Zhaotong (昭通)

1. Introduction

Zhaotong City, historically known as Zhuti and Wumeng, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province. The city borders Qujing City and Bijie City of Guizhou Province to the south, and Luzhou City, Yibin City, and Liangshan Prefecture of Sichuan Province to the east, north, and west, respectively. Situated at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guizhou provinces, it lies at the border of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, in the western section of the Wumeng Mountains. The Jinsha River serves as the boundary river with Sichuan Province to the west and north, while other major rivers include the Niulan River, Heng River, Luoze River, and Baishui River. With significant elevation drops and steep slopes, the area is rich in hydropower resources. The city covers an area of 22,439 square kilometers, with a total population of 5.0926 million in 2020. The municipal government is located in Zhaoyang District. Zhaotong is an important mineral resource production area in the province, with coal and sulfur being the most abundant in reserves.

2. Origin of the Name

The name of Zhaotong City can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty. During the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1723–1735), the Qing government established Zhaotong Prefecture to strengthen its control over the southwestern frontier. The name "Zhaotong" derives from the phrase "Zhao Ming Tong Da," which means "bright and accessible." It symbolizes a place of clarity and openness, representing national unity and stability in the frontier regions.

3. History

During the reign of King Zhaoxiang of Qin, Li Bing was appointed as the governor of Shu Commandery. During his tenure, he constructed a route connecting the Central Plains, Sichuan, and Yunnan. Because the road was five feet wide, it was also known as the "Five-Foot Road." This route passed through the area of present-day Zhaotong City, becoming a crucial transportation artery between the Central Plains and the Yunnan region. In the sixth year of the Jianyuan era of the Western Han Dynasty (135 BCE), Zhuti County was established in what is now the urban area of Zhaotong City, belonging to Qianwei Commandery. In the first year of the Yongchu era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (107 CE), the Qianwei Dependency was separated and established. In the 19th year of the Jian'an era (214 CE), it was reorganized into Zhuti Commandery, with its seat at Zhuti County. From the Shu Han period to the early Western Jin Dynasty, Zhuti Commandery was part of Yi Province. In the second year of the Tai'an era (303 CE), Zhuti Commandery was transferred to Ning Province. In the fifth year of the Yongjia era (311 CE), Nanguang Commandery was separated from Zhuti Commandery, with its seat at Nanguang County (present-day Yanjin County). During the Southern Qi dynasty, Zhuti Commandery was renamed Nan Zhuti Commandery and was later abolished. During the Southern Liang dynasty, Zhuti County was abolished.

In the fourth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (584 CE), Gong Prefecture was established, with its seat in the present-day urban area of Zhaotong City; Nanguang Commandery was renamed Xie Prefecture, and Dong'an County was established as its seat (present-day Yiliang County). In the early Daye era, Gong Prefecture and Xie Prefecture were abolished. In the first year of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (618 CE), Gong Prefecture and Xie Prefecture were reestablished, and Anshang County was established in the former Zhuti County. In the seventh year of the Wude era (624 CE), it was renamed Zhuti County; the following year, Gong Prefecture was renamed Qu Prefecture. During the Tianbao era, the area of present-day Zhaotong City came under the control of Nanzhao. In the early Nanzhao period, the Tuodong Military Command was established, stationed at Tuodong City (present-day Kunming City), and the present-day urban area belonged to the Wumeng Tribe under the Tuodong Military Command. In the later period of Nanzhao, the Tuodong Military Command was renamed Shanchan Prefecture. From the Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty, the area of present-day Zhaotong City was situated between the Central Plains dynasties and the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, until the Mongols conquered the Dali Kingdom.

