History of Baoshan City

Baoshan City (保山市, Baoshan Shi), historically known as Ailao (哀牢, Ailao) and Yongchang (永昌, Yongchang), is one of the earliest developed and longest-established regions in Yunnan Province (云南省, Yunnan Sheng).

The historical evolution of Baoshan follows a clear timeline:
Ancient Ailao Kingdom → Buwei County of the Western Han → Yongchang Commandery of the Eastern Han → Nanzhao and Dali frontier administration → Yongchang Prefecture in the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties → Baoshan County during the Republic of China → Baoshan Prefecture and Region after 1949 → Modern Baoshan City.

For centuries, Baoshan has been a major political, economic, cultural, and transportation hub in western Yunnan (滇西, Dianxi). It is also an important center of Ailao culture, Yongchang culture, Southwest Silk Road culture, and WWII resistance heritage.

Prehistoric Times to the Qin Dynasty

(Ancient Era – 221 BC)

Early Humans: Pupiao People and Tangzigou Culture

Archaeological evidence shows that human activity in Baoshan dates back 8,000–10,000 years. The Pupiao People (蒲缥人, Pupiao Ren), late Paleolithic modern humans, lived in the Tangzigou area (塘子沟, Tangzigou) near Pupiao Town (蒲缥镇, Pupiao Zhen) in today’s Longyang District (隆阳区, Longyang Qu).

The site known as the Tangzigou Cultural Site (塘子沟文化遗址, Tangzigou Wenhua Yizhi) is considered the second major Paleolithic cultural site discovered in Yunnan. Archaeologists uncovered stone tools, bone artifacts, and animal fossils, proving that Baoshan was one of the birthplaces of early civilization in western Yunnan.

During the Neolithic Age, permanent settlements appeared in the region. Local residents practiced rice cultivation, pottery making, hunting, and early handicrafts, forming part of a cultural zone where the Di-Qiang (氐羌族群, Diqiang Zuqun), Baiyue (百越族群, Baiyue Zuqun), and Baipu (百濮族群, Baipu Zuqun) cultures interacted.

The Ailao Kingdom: A Powerful Southwest State

During the Warring States Period (战国时期, Zhanguo Shiqi) and the early Western Han Dynasty, Baoshan became the core territory of the Ailao Kingdom (哀牢国, Ailao Guo).

The capital was located in Mengzhang (勐掌, Mengzhang), in the present-day Baoshan Basin (保山坝子, Baoshan Bazi). The kingdom was one of the most powerful states among the Southwest Yi tribal regions (西南夷, Xinan Yi), comparable to the Dian Kingdom (滇国, Dian Guo) and Yelang Kingdom (夜郎国, Yelang Guo).

Key characteristics of the Ailao Kingdom included:

• Territory: Described in historical texts as 3,000 li east–west and 4,600 li north–south, covering modern Baoshan, Dehong, Nujiang, Lincang, and parts of northern Myanmar.

• Society: A tribal alliance system, with advanced rice agriculture, weaving, bronze technology, and bronze drum culture.

• Mythology: The legendary Jiulong Origin Story (九隆传说, Jiulong Chuanshuo) served as the ethnic origin myth of the Ailao people.

• Trade: From the mid–Warring States period, Baoshan became a key stop on the Ancient Southwest Silk Road (蜀身毒道, Shushendu Dao), enabling trade with central China, Myanmar, and India.

Qin–Han to Northern and Southern Dynasties

(109 BC – 589 AD)

Western Han Dynasty: Establishment of Buwei County

In 109 BC, during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (汉武帝, Han Wudi), the Han Empire incorporated the region into its territory after conquering the Dian Kingdom.

The court established Buwei County (不韦县, Buwei Xian) in present-day Jinji Township (金鸡乡, Jinji Xiang) of Longyang District (隆阳区, Longyang Qu). It belonged to Yizhou Commandery (益州郡, Yizhou Jun).

The county name “Buwei” was derived from Lü Buwei (吕不韦, Lü Buwei), as descendants of this famous statesman were reportedly relocated to the region. This period marked the official beginning of central government administration in Baoshan.

Large-scale migration and agricultural colonization also brought Han culture and farming techniques to the region.

Eastern Han Dynasty: Ailao Submits to Han and Yongchang Commandery Established

A major turning point occurred in 69 AD, when King Liu Mao (柳貌, Liu Mao) of the Ailao Kingdom led 550,000 people to voluntarily submit to the Eastern Han Dynasty (东汉, Dong Han). This event is historically known as “Ailao Submits to Han” (哀牢归汉, Ailao Gui Han).

The Han government established Yongchang Commandery (永昌郡, Yongchang Jun) by combining several counties, including:

• Buwei County (不韦县, Buwei Xian)

• Xuitang County (嶲唐县, Xuitang Xian)

• Ailao County (哀牢县, Ailao Xian)

• Bonan County (博南县, Bonan Xian)

The commandery capital was located in Buwei (modern Baoshan).

