Longnai Village of Mengdong Town in Cangyuan County, Lincang

Location and Geography

Longnai Village (龙乃村) is situated in Mengdong Town (勐董镇), Cangyuan County (沧源县), Lincang City (临沧市), Yunnan Province (云南省), China. The village lies 2 kilometers south of the Mengdong Town government, with a dirt road connecting it to the town. It is easily accessible, with Cangyuan County (沧源县) located just 2 kilometers away. The village borders:

East: Mangbai Village (芒摆村)

South: Myanmar (缅甸)

West: Yonghe Community (永和社区)

North: Mengdong Community (勐董社区)

The village governs six sub-villages: Yonglu (永路), Yongshe (永舍), Yongshao (永绍), and others.

Demographics and Economy

Longnai Village has a population of 1,249, all engaged in agriculture. The village is home to 297 farming households, with a total of 839 laborers, 698 of whom work in agriculture. The main agricultural products include rice, tea, and other crops.

Arable Land Area: 4,313 acres

Per Capita Arable Land: 3.45 acres

Forest Area: 7,299.4 acres

2010 Economic Income: 3.12 million yuan

Average Net Income per Farmer: 2,727 yuan

The primary source of income for farmers is from agriculture, with crop cultivation being a major contributor to the local economy.

Historical Significance

Longnai Village holds deep historical importance as it shares a border with Myanmar. A prominent monument in the higher areas of the village bears the inscription “Long Live the People’s Republic of China.” This monument marks the historical moment when the Sino-Myanmar Border Treaty was signed on October 1, 1960. It established the border demarcations, including areas like Banhong and Banlao Tribes (班洪、班老部落辖区) and Yonghe Zhai (永和寨) and Longnai Zhai (龙乃寨), as part of China.

Climate and Geography

Elevation: 1,780 meters

Average Annual Temperature: 20°C

Annual Precipitation: 1,800 mm

Geographical Area: 10.65 km²

Topography

Longnai Village is situated at an elevation of 1,780 meters above sea level. The region experiences an average temperature of 20°C, with substantial rainfall, particularly during the monsoon season. The village’s landscape is characterized by its mountainous terrain.

Tourist Attractions in Longnai Village

Longnai Village offers a unique cultural and historical experience, with a variety of scenic spots and attractions:

Wa Mountain Cloud Sea Viewing Platform

(佤山云海观景台)
This platform offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the cloud-covered peaks of Wa Mountain.

Nieban Kao

(聂板考)
A historical site rich in the local culture and customs of the Wa ethnic group, offering insight into the traditional way of life.

Banyan Tree House

(榕树屋)
A charming house located beneath a massive banyan tree, symbolizing the deep connection between the village and its natural surroundings.

One Corridor, Two Countries Pathway

(一廊观两国栈道)
This pathway offers a unique view of the border between China and Myanmar, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to experience the proximity of two nations.

Friendship Square

(友谊广场)
A symbol of cooperation and peace, this square celebrates the strong friendship between China and Myanmar.

Boubō Pavilion

(胞波亭)
A traditional pavilion where visitors can rest and learn more about the cultural significance of the border region.

Cultural and Tourism Development

Longnai Village has embraced the “agriculture-tourism integration, culture-tourism integration, and border-tourism integration” model to develop its tourism sector. This has led to the creation of a variety of attractions that showcase both local culture and the village’s unique geographical position.

Tourism Reception Center

In 2021, a three-story tourism reception center was built to serve as a hub for local tourism. This center displays local products and serves as a venue for receiving tourists. Through this initiative, many traditional products from the village are now sold online, allowing for wider distribution and increasing the village’s income.

Local Products and Crafts

The village promotes local agricultural specialties such as rice and tea, as well as traditional handicrafts. These products contribute to the local economy, and the village aims to cultivate a diverse range of tourism-related industries.

Unique Features of Longnai Village

Longnai Village is known for its red asbestos tile roofs and white walls, which contrast beautifully with the surrounding lush greenery. The village streets are lined with plants, giving the entire area a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

One of the most iconic features of the village is the cow-shaped streetlights, adorned with red Chinese gourd lanterns. The sight of the Five-Star Red Flag fluttering in the breeze creates a sense of pride and patriotism, reflecting the village’s historical ties to China.