Caifeng Overseas Chinese Farm in Binchuan County, Dali

Caifeng Overseas Chinese Farm (彩凤华侨农场), established in July 1979, was originally set up as a state-owned farm for resettling overseas Vietnamese refugees. In 2010, the farm underwent restructuring and merged with Daying Township to form the Overseas Chinese Community. The farm primarily focuses on cultivating grapes, citrus, and pomegranates, complemented by a model combining the cultivation of 贡菜 (Gong vegetable) and garlic. By 2021, it had expanded to cover 16.53 million acres of grape cultivation, contributing to an output value exceeding 4 billion yuan.

Key Information:

• Established: July 1979

• Restructured: December 2010

• Location: Daying Township (大营镇), Binchuan County (宾川县), Dali Prefecture (大理州), Yunnan Province (云南省)

• Main Industries: Grape, citrus, and pomegranate cultivation

• Population: 1,882 (2021 data)

• Community Governance: Mediation mechanisms for overseas Chinese affairs, mutual assistance system among residents

• Development Funds: 17.2 million yuan invested by local government for water infrastructure improvements

Historical Development

The Caifeng Overseas Chinese Farm was established in 1979 to accommodate 1,834 overseas Chinese returning from Vietnam after the Vietnamese anti-Chinese events. Initially focused on sugarcane and citrus farming, the farm gradually diversified its crops after 1983, when land was contracted to individual households. In 2010, the farm underwent significant restructuring, integrating with Daying Township to create a community focused on Overseas Chinese culture. Today, the farm continues to maintain strong ties to its overseas Chinese roots, and its cultural and agricultural industries have become key drivers of local development.

Development Milestones:

• 2006: Initiated the creation of a “Safe and Civilized Farm” program to enhance social management and public services.

• 2010: The farm was restructured into the Overseas Chinese Community, merging with Daying Township and establishing local administrative governance.

• 2021: The area covered by the community has expanded to include the entire former farm, and it remains under the administration of Daying Township, within Binchuan County.

Agricultural Development

Initially, the farm focused on large-scale sugarcane and citrus production. However, with the implementation of land contracting policies in 1983, the farming model was optimized, leading to the introduction of new crops, particularly grapes, which are now the farm’s primary crop.

By 2021, the farm’s grape cultivation reached 16.53 million acres, with an annual output value surpassing 4 billion yuan. Additionally, the farm integrated pomegranate and citrus cultivation, forming a diversified agricultural industry. The local government invested 17.2 million yuan in water infrastructure projects, including building a reservoir and irrigation systems, addressing the challenges posed by drought and improving agricultural productivity.

Community Governance

Since its transformation, the Overseas Chinese Community has implemented a three-tiered mediation mechanism to manage conflicts and disputes, enhancing local governance. The community also established public service facilities, such as a reception center, a library, and a daycare center for the elderly, which provides medical and dining services.

One of the hallmarks of the community is its strong tradition of mutual assistance. In the past, the community organized fundraising campaigns for families affected by serious illnesses, emphasizing the deep cultural ties and cooperation that define this Overseas Chinese settlement.

Economic Transition and Development

The community has fostered cross-border economic development, with many returnees leveraging their international connections to establish businesses. For instance, Zhong Mingchuan, an overseas Chinese from Vietnam, established a sticky rice dumpling shop, preserving and passing on the family’s traditional recipe. This entrepreneurial spirit has been a driving force in the revitalization of the local economy.

In 2012, the community initiated a renovation project to upgrade the old houses from the farm’s early days, replacing oilcloth-covered huts with more durable brick-and-concrete houses. As of 2021, the community maintained connections with overseas Chinese from 23 countries and regions, exploring new cultural and tourism projects. These initiatives have led to the development of a tourism industry focusing on the Overseas Chinese culture, with plans to create a cultural tourism chain based on the community’s history and heritage.

Improving Livelihoods

The community has taken several steps to enhance the living standards of its residents. In 2006-2007, targeted assistance programs were implemented for households in need, distributing 4.67 million yuan in relief funds. Despite the challenges posed by medical expenses, significant improvements have been made in community infrastructure and social services.

Following the restructuring, the community completed projects such as drinking water safety initiatives and road hardening for small residential groups. As of 2021, the community had 35 square meters of living space per person, with newly built public spaces such as a cultural activity square. These efforts have significantly improved the living conditions for the local population.

Key Developments:

• 2006-2007: Special assistance for underprivileged Overseas Chinese families.

• Post-Reform: Water safety projects and road upgrades.

• 2021: Introduction of new public spaces, such as a cultural activity square, and a significant improvement in living conditions for the residents.