangyi Zhou was abolished and merged into Shunning Prefecture, reorganized into the Youdian Garrison Thousand-Household Unit, with its seat relocated to present-day Youdian Town, Changning County. In the tenth year of the Zhengtong era (1445), the Tengchong Thousand-Household Unit was elevated to the Tengchong Military-Civilian Commandery. In the first year of the Jiajing era (1522), Yongchang Prefecture was reestablished, and Baoshan County (present-day Longyang District) was established as its attached county the following year, named after Mount Taibao to the west of the city. In the third year of the Jiajing era (1524), the Tengchong Military-Civilian Commandery was reorganized into Tengyue Zhou.

In the sixteenth year of the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1659), Wanzhou was placed under Yongchang Prefecture. In the thirty-fifth year of the Qianlong era (1770), Longling Ting was established in Mengnong, under Yongchang Prefecture. In the twenty-fourth year of the Jiaqing era (1819), Tengyue Zhou was reorganized into Tengyue Directly Administered Ting, and in the second year of the Daoguang era (1822), it was renamed Tengyue Ting, under Yongchang Prefecture. In the twenty-eighth year of the Guangxu era (1902), the Yixi Circuit was relocated to Tengyue Ting.

In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), prefectures, zhou, and ting were abolished and reorganized into counties. Wanzhou was abolished and merged into Baoshan County, which was renamed Yongchang County. Tengyue Ting was renamed Tengchong County, and Longling Ting was renamed Longling County. These counties were placed under the Dianxi Circuit. In 1914, the Dianxi Circuit was renamed the Tengyue Circuit, and Yongchang County was renamed Baoshan County. In 1929, the Tengyue Circuit was abolished, and the Yunnan First Border Development Superintendent Office was established. In 1935, Changning County was established from parts of Baoshan County and Shunning County, with its name derived from one character each from the former Yongchang Prefecture and Shunning Prefecture. In 1939, the Tenglong Border Region Administrative Supervision Office was established. In the thirty-first year of the Republic of China (1942), the Sixth Administrative Inspection District of Yunnan Province was established, with its office in Tengchong County. In 1946, it was renamed the Twelfth Administrative Inspection District.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Baoshan Special District was established in 1950, with its administrative office in Baoshan County. In 1953, the Dehong Dai-Jingpo Autonomous Region (later renamed Autonomous Prefecture) was established. In 1956, the Baoshan Special District was abolished and merged into Dehong Prefecture. In 1962, Shidian County was established from the southern part of Baoshan County. In 1963, the Baoshan Special District was reestablished, comprising five counties: Baoshan, Shidian, Tengchong, Longling, and Changning. In 1970, the Baoshan Special District was renamed the Baoshan Region. In 1983, Baoshan County was abolished and reorganized into the county-level Baoshan City. In December 2000, the Baoshan Region and county-level Baoshan City were abolished and reorganized into the prefecture-level Baoshan City, with the former county-level Baoshan City reorganized into Longyang District. In August 2015, Tengchong County was abolished and established as Tengchong City, administered by Baoshan City on its behalf.

4. Geography

Baoshan spans from 98°05′ to 100°02′ east longitude and 24°07′ to 25°52′ north latitude. It is located 486 kilometers away from the provincial capital, Kunming. Externally, it shares mountains and rivers with Myanmar; internally, it connects with the four prefectures of Dali, Lincang, Dehong, and Nujiang.

