Longkan Village in Dali City

Longkan Village (龙龛村) is a natural village under the jurisdiction of Dali Town (大理镇), Dali City (大理市), Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It lies on the eastern shore of Erhai Lake (洱海) and consists of 19 villager groups with a registered population of 7,339, predominantly of the Bai ethnic group (白族). The village covers an area of 3.73 square kilometers, sits at an elevation of 1,970 meters, and has an average annual temperature of 16.1°C. Main crops include rice and broad beans.

The village is surrounded by mountains and water. It was named a “National Ecological and Cultural Village” in 2018 and listed among Yunnan Province’s Beautiful Villages (云南省美丽村庄) in 2021. Environmental initiatives include sewage network construction, green belt planting, and “Three Clean” campaigns, forming a “two-horizontal, two-vertical” road network with fully paved surfaces.

Economy

The economy is dominated by secondary and tertiary industries, which account for 64.5% of total income. Tourism has developed around Longkan Wharf (龙龛码头), with over 140 guesthouses and more than 30 farm stays established. In 2021, the per capita net income reached 40,318 RMB. About 31% of the labor force works outside the village. The village is also promoting pollution-free vegetable farming in combination with rural tourism.

Geography and Surroundings

Longkan Village is located 3 km east of Dali Town’s government seat and 15 km from Dali City. It is bordered by Erhai Lake to the east, Xiadui Village (下兑村) to the south, Dongmen (东门) to the west, and Caicun (才村) to the north.

Agricultural Resources

The village has 3,487 mu of arable land (entirely paddy fields), averaging 0.48 mu per person. Major agricultural products include rice, broad beans, and corn tips. Forested land covers 2,110 mu.

Infrastructure

By 2006, the village had achieved full access to water, electricity, roads, television, and telephone services. Most homes use well water and electricity; over half have cable TV. Main roads are paved, and the nearest wharf is 3 km away. The village owns 64 cars, 6 tractors, and 248 motorcycles. All farmland is effectively irrigated, and there are biogas systems, solar installations, and improved household facilities.

Rural Economy

In 2006, the village’s total rural economic income was 204.43 million RMB, with secondary and tertiary industries contributing the largest share. Income from planting, livestock, and fisheries made up a smaller proportion. Outbound workers number around 1,450, with most employed within Yunnan Province.

Population and Healthcare

As of 2014, Longkan Village had 1,812 households and 7,898 residents, with 4,650 in the labor force. Most residents participate in rural pension and cooperative medical insurance. Medical care is provided mainly through the village clinic and Dali Town health center.

Governance

The village has signed 1,642 agricultural land contracts, with 3,487 mu contracted and 290 mu transferred. Village affairs are publicly disclosed through announcements, bulletin boards, and meetings.

Development Focus

Key challenges include a relatively weak village economy. Future development goals focus on adjusting the industrial structure, expanding pollution-free vegetable production, and leveraging Longkan Wharf to grow tourism.

Honors

In 2018, Longkan Village was recognized as a “National Ecological and Cultural Village,” and in 2021 it was selected for the list of Yunnan Province Beautiful Villages.