In the 15th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1278 CE), Wumeng Route was established in the territory of the Wumeng Tribe, with its seat at present-day Jiupu Town, Zhaoyang District, belonging to the Wusa Wumeng Pacification Commission under the Yunnan Branch Secretariat. In the 22nd year of the Zhiyuan era (1285 CE), Mangbu Route was established in the territory of the Nanzhao Mangbu Tribe (seat at present-day Mangbu Town, Zhenxiong County), belonging to the Yunnan Branch Secretariat; Yiliang Prefecture was also established in the territory of the Yiniang Tribe (seat at present-day Yiliang County), belonging to Mangbu Route. In the early Ming Dynasty, Mangbu Route was renamed Mangbu Prefecture. In the 14th year of the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang dispatched the Southern Expedition General Fu Youde, Marquis of Yingchuan, along with Deputy Generals Lan Yu, Marquis of Yongchang, and Mu Ying, Marquis of Xiping, to campaign against Wumeng. After pacifying the region, several military commands, including Wumeng, Mangbu, and Dongchuan, were established in northeastern Yunnan to "restrain their chieftains." In the 15th year of the Hongwu era (1382 CE), Wumeng Route was renamed Wumeng Prefecture and transferred to the Sichuan Provincial Administration Commission. The following year, Mangbu Prefecture was also transferred to the Sichuan Provincial Administration Commission. In the 17th year, Yiliang Prefecture was abolished and merged into Mangbu Prefecture. In the second year of the Jiajing era (1523 CE), Mangbu Prefecture was renamed Zhenxiong Military-Civilian Prefecture. In the fifth year of the Jiajing era (1526 CE), Guihua Chiefdom was established (seat at present-day Kuiyang Town, Yiliang County), belonging to Zhenxiong Military-Civilian Prefecture. In the 37th year of the Wanli era (1609 CE), Zhenxiong Military-Civilian Prefecture was renamed Zhenxiong Prefecture.

During the Yongzheng era of the Qing Dynasty, Ortai implemented the policy of "replacing native chieftains with state-appointed officials" (gaitu guiliu) in Dongchuan and Wumeng, "first winning them over with virtue, then intimidating them with authority, and gradually discussing the replacement of native officials." The Wumeng Garrison Commander Liu Qiyuan was greedy and cruel, "so that the nearby and distant indigenous people had no will to live, only a desire to die." Lu Wanfu launched a large-scale rebellion of native chieftains, resulting in the deaths of Commander Liu Qiyuan, Lieutenant Jiang Ren, and Magistrate Sai Zhida. Ortai mobilized troops from Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces, "...dividing forces to thoroughly search and massacre, disemboweling and beheading, hanging body parts on cliffs and trees... ensuring the capture of the chief rebels and the complete extermination of the vile class." In the fifth year of the Yongzheng era (1727 CE), Wumeng Prefecture and Zhenxiong Prefecture were transferred to Yunnan Province. The following year, Wumeng Prefecture underwent gaitu guiliu, and En'an County (seat at present-day Zhaoyang District) and Yongshan County (seat at present-day southern Yongshan County) were established. The seat of Wumeng Prefecture was set at Yongshan County. Zhenxiong Prefecture was renamed Zhenxiong Subprefecture, belonging to Wumeng Prefecture, and Guihua Chiefdom was reorganized into Yiliang Subprefecture Deputy, subordinate to Zhenxiong Subprefecture. In the same year, Daguan Subprefecture was established in the territory of the former Abang Tribe (seat at present-day Daguan County); Yongshan County was established in the Mite area (seat at present-day northern Yongshan County), belonging to Wumeng Prefecture. In the eighth year of the Yongzheng era (1730 CE), the Yanjingdu Inspection Office was established (seat at present-day Yanjin County). In the ninth year of the Yongzheng era (1731 CE), Wumeng Prefecture was renamed Zhaotong Prefecture, meaning "illumination and open communication," and its seat was moved to En'an County. In the same year, Ludian Subprefecture was established in the territory of the former Aganlu Tribe (seat at present-day Ludian County), belonging to Zhaotong Prefecture. In the 16th year of the Jiaqing era (1811 CE), Qiaojia Subprefecture was separated from Huize County (seat at present-day Qiaojia County). In the 34th year of the Guangxu era (1908 CE), Jingjiang County was separated from Fuguan Village in Yongshan County (seat at present-day Suijiang County), belonging to Zhaotong Prefecture. In the same year, Zhenxiong Subprefecture was elevated to a directly-administered subprefecture; Yiliang Subprefecture Deputy was abolished and merged into Zhenxiong Subprefecture.