Meteorological Data of Baoshan City (1981–2010) | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------| | Record high °C (°F) | 22.4 | 25.4 | 28.9 | 29.9 | 32.4 | 32.2 | 31.3 | 31.4 | 30.1 | 28.8 | 25.2 | 22.4 | 32.4 | | | (72.3) | (77.7) | (84.0) | (85.8) | (90.3) | (90.0) | (88.3) | (88.5) | (86.2) | (83.8) | (77.4) | (72.3) | (90.3) | | Average high °C (°F) | 17.1 | 18.5 | 21.6 | 24.0 | 25.5 | 25.9 | 25.5 | 26.0 | 25.3 | 23.6 | 20.3 | 17.7 | 22.6 | | | (62.8) | (65.3) | (70.9) | (75.2) | (77.9) | (78.6) | (77.9) | (78.8) | (77.5) | (74.5) | (68.5) | (63.9) | (72.6) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 9.1 | 10.9 | 14.0 | 16.8 | 19.6 | 21.5 | 21.3 | 21.1 | 19.9 | 17.7 | 13.2 | 9.8 | 16.2 | | | (48.4) | (51.6) | (57.2) | (62.2) | (67.3) | (70.7) | (70.3) | (70.0) | (67.8) | (63.9) | (55.8) | (49.6) | (61.2) | | Average low °C (°F) | 2.5 | 4.1 | 7.1 | 10.6 | 14.7 | 18.3 | 18.5 | 18.1 | 16.5 | 13.7 | 8.2 | 3.9 | 11.4 | | | (36.5) | (39.4) | (44.8) | (51.1) | (58.5) | (64.9) | (65.3) | (64.6) | (61.7) | (56.7) | (46.8) | (39.0) | (52.4) | | Record low °C (°F) | −3.8 | −2.6 | −0.1 | 3.7 | 7.4 | 13.3 | 13.1 | 13.4 | 10.4 | 5.5 | 1.6 | −2.3 | −3.8 | | | (25.2) | (27.3) | (31.8) | (38.7) | (45.3) | (55.9) | (55.6) | (56.1) | (50.7) | (41.9) | (34.9) | (27.9) | (25.2) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 16.9 | 28.4 | 33.6 | 48.3 | 87.8 | 129.5 | 153.9 | 175.5 | 153.9 | 114.7 | 38.1 | 11.6 | 992.2 | | | (0.67) | (1.12) | (1.32) | (1.90) | (3.46) | (5.10) | (6.06) | (6.91) | (6.06) | (4.52) | (1.50) | (0.46) | (39.08) | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 3.6 | 6.9 | 8.6 | 12.7 | 12.6 | 18.0 | 21.3 | 21.5 | 16.5 | 12.4 | 6.5 | 3.4 | 144 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 67 | 64 | 61 | 65 | 69 | 76 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 79 | 75 | 73 | 73 |

Source 1: China Meteorological Data Network

Source 2: China Weather Network (precipitation days from 1971–2000)

5. Administrative Divisions

Baoshan City administers 1 district, 3 counties, and has jurisdiction over 1 county-level city.

District: Longyang District
County-level City: Tengchong City
Counties: Shidian County, Longling County, Changning County

Administrative Divisions Map of Baoshan City

| Division Code | Division Name | Hanyu Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|------------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------|----------------------| | 530500 | Baoshan City | Bǎoshān Shì | 19,062 | 2,431,211 | Longyang District | 678000 | 8 | 36 | 32 | 10 | | 530502 | Longyang District | Lóngyáng Qū | 4,850 | 903,081 | Lancheng Subdistrict| 678000 | 6 | 5 | 10 | 4 | | 530521 | Shidian County | Shīdiàn Xiàn | 1,953 | 293,022 | Dianyang Town | 678200 | | 5 | 8 | 2 | | 530523 | Longling County | Lónglíng Xiàn | 2,793 | 272,769 | Longshan Town | 678300 | | 5 | 5 | 1 | | 530524 | Changning County | Chāngníng Xiàn | 3,768 | 319,858 | Tianyuan Town | 678100 | | 9 | 4 | 3 | | 530581 | Tengchong City | Téngchōng Shì | 5,697 | 642,481 | Tengyue Subdistrict | 679100 | 2 | 12 | 5 | |

6. Economy

6.1 Overview

Baoshan City, located in western Yunnan Province, is a city with a long history and abundant resources. The economy of Baoshan is based on agriculture, with industry and services also continuously developing, forming a diversified economic structure.

6.2 Agriculture

Baoshan City is rich in agricultural resources. The main agricultural products include:

• Grain Crops: Rice, corn, wheat, etc.
• Cash Crops: Tobacco, tea, sugarcane, coffee, etc.
• Animal Husbandry: Pigs, cattle, sheep, etc.

6.3 Industry

The industry in Baoshan City is primarily resource-based. The main industrial sectors include:

• Mineral Processing: Baoshan City is rich in mineral resources, mainly including lead, zinc, copper, iron, etc.
• Energy Industry: Renewable energy industries such as hydropower and wind power.
• Food Processing: Deep processing of agricultural products such as tea, coffee, and tobacco.

6.4 Services

The service industry in Baoshan City has developed rapidly in recent years. The main service sectors include:

• Tourism: Baoshan City boasts rich natural and cultural landscapes, such as Gaoligong Mountain, Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal Area, and Heshun Ancient Town, attracting a large number of tourists.
• Commerce and Logistics: Located at a key transportation hub in western Yunnan, Baoshan City has a well-developed commerce and logistics industry.

6.5 Economic Policies

The Baoshan municipal government places high importance on economic development and actively promotes industrial upgrading and economic restructuring. Through measures such as investment attraction, infrastructure construction, and technological innovation, the Baoshan municipal government continuously enhances the city's economic competitiveness and promotes prosperous economic development.

