Leidong Yao and Shui Ethnic Town in Liping County, Qiandongnan

Leidong Yao and Shui Ethnic Township (雷洞瑶族水族乡), located in Liping County (黎平县), Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, sits at the border between Guizhou and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区). To the east, it borders Dutong Township (独峒乡) in Sanjiang Dong Autonomous County (三江侗族自治县) in Liuzhou, Guangxi, while to the southeast, it connects with Tongle Miao Township (同乐苗族乡) in the same county. The southern boundary joins Long’e Township (龙额乡), to the west is Shuikou Town (水口镇), and to the north lies Hongzhou Town (洪州镇). The township government is situated 100 kilometers from Liping County’s urban center. Covering an area of 81 square kilometers, Leidong had a registered population of 13,124 by the end of 2019.

Transportation

Leidong is accessible via the Xia-Rong Expressway (厦蓉高速公路), which runs through the township for 7 kilometers, featuring one exit. Additionally, the road from Liping to Sanjiang County crosses the township, extending for 15 kilometers and passing through villages such as Leidong, Degong, Jincheng, and Yashuang. The township also has about 30 kilometers of village roads, with a total road length of 52 kilometers within the region.

How to Get There:

  • By Car: You can drive from Liping County along the Liping-Sanjiang highway, which takes about 2 hours. The expressway exit makes it easy for those traveling from neighboring towns or from further afield in Guizhou or Guangxi.
  • By Bus: Buses from Liping County or Sanjiang County to the surrounding areas may drop you off near the township, though local transport may be required for the final stretch.

Travel Tips

  1. Road Conditions: Some village roads can be narrow and challenging to navigate, especially during the rainy season. It’s advisable to drive with caution and consider a vehicle with good off-road capability.
  2. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from March to May, and from September to November, when the weather is mild and the scenery is lush.
  3. Local Culture: Respect local customs, especially during festivals or religious ceremonies, as the area is home to a mix of ethnic groups, including the Dong, Yao, Miao, and Shui people.

Historical Evolution

  • During the Ming (明) and Qing Dynasties (清), Leidong was part of the Hongzhou Sub-prefecture (洪州副司).
  • In 1932, during the Republic of China era, it was designated Leidong Township.
  • In 1951, it was restructured as a village, and in 1956, it became Cengtang Township (岑唐乡).
  • In 1958, the township was reorganized into the Heguang Brigade (合光大队).
  • By 1963, it was renamed Leidong Commune (雷洞公社), managing the Heguang Brigade.
  • In 1984, it became Leidong Yao Ethnic Township.
  • In 1992, Yashuang Township (牙双乡) was merged, forming the Leidong Yao and Shui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2020, Leidong Yao and Shui Ethnic Township governs 13 administrative villages, including:

  1. Leidong Village (雷洞村)
  2. Cenxian Village (岑显村)
  3. Meilao Village (美老村)
  4. Xilao Village (戏劳村)
  5. Jincheng Village (金城村)
  6. Tangbi Village (塘婢村)
  7. Meiyang Village (美样村)
  8. Xiatou Village (厦头村)
  9. Xiangbang Village (响榜村)
  10. Yakuwa Village (亚跨村)
  11. Defeng Village (德丰村)
  12. Peifu Village (培福村)
  13. Yashuang Village (牙双村)

Geography and Environment

Location

Leidong Yao and Shui Ethnic Township is located at the border of Guizhou and Guangxi, neighboring towns such as Dutong and Tongle in Sanjiang County, Guangxi. The township covers an area of 81 square kilometers and has an average elevation of 555 meters.

Topography

The area is mountainous with numerous rivers and streams. The highest point is Liuxiufeng Peak (柳秀峰), situated on the southeastern border with Guangxi, at 1,159.3 meters. The lowest point is at the mouth of the Guige River (规格河), with an elevation of 280 meters.

Rivers and Water Systems

The township’s rivers are part of the Pearl River Basin. The Guige Stream runs for 3.5 kilometers, originating in Meiyang, passing through Xialuo, Biyi, and Guige, before merging with the Yashuang Stream below Leidong Village. The Yashuang Stream, 9 kilometers long, originates from Peifu and flows through Yashuang, Degong, Xiga, and Leidong before merging with the Guige Stream. These rivers are crucial for irrigating local farmlands.

Natural Disasters

Leidong Yao and Shui Ethnic Township has experienced natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and freezing rains. On June 29, 1996, a flood caused by 120.3 mm of rainfall led to road disruptions and significant damage to water infrastructure and rice paddies, with economic losses exceeding 1 million yuan. In July 2004, heavy rainfall (188 mm) resulted in over 500 acres of damaged rice fields. The most severe ice disaster occurred between January 14 and February 11, 2008, when freezing rain caused widespread damage, halting transportation and cutting off power, with total losses exceeding 10 million yuan.

Population

By the end of 2011, the township had a total population of 12,438. Among them:

  • Males: 6,882 (55.33%)
  • Females: 5,556 (44.67%)
  • Ages 14 and under: 2,708 (21.78%)
  • Ages 15-64: 8,599 (69.16%)
  • Ages 65 and over: 1,131 (9.06%)

The majority of the population are Dong people (侗族), totaling 7,248 (58.27%). Other ethnic groups include the Yao (瑶族), Miao (苗族), Shui (水族), and a small number of other ethnic minorities.

Natural Resources

Leidong Yao and Shui Ethnic Township has 7,005 acres of arable land, 0.27 million acres of usable grassland, and 93,300 acres of forest. These natural resources are essential for local agriculture and the township’s economy.

Name Origin

The name “Leidong” (雷洞), also known as “Zaili” (宰里), comes from a local legend. It is said that early residents from Linan Village (里南寨) in Guangxi settled here. In the Dong language, “Zai” refers to a village, while the character “Li” (里) is translated as a place of worship.