In the second year of the Republic of China (1913 CE), prefectures, subprefectures, and subprefectural divisions were abolished and converted into counties. En'an County was renamed Zhaotong County, and Yiliang County was separated from Zhenxiong County, belonging to Dianzhong Circuit. In 1914, because Jingjiang County had the same name as Jingjiang County in Jiangsu Province, it was renamed Suijiang County. In the sixth year of the Republic of China (1917 CE), Yanjin County was separated from Yanjingdu in Daguan County, and Weixin Administrative District was separated from Zhenxiong County. In 1929, Dianzhong Circuit was abolished. In 1932, Weixin Administrative District was renamed Weixin Administrative Bureau, and in 1934, it became Weixin County. In the 31st year of the Republic of China (1942 CE), all counties belonged to the First Administrative Inspection District of Yunnan Province.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in 1950, Zhaotong Special District was established, with its administrative office located in Zhaotong County, governing 11 counties: Zhaotong, Daguan, Suijiang, Yanjin, Weixin, Zhenxiong, Yiliang, Ludian, Huize, Qiaojia, and Yongshan. In 1958, Yanjin County was abolished and merged into Daguan County; Ludian County was abolished and merged into Zhaotong County. In 1962, Yanjin County was restored. In 1963, Ludian County was restored. In 1964, Huize County was transferred to Qujing Special District. In 1970, Zhaotong Special District was renamed Zhaotong Prefecture. In January 1981, Zhaotong City was established from Zhaotong County; in August of the same year, Shuifu County was established from parts of Suijiang and Yanjin counties. In September 1983, Zhaotong County was abolished and merged into Zhaotong City. In January 2001, Zhaotong Prefecture and the county-level Zhaotong City were abolished, and the prefecture-level Zhaotong City was established; the former county-level Zhaotong City became Zhaoyang District. On July 2, 2018, with the approval of the State Council, Shuifu County was abolished and the county-level Shuifu City was established, with the administrative region of the former Shuifu County becoming the administrative region of Shuifu City.

4. Geography

The terrain is complex and the climate is diverse. Zhaotong is located at the junction of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, in the central area where Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces converge. The region features high mountains and deep valleys, with significant elevation differences—the highest point is 4,040 meters above sea level (Yaoshan Mountain in Qiaojia County), and the lowest is 267 meters (Gunkanba in Shuifu County). The total area of Zhaotong City is 23,000 square kilometers. To the south, it borders Dongchuan District of Kunming and Qujing City in Yunnan; to the east, it borders Bijie Prefecture in Guizhou; to the north, it borders Yibin City and Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan; and to the west, from south to north, it is adjacent to Liangshan and Yibin in Sichuan, with the Jinsha River serving as the boundary.

During the 2020 southern China floods, from the evening of June 29 to June 30, heavy rainstorms struck Zhenxiong, Yiliang, Weixin, Yanjin, and other counties in Zhaotong, affecting 90,000 people and resulting in 3 deaths and 1 missing person.

• Climate
  The climate is characterized by the coexistence of subtropical and warm temperate zones. The annual average temperature is 12.6°C, with an average annual sunshine duration of 1,900 hours and an average annual rainfall ranging from 704 to 760 mm. Rainfall is higher in the north than in the south, higher in the east than in the west, and higher at higher elevations than at lower elevations. The rainy season in Zhaotong lasts from May to October each year.

