Potou Yi, Miao and Bai Ethnic Town in Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong 

Potou Town (坡头镇) is located in the northeastern part of Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province. It borders the following areas:

  • East: Qixingguan District, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, and Linkou Yi and Miao Ethnic Township (林口彝族苗族乡)

  • South: Muxiang Town (母享镇)

  • West: Yile Town (以勒镇)

  • North: Shuitian Township, Weixin County (威信县) and Shuilao Township (水潦乡), Xuyong County, Sichuan Province

With a total area of 148.08 square kilometers, the town had a registered population of 80,354 people as of the end of 2019.

History and Development

Historical Background

During the Qing Dynasty, Potou was part of Xiangnan Jingyuan Li (下南靖远里), with the administrative center in Muxiang (母享). In 1940, it was designated as Daishu Township (带蜀乡). After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, it became part of several administrative divisions:

  • In 1950, it was part of District 3 (Mother Xiang).

  • In 1953, it was moved to District 7.

  • In 1956, the administrative office was relocated to Potou, and it was named Potou District.

  • In 1988, it was renamed to Potou Yi and Miao Ethnic Township.

  • In 2006, it officially became Potou Town.

Administrative Division

As of June 2020, Potou Town governs 12 administrative villages:

  • Villages: Potou Village, Yingshang Village, Boluo Village, Delong Village, Longdong Village, Haodu Village, Xinchang Village, Yantang Village, Bihua Village, Renhe Village, Huaguo Village, Shili Village.

The town has a total of 291 village groups.

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Potou Town is situated in the northeastern part of Zhenxiong County. The region is characterized by its semi-mountainous terrain, with elevations ranging from 720 meters in Delong Village (德隆村) to the highest peak at 1905 meters in Haodu Village (亳都村).

Climate

The town has a subtropical plateau climate, with an average temperature of 14.5°C and an annual rainfall of around 900mm. The area enjoys a mild climate, making it suitable for agriculture and settlement.

Hydrology

The major river in the town is the Tongche River (筒车河), which flows from Muxiang Town, passing through Delong Village (德隆村), and ultimately joins the Sanchakou River (三岔河) in the town’s east. The river has a total length of 29 kilometers, with a drainage area of 1.2 square kilometers.

Population and Ethnicity

As of 2011, Potou Town’s total population was 74,900, with an urban population of 6,400. The population is primarily composed of the Han Chinese (52.8%), but also includes significant minority populations, including Yi, Miao, and Bai people:

  • Yi: 8,600 people (56.6% of the minority population)

  • Miao: 3,900 people (25.7%)

  • Bai: 2,700 people (17.7%)

The town is home to a rich cultural heritage, with a population structure that reflects the diversity of ethnic groups.

Economy and Industry

Potou Town had 5 industrial enterprises by 2019, with one of them categorized as large-scale. The town also boasts 9 general stores or supermarkets. Agriculture remains a significant part of the local economy, with a focus on traditional farming methods.

Transportation

In 2011, Potou Town was served by county and township-level roads totaling 25 kilometers. The town also has a passenger station that handles 2.5 million passenger trips per year, and the freight volume was 780,000 tons annually. The town’s accessibility by road is a key part of its connectivity within the larger Zhaotong area.

Culture and Traditions

Name Origin

The name Potou (坡头) comes from the town’s geographical location, which is situated on a hilltop. Travelers must “climb to the top of the slope,” hence the name.

Festivals and Traditions

  • Yi Torch Festival (火把节) and Miao Song and Dance: These ethnic festivals and celebrations are a major part of the local culture. The town hosts various traditional events that attract tourists and celebrate the diversity of its communities.

  • Ethnic Foods: The town is known for its local dishes, which reflect the traditions of the Yi, Miao, and Bai ethnic minorities.

Honors and Recognition

In December 2017, Potou Town was recognized as a National Model District for Ethnic Unity and Progress by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission.

Potou Town is a hidden gem, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local traditions. It offers visitors a chance to experience the authentic life of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities in a beautiful, tranquil setting.