7. Transportation

Longjiang Bridge on the Baoteng Expressway
National Highway 320, National Highway 357
G56 Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway
China State Railway Group's Dali–Ruili Railway
Baoshan Airport

• Rail Transit

Baoshan City once planned and approved a tram project through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. However, due to financial policy changes and the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, the project was terminated and removed from the project library.

8. Education

8.1 Overview

Baoshan City, located in western Yunnan Province, is a city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. The education system in Baoshan is well-developed, covering all stages from preschool to higher education, providing strong talent support for the city's economic and social development.

8.2 Preschool Education

Preschool education in Baoshan has developed rapidly in recent years, with main forms including:

• Kindergartens: Baoshan has numerous public and private kindergartens that provide high-quality preschool education services for children of appropriate age.

8.3 Basic Education

The basic education system in Baoshan is well-established, mainly including:

• Primary Schools: Baoshan has a high enrollment rate in primary education, with continuously improving teaching quality.
• Junior High Schools: Junior high school education in Baoshan focuses on the all-round development of students, with steadily improving teaching quality.
• Senior High Schools: Senior high school education in Baoshan is oriented toward further education, with teaching quality ranking among the top in the province.

8.4 Vocational Education

Vocational education in Baoshan aims to cultivate practical talents, with main forms including:

• Secondary Vocational Schools: Baoshan has multiple secondary vocational schools offering various practical majors, such as mechanical processing, electronic technology, and tourism services.
• Higher Vocational Colleges: Higher vocational colleges in Baoshan aim to cultivate high-quality technical and skilled talents, offering various applied majors.

8.5 Higher Education

Higher education in Baoshan has developed rapidly in recent years, with main forms including:

• Undergraduate Institutions: Baoshan has multiple undergraduate institutions, such as Baoshan University, providing a large number of high-quality talents for the city's economic and social development.
• Specialized Colleges: Specialized colleges in Baoshan aim to cultivate applied talents, offering various practical majors.

8.6 Education Policies

The Baoshan municipal government attaches great importance to education and actively promotes educational reform and development. By increasing investment in education, improving educational facilities, and enhancing teacher benefits, the Baoshan municipal government continuously improves education quality and promotes educational equity.

9. Population

The total resident population at the end of 2022 was 2.397 million, a decrease of 21,000 from the end of the previous year. The annual birth rate was 7.31‰; the death rate was 7.48‰; and the natural growth rate was -0.17‰. At the end of the year, the rural population was 1.5165 million, and the urban population was 880,500. The proportion of the urban resident population to the total population (urbanization rate of the resident population) was 36.73%.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's resident population was 2,431,211. Compared with the 2,506,491 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the total decrease over the ten years was 75,280 people, a decline of 3%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.3%. Among them, the male population was 1,247,911, accounting for 51.33% of the total population; the female population was 1,183,300, accounting for 48.67% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 105.46. The population aged 0–14 was 448,839, accounting for 18.46% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 1,548,973, accounting for 63.71% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 433,399, accounting for 17.83% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 306,172, accounting for 12.59% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 853,166, accounting for 35.09% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 1,578,045, accounting for 64.91% of the total population.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 2,166,204, accounting for 89.10%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 265,007, accounting for 10.90%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic group population decreased by 81,936, a decline of 3.64%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.59 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 6,656, a growth of 2.58%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.59 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Baoshan City (2020 Seventh National Population Census) | Ethnic Group Name | Han | Yi | Bai | Dai | Lisu | Hui | Miao | Blang | Va | Achang | Other Ethnic Groups | |-----------------------|---------------|-------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|--------------|---------------|--------------|---------------|-------------------------| | Population | 2,166,204 | 80,189 | 45,887 | 42,878 | 37,037 | 13,017 | 11,100 | 9,614 | 5,056 | 4,315 | 15,914 | | Proportion of Total Population (%) | 89.1 | 3.3 | 1.89 | 1.76 | 1.52 | 0.54 | 0.46 | 0.4 | 0.21 | 0.18 | 0.65 | | Proportion of Ethnic Minority Population (%) | — | 30.26 | 17.32 | 16.18 | 13.98 | 4.91 | 4.19 | 3.63 | 1.91 | 1.63 | 6.01 |

10. Religion

10.1 Overview

Baoshan City, located in western Yunnan Province, is a city where multiple ethnic groups and religions coexist. The religious culture in Baoshan is diverse, primarily including Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Each religion has a certain base of followers and places of worship in Baoshan, forming a unique religious and cultural landscape.