Zhaotong City Meteorological Data (1981–2010)
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual | |-------------------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|-------------| | Record high °C (°F) | 24.7 (76.5)| 25.9 (78.6)| 30.3 (86.5)| 31.2 (88.2)| 33.4 (92.1)| 32.5 (90.5)| 32.7 (90.9)| 31.5 (88.7)| 33.3 (91.9)| 28.5 (83.3)| 25.1 (77.2)| 23.2 (73.8)| 33.4 (92.1)| | Average high °C (°F) | 9.8 (49.6) | 12.5 (54.5)| 16.8 (62.2)| 20.6 (69.1)| 22.6 (72.7)| 23.6 (74.5)| 25.1 (77.2)| 25.0 (77.0)| 22.0 (71.6)| 17.4 (63.3)| 14.5 (58.1)| 10.8 (51.4)| 18.4 (65.1)| | Daily mean °C (°F) | 2.4 (36.3) | 4.8 (40.6) | 8.6 (47.5) | 12.8 (55.0)| 15.9 (60.6)| 18.0 (64.4)| 19.7 (67.5)| 19.2 (66.6)| 16.4 (61.5)| 12.1 (53.8)| 8.1 (46.6) | 3.7 (38.7) | 11.8 (53.3)| | Average low °C (°F) | −1.6 (29.1)| 0.5 (32.9) | 3.7 (38.7) | 8.0 (46.4) | 11.7 (53.1)| 14.5 (58.1)| 16.0 (60.8)| 15.4 (59.7)| 12.9 (55.2)| 9.0 (48.2) | 4.3 (39.7) | −0.2 (31.6)| 7.9 (46.1) | | Record low °C (°F) | −8.4 (16.9)| −8.7 (16.3)| −6.9 (19.6)| −2.7 (27.1)| −0.1 (31.8)| 7.4 (45.3) | 7.5 (45.5) | 7.0 (44.6) | 3.6 (38.5) | −0.8 (30.6)| −5.5 (22.1)| −10.4 (13.3)| −10.4 (13.3)| | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 8.4 (0.33) | 8.8 (0.35) | 16.4 (0.65)| 30.1 (1.19)| 70.2 (2.76)| 117.9 (4.64)| 151.9 (5.98)| 112.9 (4.44)| 79.8 (3.14)| 57.6 (2.27)| 15.9 (0.63)| 4.8 (0.19) | 674.7 (26.57)| | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 9.9 | 14.6 | 17.6 | 16.7 | 17.0 | 16.6 | 14.5 | 8.1 | 4.6 | 138.1 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 74 | 69 | 66 | 67 | 71 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 79 | 81 | 78 | 76 | 75 |

Data source: China Meteorological Data Network

5. Administrative Divisions

Zhaotong City currently administers 1 district, 9 counties, and oversees 1 county-level city on behalf of the province.

District: Zhaoyang District County-level City: Shuifu City Counties: Ludian County, Qiaojia County, Yanjin County, Daguan County, Yongshan County, Suijiang County, Zhenxiong County, Yiliang County, Weixin County Administrative Division Map of Zhaotong City | Division Code | Division Name | Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|----------------------|----------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------|----------------------| | 530600 | Zhaotong City | Zhāotōng Shì | 22,439 | 5,092,611 | Zhaoyang District | 657000 | 16 | 94 | 40 | 17 | | 530602 | Zhaoyang District | Zhāoyáng Qū | 2,163 | 911,766 | Fenghuang Subdistrict | 657000 | 4 | 9 | 7 | 4 | | 530621 | Ludian County | Lǔdiàn Xiàn | 1,484 | 398,447 | Wenping Subdistrict | 657100 | 2 | 9 | 2 | 2 | | 530622 | Qiaojia County | Qiǎojiā Xiàn | 3,196 | 462,173 | Baihetan Subdistrict | 654600 | 2 | 11 | 4 | | | 530623 | Yanjin County | Yánjīn Xiàn | 2,021 | 317,463 | Yanjing Town | 657500 | | 6 | 4 | | | 530624 | Daguan County | Dàguān Xiàn | 1,721 | 209,116 | Cuihua Town | 657400 | | 8 | 1 | 1 | | 530625 | Yongshan County | Yǒngshàn Xiàn | 2,778 | 349,157 | Xiluodu Subdistrict | 657300 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 2 | | 530626 | Suijiang County | Suíjiāng Xiàn | 749 | 135,468 | Zhongcheng Town | 657700 | | 5 | | | | 530627 | Zhenxiong County | Zhènxióng Xiàn | 3,696 | 1,349,795 | Wufeng Subdistrict | 657200 | 3 | 20 | 7 | 2 | | 530628 | Yiliang County | Yíliáng Xiàn | 2,799 | 503,376 | Jiaokui Subdistrict | 657600 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 5 | | 530629 | Weixin County | Wēixìn Xiàn | 1,393 | 352,318 | Zhaxi Town | 657900 | | 7 | 3 | 1 | | 530681 | Shuifu City | Shuǐfù Shì | 439 | 103,532 | Yunfu Subdistrict | 657800 | 1 | 3 | | |