Yongchang Commandery became one of the largest administrative regions in the Eastern Han Empire, with a population of nearly 1.9 million people. It served as the political, economic, and cultural center of the southwest frontier, and the name “Yongchang” symbolized the hope that the frontier would remain permanently prosperous and stable.

Southwest Silk Road Hub

During this time, the Yongchang Route (永昌道, Yongchang Dao)—a key section of the Southwest Silk Road (蜀身毒道, Shushendu Dao)—became fully operational.

Important transport crossings included:

• Lanjin Ferry (兰津渡, Lanjin Du) on the Lancang River (澜沧江, Lancang Jiang)

• Jihong Bridge (霁虹桥, Jihong Qiao) on the Nujiang River (怒江, Nujiang Jiang)

Baoshan became a strategic gateway connecting China with South and Southeast Asia.

Three Kingdoms to Northern–Southern Dynasties

During the Three Kingdoms Period, the region belonged to Shu Han (蜀汉, Shu Han). After Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Zhuge Liang) conducted his famous southern campaigns, Lü Kai (吕凯, Lü Kai) was appointed governor of Yongchang, helping stabilize the frontier.

Under the Western Jin Dynasty (西晋, Xi Jin), the region remained part of Yongchang Commandery within Ning Province (宁州, Ningzhou).

However, during the Eastern Jin and Southern Dynasties, central authority weakened and local tribal powers rose, causing Yongchang Commandery to decline and eventually disappear by the late Chen Dynasty (陈朝, Chen Chao).

Sui, Tang, Song, and Yuan Dynasties

(581–1368)

Sui and Tang Dynasties: Frontier Governance

During the Sui Dynasty (隋朝, Sui Chao), Baoshan belonged to the Nanning Regional Administration (南宁州总管府, Nanningzhou Zongguanfu) and was governed through a frontier administrative system.

In the early Tang Dynasty (唐朝, Tang Chao), it came under the Yaozhou Military Governor’s Office (姚州都督府, Yaozhou Dudufu).

During the Nanzhao Kingdom (南诏国, Nanzhao Guo) period (738–902), Baoshan was established as the seat of Yongchang Military Governor (永昌节度, Yongchang Jiedu) and became a major military stronghold in western Yunnan, protecting the Southwest Silk Road trade routes.

Dali Kingdom and Early Tusi Rule

During the Dali Kingdom (大理国, Dali Guo) period (937–1253), Yongchang Military Governorate was transformed into Yongchang Prefecture (永昌府, Yongchang Fu).

Local rulers from ethnic groups such as the Dai (傣族, Daizu) and Yi (彝族, Yizu) governed the region through hereditary authority, forming the early stage of the Tusi chieftain system (土司制度, Tusi Zhidu).

Yuan Dynasty Administration

During the Yuan Dynasty (元朝, Yuan Chao), Baoshan belonged to the Dali–Jinchi Pacification Commission (大理金齿等处宣抚司, Dali Jinchi Dengchu Xuanfusi) under Yunnan Province (云南行省, Yunnan Xingsheng).

The government established Yongchang Military Household Administration (永昌三千户, Yongchang Sanqianhu) and later restored Yongchang Prefecture, formally implementing the Tusi governance system.

Ming and Qing Dynasties: Yongchang Prefecture and the Birth of Baoshan

(1368–1911)

Ming Dynasty: Military–Civil Administration

During the early Ming Dynasty (明朝, Ming Chao), the government established:

• Yongchang Prefecture (永昌府, Yongchang Fu)

• Jinchi Military and Civil Command (金齿军民指挥使司, Jinchi Junmin Zhihuishi Si)

This system integrated military defense and civil administration, making Baoshan the strategic political and military center of western Yunnan.

In 1524, during the Jiajing Emperor’s reign (嘉靖三年, Jiajing Period), a new administrative county called Baoshan County (保山县, Baoshan Xian) was established.

The name “Baoshan” was derived from Taibaoshan Mountain (太保山, Taibaoshan) located west of the city.

During the late Ming period, the central government promoted Gaitu Guiliu reforms, replacing hereditary tribal rulers with centrally appointed officials.

Economic Prosperity

With large-scale migration and agricultural development, Baoshan’s economy flourished.

Key industries included:

• Silk production (Yongchang Silk – 永昌丝绸, Yongchang Sichou)

• Tea trade (Tea – Cha / 茶)

• Jade trade (Jade – Yu / 玉)

Baoshan became known as the “Metropolis of Western Yunnan.”

