Haidong Town in Dali City

Haidong Town (Haidong zhen, 海东镇) is located in the eastern part of Dali City (Dali shi, 大理市), within the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (Dali Bai zu Zi zhi zhou, 大理白族自治州) in Yunnan Province (Yunnan sheng, 云南省). It borders Binchuan County (Binchuan xian, 宾川县) to the east, Fengyi Town (Fengyi zhen, 风仪镇) to the south, faces Erhai Lake (Erhai Hu, 洱海) to the west, and connects with Wase Town (Wase zhen, 挖色镇) to the north. The administrative area covers 128 square kilometers. According to the seventh national census, as of November 1, 2020, the permanent population was 32,411.

Historical Development

Haidong has a long history, with the Bai ethnic group (Bai zu, 白族) settling here over 4,000 years ago. From the Yuan (Yuan dynasty, 元朝) to the early Ming Dynasty (Ming dynasty, 明朝), it was part of Taihe County (Taihe xian, 太和县). In 1987, it was renamed Haidong Township (Haidong xiang, 海东乡), and in 2001 it was upgraded to a town. As of June 2020, Haidong Town administers eight villages, with the town government located in Xiangyang Village (Xiangyang cun, 向阳村).

Key Events in History

• 1494: Established Binchuan Prefecture (Binchuan zhou, 宾川州), transferring from Taihe County.
• 1727: Divided into Haidong Li (海东里) and Nancang Li (曩村里).
• 1940: Established Wenlong Township (Wenlong xiang, 文龙乡) under Binchuan.
• 1984: Established Haidong District (Haidong qu, 海东区) in Dali City.
• 2001: Converted from township to town.

Geographic Environment

Haidong Town is situated at the southern end of the Hengduan Mountains (Hengduan shan, 横断山脉) and the northern edge of the Ailao Mountains (Ailao shan, 哀牢山), characterized by its mountainous and hilly terrain. The region features karst topography interspersed with valleys and flood plains, with elevations ranging from 1,965.5 meters at Erhai Lake to 2,700 meters in Shangdeng Village (Shangdeng cun, 上登村).

Topography

The landscape is marked by three mountain ranges surrounding a valley, resembling a “凹” shape. The area features various microclimates due to the elevation differences, creating a rich biodiversity.

Climate

Haidong has a subtropical semi-arid climate, with an average annual temperature of 15.4°C. The coldest month is January (average 8.5°C), and the hottest month is July (average 28.5°C). The region has an average of 256 frost-free days and an annual rainfall of 1,078.9 mm, mostly occurring from May to October.

Hydrology

Major rivers include Shibeiqing (Shibeiqing, 石碑箐) and Laotaiqing (Laotaiqing, 老太箐), flowing into Erhai Lake, with a total length of 54 kilometers. Each plain has a primary river channel leading to the lake, and the coastline stretches for 22 kilometers.

Transportation

Haidong Town features a transportation network comprising railways, roads, and waterways. In 2011, it handled 480,000 passenger trips and 23,000 tons of freight. Key routes include the Dali Airport Road (Dali Jichang lu, 大理机场路), Dali Railway (Dali tielu, 大丽铁路), and major highways connecting the town.

Transportation Options

• By Air: Dali Airport (Dali Jichang, 大理机场) is the nearest airport, offering domestic flights.
• By Train: Dali Railway (Dali tielu, 大丽铁路) connects to major cities in Yunnan.
• By Road: Buses and taxis are available for local travel, with well-maintained highways.

Cultural Significance

Name Origin

Haidong Town derives its name from its location east of Erhai Lake (Erhai Hu, 洱海), symbolizing the region's cultural and geographical identity.

Honors

• On September 11, 2019, Haidong Town was listed among the "Top 50 Towns with Comprehensive Competitiveness in Western China" for 2018.
• In October 2019, it was recognized as one of the "Top 1,000 Towns with Comprehensive Strength" in the country.

Notable Figures

• Dong Jialuo (董伽罗尤): A fisherman from Xiangyang Village who became a national teacher under the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏).
• Li Jiayan (李嘉言): A scholar from the Ming Dynasty who served as a magistrate.
• Li Gengchang (李根长): A military official who served during the Qing Dynasty and was honored posthumously.
• Li Yingde (李映德): Former vice governor of Dali Prefecture who held significant government roles.

Attractions

Key Attractions

• Wase Town (Wase zhen, 挖色镇): Known for its scenic beauty, hiking trails, and cultural experiences.
• Xiaopu Island (Xiaopu dao, 小普陀): A picturesque spot in Erhai Lake, popular for boat rides and photography.
• Erhai Lake (Erhai Hu, 洱海): Offers stunning views and activities like cycling and fishing.
• Cangshan Mountain (Cangshan shan, 苍山): Provides opportunities for trekking and exploring diverse flora and fauna.

Cultural Experiences

Visitors can explore Bai culture (Bai zu, 白族) through local festivals, traditional crafts, and cuisine, particularly during major festivals when the community celebrates with music and dance.

Travel Information

How to Get There

Haidong Town can be reached via major highways connecting Dali City and surrounding areas. Dali Airport (Dali Jichang, 大理机场) is the nearest airport, and trains operate along the Dali Railway (Dali tielu, 大丽铁路). Regular bus services also connect Haidong with major towns and attractions in the region.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather.
• Local Cuisine: Try Bai dishes, such as "Crossing the Bridge Noodles" (过桥米线) and local mushroom dishes.
• Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs and practices, especially in rural areas.
• Outdoor Activities: Bring appropriate gear for hiking and outdoor exploration, as trails can be rugged.