6. Economy

Zhaotong City is located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, China, at the junction of Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces. Its superior geographical position makes it an important transportation hub connecting the southwestern region. The following is a brief introduction to the economy of Zhaotong City:

6.1 Economic Overview

Zhaotong City is one of the important cities in Yunnan Province. Its economy is based on agriculture, with industry and services gradually developing. In recent years, leveraging its abundant natural resources and locational advantages, Zhaotong City has actively promoted economic restructuring and industrial upgrading, achieving relatively rapid economic growth.

6.2 Major Industries

• Agriculture: Zhaotong City is a significant agricultural production base in Yunnan Province. Major agricultural products include tobacco, tea, walnuts, apples, and gastrodia elata. Among these, Zhaotong apples are renowned nationwide for their excellent taste.
• Industry: The industry in Zhaotong City primarily focuses on energy, mining, building materials, and agricultural product processing. It is rich in mineral resources such as coal, lead-zinc ore, and phosphate rock. The energy industry (e.g., hydropower stations) is also a crucial pillar.
• Services: With improvements in transportation infrastructure, tourism and logistics in Zhaotong City have developed rapidly. Zhaotong boasts abundant natural landscapes and cultural resources, such as Dashanbao, Huanglianhe Waterfall, and Yanjin Ancient Town, attracting a large number of tourists.

6.3 Transportation Advantages

Zhaotong City is a key transportation hub in the southwestern region, featuring a well-developed network of highways, railways, and aviation:

• Highways: The G85 Yinchuan-Kunming Expressway runs through Zhaotong, connecting it to major cities like Kunming, Chengdu, and Chongqing.
• Railways: Railways such as the Neijiang-Kunming Railway and the Chengdu-Guiyang High-Speed Railway pass through Zhaotong, further enhancing regional transportation convenience.
• Aviation: Zhaotong Airport operates multiple domestic routes, facilitating connections with other regions.

6.4 Economic Development Potential

• Resource Development: Zhaotong City is rich in mineral resources, offering significant potential for future development in green mining and energy exploitation.
• Ecotourism: With its favorable ecological environment and abundant tourism resources, ecotourism and rural tourism are key directions for future development in Zhaotong City.
• Rural Revitalization: Zhaotong City actively promotes the rural revitalization strategy, aiming to increase farmers' income and boost rural economic development through the development of specialty agriculture and rural e-commerce.

7. Transportation

Located at the convergence point of the radiation zones from central cities such as Kunming, Chengdu, Guiyang, and Chongqing, it lies at the heart of the planned "Panzhihua–Liupanshui Economic Development Zone."

Railway: The Neijiang–Kunming Railway was completed and opened to traffic in 2001. Within the city's jurisdiction, there are stations at Zhaotong, Yiliang, Daguan, Yanjin, Yanjin North, and Shuifu. The Chengdu–Guiyang High-Speed Railway has county-level stations at Weixin Station and Zhenxiong Station in Weixin County and Zhenxiong County under its jurisdiction. The Chongqing–Kunming High-Speed Railway, currently under construction, follows the route Chongqing–Yongchuan–Luzhou–Zhaotong–Kunming. Additionally, the planned Lijiang–Panzhihua–Zhaotong Railway is in the works.

Aviation: Zhaotong Airport operates round-trip flights on routes such as "Kunming–Zhaotong," "Kunming–Zhaotong–Chongqing," "Zhaotong–Chengdu," "Zhaotong–Beijing," "Zhaotong–Shenzhen," and "Zhaotong–Guiyang."

Water Transport: Shuifu Port is the largest port in Yunnan Province and also the first large-scale port along the Yangtze River from its source.

Expressways: The G85 Zhaotong–Daibu Expressway spans 149 kilometers, and the G85 Shuifu–Maliuwan Expressway (the Yunnan section of the Chongqing–Kunming Expressway) covers 136 kilometers.