Qing Dynasty: Frontier Governance

During the Qing Dynasty (清朝, Qing Chao), the government retained Yongchang Prefecture and governed several counties including:

• Baoshan (保山, Baoshan)

• Tengchong (腾冲, Tengchong)

• Longling (龙陵, Longling)

• Yongping (永平, Yongping)

• Yunlong (云龙, Yunlong)

To strengthen border defense, the government established Tengyue Department (腾越厅, Tengyue Ting) in modern Tengchong (腾冲, Tengchong).

During this period, Baoshan and Tengchong became major trade and cultural exchange centers along the China–Myanmar frontier.

Republic of China Era

(1912–1949)

Administrative Changes

In 1913, Yongchang Prefecture was abolished and Baoshan County remained under the Western Yunnan Circuit (滇西道, Dianxi Dao), later renamed Tengyue Circuit (腾越道, Tengyue Dao).

By 1929, the circuit system was abolished and Baoshan County came under direct administration of Yunnan Province.

In 1942, the government established the Sixth Administrative Inspectorate of Yunnan Province, headquartered in Baoshan and governing several counties including Baoshan, Tengchong, Longling, and Changning.

The Western Yunnan Anti-Japanese War

Baoshan played a critical role during the Second Sino-Japanese War (抗日战争, Kangri Zhanzheng).

• May 1942: Japanese forces occupied Tengchong (腾冲, Tengchong) and Longling (龙陵, Longling).

• Baoshan became the main base and rear supply center for the Western Yunnan battlefield.

From May to September 1944, the Songshan Campaign (松山战役, Songshan Zhanyi) and the Tengchong Campaign (腾冲战役, Tengchong Zhanyi) were launched by the Chinese Expeditionary Force (中国远征军, Zhongguo Yuanzhengjun), successfully defeating Japanese forces and reclaiming western Yunnan.

Today, historic sites such as:

• Songshan Battlefield Site (松山战役遗址, Songshan Zhanyi Yizhi)

• National Martyrs Cemetery (国殇墓园, Guoshang Muyuan) in Tengchong (腾冲, Tengchong)

have become important WWII memorial destinations in China.

Liberation

On January 5, 1950, Baoshan County was liberated and the Baoshan County People’s Government was established.

Modern Baoshan: From Prefecture to Prefecture-Level City

(1950 – Present)

Baoshan Prefecture and Region

In 1950, the Baoshan Prefecture (保山专区, Baoshan Zhuanqu) was established, governing:

• Baoshan

• Tengchong

• Longling

• Changning

• Shidian

• Yongping

• Yunlong

In 1956, the prefecture was merged into the Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture (德宏傣族景颇族自治州, Dehong Daizu Jingpozu Zizhizhou).

In 1963, Baoshan Prefecture was restored, and in 1970 it was renamed Baoshan Region (保山地区, Baoshan Diqu).

In 1984, Baoshan County was upgraded to Baoshan County-level City.

Establishment of Modern Baoshan City

In June 2001, the Chinese government approved the creation of prefecture-level Baoshan City (保山市, Baoshan Shi).

The former county-level Baoshan City became Longyang District (隆阳区, Longyang Qu).

Today, Baoshan administers:

• Longyang District (隆阳区, Longyang Qu)

• Tengchong City (腾冲市, Tengchong Shi)

• Shidian County (施甸县, Shidian Xian)

• Longling County (龙陵县, Longling Xian)

• Changning County (昌宁县, Changning Xian)

Baoshan is now recognized as a major tourism city in western Yunnan and a key gateway along the historic Southwest Silk Road.

Cultural and Historical Highlights of Baoshan

Ailao Culture

Baoshan is the core region of the ancient Ailao Kingdom. Cultural traditions such as the Jiulong Legend (九隆传说, Jiulong Chuanshuo), the historic event Ailao Submits to Han, and bronze drum culture represent some of the earliest ethnic cultural roots in Yunnan.

Yongchang Culture

For nearly 500 years, Yongchang Commandery served as a model for frontier governance in southwestern China, making “Yongchang” a symbolic cultural identity for western Yunnan.

Southwest Silk Road Heritage

Baoshan and Tengchong (腾冲, Tengchong) were key hubs on the Ancient Southwest Silk Road, connecting China with Myanmar, India, and Southeast Asia for more than a millennium.

WWII Resistance Heritage

Baoshan was the main battlefield of the Western Yunnan Campaign during WWII. Historic locations such as the Songshan Battlefield and National Martyrs Cemetery preserve the memory of this important chapter in Chinese history.

Rich Ethnic Culture

Baoshan is home to 13 long-established ethnic groups, including:

• Han (汉族, Hanzu)

• Yi (彝族, Yizu)

• Dai (傣族, Daizu)

• Bai (白族, Baizu)

• Lisu (傈僳族, Lisuzu)

These cultures blend together to create a vibrant mix of festivals, traditional crafts, music, and cuisine, making Baoshan a fascinating destination for cultural tourism.