10.2 Buddhism

Buddhism has a long history and widespread influence in Baoshan City. There are several famous Buddhist temples in Baoshan, such as:

• Baoshan Jade Buddha Temple: Located in the urban area of Baoshan, it is one of the famous Buddhist sacred sites in the city.
• Tengchong Yunfeng Temple: Located in Tengchong City, it is one of the historic Buddhist temples in Baoshan.

10.3 Taoism

Taoism also holds a certain influence in Baoshan City. There are several Taoist temples in Baoshan, such as:

• Baoshan Taihe Palace: Located in the urban area of Baoshan, it is one of the famous Taoist sacred sites in the city.

10.4 Christianity

Christianity was introduced relatively late in Baoshan City but has developed rapidly in recent years. There are several Christian churches in Baoshan, such as:

• Baoshan Christian Church: Located in the urban area of Baoshan, it is one of the main venues for Christian activities in the city.

10.5 Islam

Islam has a relatively smaller number of followers in Baoshan City, but there are still places for religious activities. There is one mosque in Baoshan, such as:

• Baoshan Mosque: Located in the urban area of Baoshan, it is the main religious venue for Muslims in the city.

10.6 Religious Activities

Religious activities in Baoshan City are rich and diverse. Various religious groups regularly hold ceremonies and events, such as Buddhist Dharma assemblies, Taoist rituals, Christian worship services, and Islamic prayers. These activities not only meet the religious needs of followers but also enrich the cultural life of Baoshan City.

10.7 Religious Policies

The Baoshan municipal government respects and protects freedom of religious belief, manages religious affairs in accordance with the law, and supports religious groups in carrying out activities legally. At the same time, the Baoshan municipal government actively guides religions to adapt to socialist society, promoting religious harmony and social stability.

11. Culture

11.1 Overview

Baoshan City, located in the western part of Yunnan Province, is a city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. The culture of Baoshan is diverse and unique, integrating various elements such as ethnic culture, religious culture, historical culture, and natural culture, forming a distinctive cultural landscape.

11.2 Ethnic Culture

Baoshan City is a multi-ethnic city, with major ethnic groups including the Han, Yi, Dai, and Bai peoples. The cultures of each ethnic group are fully respected and protected in Baoshan, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Ethnic Festivals: Baoshan's ethnic festivals are rich and colorful, such as the Yi people's Torch Festival and the Dai people's Water-Splashing Festival. These festivals are not only an important part of ethnic culture but also a significant aspect of the spiritual life of the people in Baoshan.
• Ethnic Arts: Baoshan's ethnic arts include Yi songs and dances, Dai peacock dances, and Bai people's Three-Course Tea ceremony. These art forms not only enrich the cultural life of Baoshan but also preserve its historical and cultural heritage.

11.3 Religious Culture

Baoshan's religious culture is diverse, primarily including Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Each religion has a certain base of followers and places of activity in Baoshan, forming a unique religious cultural landscape. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Buddhist Culture: Baoshan's Buddhist culture has a long history, with sites such as Baoshan Jade Buddha Temple and Tengchong Yunfeng Temple being famous Buddhist sacred sites in the city.
• Taoist Culture: Baoshan's Taoist culture also has a certain influence, with sites such as Baoshan Taihe Palace being famous Taoist sacred sites in the city.

11.4 Historical Culture

Baoshan City has a profound historical and cultural heritage, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Historical Sites: Baoshan has multiple historical sites, such as Baoshan Ancient City and Tengchong Heshun Ancient Town. These sites are important carriers of Baoshan's historical culture.
• Red Culture: Baoshan is an important revolutionary base area in Yunnan Province. Red culture has a deep historical foundation in Baoshan, with sites such as the Baoshan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery and the Baoshan Revolutionary Memorial Hall.

11.5 Natural Culture

Baoshan's natural culture is rich and diverse, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Natural Landscapes: Baoshan boasts abundant natural landscapes, such as Gaoligong Mountain and Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal Area. These landscapes are not only tourist attractions but also an important part of Baoshan's natural culture.
• Ecological Culture: Baoshan emphasizes ecological protection and advocates green development, forming a unique ecological culture.

11.6 Cultural Policies

The Baoshan Municipal Government attaches great importance to cultural development and actively promotes the growth of cultural initiatives. By organizing various cultural activities, constructing cultural facilities, and protecting cultural heritage, the Baoshan Municipal Government continuously enhances the city's cultural soft power.

12. Sister Cities

Yibin City, China Panzhihua City, China Myitkyina, Myanmar (June 4, 2010) Tamar Regional Council, Israel (September 13, 2012)

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Longyang District

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