Highways: National Highway 213 runs north–south through Zhaotong, connecting areas such as Suijiang, Daguan, and Zhaoyang District. National Highway 356 also passes through the region.

8. Education

• Zhaotong University.
• Zhaotong Health Vocational College.
• Zhaotong Vocational College.
• Zhaotong No.1 High School, formerly "Fengchi Academy", founded in 1913, was the Provincial Second Middle School. It is a First-Class Senior High School in Yunnan Province.

9. Population

By the end of 2021, Zhaotong City had a permanent resident population of 5.014 million, with an urbanization rate of 40.5% and a natural growth rate of 2‰. The registered population was 6.3191 million, with an urbanization rate of 28.54% and a natural growth rate of 7.06‰.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 5,092,611. Compared with the 5,213,521 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a decrease of 120,910 people over the ten years, a decline of 2.32%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.23%. Among them, the male population was 2,671,796, accounting for 52.46% of the total population; the female population was 2,420,815, accounting for 47.54% of the total population. The sex ratio (with females as 100) was 110.37. The population aged 0–14 was 1,295,275, accounting for 25.43% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 3,149,431, accounting for 61.84% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 647,905, accounting for 12.72% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 475,490, accounting for 9.34% of the total population. The urban population was 2,012,717, accounting for 39.52% of the total population; the rural population was 3,079,894, accounting for 60.48% of the total population.

9.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 4,555,339, accounting for 89.45%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 537,272, accounting for 10.55%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic group population decreased by 128,131, a decline of 2.74%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.38 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 7,221, a growth of 1.36%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.38 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Zhaotong City (Seventh National Population Census, 2020)

| Ethnic Group | Han | Hui | Miao | Yi | Bai | Bouyei | Zhuang | Hani | Tujia | Dai | Other Ethnic Groups | |------------------|-------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|----------|------------|------------|-----------|-----------|----------|-------------------------| | Population | 4,555,339 | 190,923 | 171,910 | 151,224 | 6,901 | 3,663 | 2,970 | 1,832 | 1,068 | 920 | 5,861 | | % of Total Pop. | 89.45 | 3.75 | 3.38 | 2.97 | 0.14 | 0.07 | 0.06 | 0.04 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.12 | | % of Minority Pop. | – | 35.54 | 32.00 | 28.15 | 1.28 | 0.68 | 0.55 | 0.34 | 0.20 | 0.17 | 1.09 |

10. Religion

Zhaotong City, located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, China, is a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, characterized by a diverse and rich religious culture. The following is a brief introduction to religion in Zhaotong City:

10.1 Religious Overview

Zhaotong City has a long history of religious culture. The main religions include Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, as well as the traditional beliefs of ethnic minorities. As Zhaotong is a multi-ethnic area, religion and ethnic culture are interwoven, forming a unique religious and cultural landscape.

10.2 Major Religions

• Buddhism: Buddhism has a broad base of followers in Zhaotong City, with several Buddhist temples located within the city, such as the Daguan Guanyin Temple in Zhaoyang District. Buddhist activities are closely integrated with local folk culture, making it an important component of Zhaotong's religious culture.
• Taoism: Taoism also holds a certain influence in Zhaotong City, particularly in areas predominantly inhabited by the Han ethnic group. Taoist temples and folk belief activities are relatively common, such as worshiping the Earth God and Mountain God.
• Islam: Zhaotong City is one of the Hui ethnic group's settlements in Yunnan Province, where Islam plays a significant role in the Hui community. There are several mosques in the city, such as the Zhaotong Mosque, which serves as the main venue for religious activities among the Hui people.
• Christianity: The spread of Christianity in Zhaotong City began in modern times, primarily in urban areas and some rural regions. There are several Christian churches in the city, with followers mainly from the Han ethnic group.
• Traditional Beliefs of Ethnic Minorities: Zhaotong City is home to multiple ethnic minorities, including the Yi, Miao, and Hui, many of whom retain their traditional beliefs and sacrificial customs. For example, religious and belief elements are integrated into festivals such as the Yi people's Torch Festival and the Miao people's Flower Mountain Festival.

10.4 Religion and Ethnic Culture

The religious culture of Zhaotong City is deeply integrated with its ethnic culture, with many religious activities combined with ethnic festivals and folk customs. For example:

• The Yi people's Torch Festival is not only a traditional festival but also carries religious significance in worshiping ancestors and nature deities.
• The Hui people's Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are important Islamic festivals and also significant manifestations of Hui culture.

10.5 Religious Sites

Zhaotong City hosts numerous religious sites, including Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, mosques, and Christian churches. These places serve not only as centers for religious activities for followers but also as important carriers of Zhaotong's religious culture.

10.6 Religious Policies and Social Harmony

The Zhaotong municipal government actively implements national religious policies, safeguarding citizens' freedom of religious belief while strengthening the management of religious affairs to promote the adaptation of religion to socialist society. Under the guidance of the government, various religious groups and followers actively participate in social welfare initiatives, contributing to social harmony and economic development in Zhaotong City.

11. Culture

Zhaotong City is located in the northeastern part of Yunnan Province, China. It is a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, boasting a profound cultural heritage and unique ethnic customs. The following is a brief introduction to the culture of Zhaotong City:

11.1 Cultural Overview

Zhaotong City has a long history and a diverse culture, serving as a convergence point for Central Plains culture, Bashu culture, and Dian culture. Zhaotong's culture centers on its multi-ethnic character, integrating the traditional cultures of the Han, Yi, Miao, Hui, and other ethnic groups, forming a distinctive cultural system.

11.2 Ethnic Culture

Zhaotong City is a multi-ethnic settlement, with major ethnic groups including the Han, Yi, Miao, and Hui. The cultures of these various ethnic groups intermingle, creating a rich and diverse ethnic cultural landscape:

• Yi Culture: The Yi people are one of the main ethnic minorities in Zhaotong City. Their culture is represented by the Torch Festival, Yi songs and dances, traditional costumes, and Bimo culture.
• Miao Culture: Miao culture is renowned for the Flower Mountain Festival, Lusheng dance, embroidery, and silver ornament craftsmanship.
• Hui Culture: Hui culture centers on Islam, with Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha being important festivals for the Hui people.

11.3 Historical Culture

Zhaotong City has a long history and abundant cultural relics:

• Zhuti Culture: Zhaotong was anciently known as "Zhuti" and was an important node on the ancient Southern Silk Road.
• Red Culture: Zhaotong is one of the significant regions in the Chinese revolution, as the Red Army passed through during the Long March.

11.4 Folk Culture

The folk culture of Zhaotong City is rich and varied, mainly reflected in festival celebrations, folk arts, and traditional handicrafts:

• Festival Celebrations: Such as the Torch Festival, Flower Mountain Festival, and Spring Festival.
• Folk Arts: Such as Yi songs and dances, Miao Lusheng dance, and Han flower lantern opera.
• Traditional Handicrafts: Such as Miao embroidery, Yi silver ornaments, bamboo weaving, and pottery.

11.5 Culinary Culture

The culinary culture of Zhaotong City is unique, blending the dietary traditions of multiple ethnic groups:

• Local Delicacies: Such as Zhaotong baked potatoes, chicken stewed with gastrodia tuber, and oil cake rice blocks.
• Halal Cuisine: Such as beef jerky and halal pastries.

11.6 Cultural Heritage

Zhaotong City possesses a wealth of cultural heritage:

• Tangible Cultural Heritage: Such as the ancient town of Doushaguan in Yanjin County and the Huanglian River Waterfall in Daguan County.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage: Such as the Yi Torch Festival, Miao Flower Mountain Festival, and Zhaotong flower lantern opera.

11.7 Cultural Development and Preservation

The Zhaotong municipal government places high importance on the protection and inheritance of culture. By organizing cultural festivals and events, constructing cultural venues, and supporting inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, it promotes the preservation and development of traditional culture.

12. Sister Cities

Afula, Israel

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Taking the meaning of "illuminating and widely communicating."

Zhaoyang District

Zhaoyang District

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