Yongkang Shui Ethnic Town in Libo County, Qiannan

Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township黔南布依族苗族自治州荔波县永康水族乡 (now defunct) was once part of Libo County, Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, in Guizhou Province. Situated in the central part of Libo, the township borders Maolan Town and Dongtang Township to the east, Weng’ang Township to the south, Chaoyang Town and Yuping Town to the west, and Shuiyao Shui Ethnic Township to the north. Covering an area of 103.5 square kilometers, the township had a population of 6,332 by the end of 2011.

The township was first established as Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township in 1984. By 2013, it was comprised of six administrative villages, with the township government located in Taiji Village. In April 2014, Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township was dissolved, and its administrative region was merged into Limingguan Shui Ethnic Township.

History of Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township

1912: The area was part of Xizhu Lianbao and Yongkang Townships.
1952: Became part of Chengguan District.
1958: Formed Pioneering Commune, still under Chengguan District.
1961: Renamed as Yongkang Commune under Yuping District.
1984: Officially became Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township.
2014: Dissolved and merged with Limingguan Shui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2013, Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township had six administrative villages:

Taiji Village
Xizhu Village
Donghai Village
Baiyan Village
Demen Village
Yaogu Village

These six villages were further divided into 42 smaller village groups.

Geographic Environment

Location

Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township was centrally located in Libo County. It bordered Maolan Town and Dongtang Township to the east, Weng’ang Township to the south, Chaoyang Town and Yuping Town to the west, and Shuiyao Shui Ethnic Township to the north.

Topography

The township was located in the transition zone between the Guizhou Plateau and the Guilin Hills. The terrain sloped from north to south, featuring a combination of mountainous areas and valleys. Several small rivers flowed through the region, developing along fault lines or anticline axes. The township was characterized by typical karst landscapes, with limited arable land and an abundance of mountains.

Climate

Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township experienced a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild weather, ample sunshine, and abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature was 16.8°C, with an average annual precipitation of 1,350 mm. The region enjoyed an average of 290 frost-free days per year.

Hydrology

The township was part of the Zhangjiang River Basin. There were 11 rivers with a catchment area of more than 20 square kilometers, covering a total area of 1,498.5 square kilometers. The main river stretched 53.1 kilometers with a maximum flow of 3,704 cubic meters per second.

Population

By the end of 2011, the total population of Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township was 6,332, with an urban population of 197, and an urbanization rate of 3.1%. The population density was 61 people per square kilometer, with a birth rate of 12‰, a death rate of 5.5‰, and a natural population growth rate of 6.5‰.

Economy

In 2011, the township’s total agricultural output was 24 million yuan, marking a 5.5% increase from the previous year. The township mainly cultivated rice, corn, and vegetables, with livestock farming being a significant part of the economy.

Transportation

The 006 Provincial Road ran through Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township, providing the primary access route to the township and neighboring areas. The road network, however, remained underdeveloped, with limited access to remote villages.

How to Get There

Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township, now part of Limingguan Shui Ethnic Township, can be accessed from Libo County, which is about 13 kilometers from the township. Libo is connected to Guizhou’s provincial capital, Guiyang, via road and rail transport. Visitors can take a bus or hire a private car to reach Limingguan Shui Ethnic Township.

By Air:

The nearest airport is Libo Airport, which has limited domestic flights. Alternatively, visitors can fly into Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport and then take a bus or hire a car to reach Libo County.

By Train:

Visitors can take the high-speed train to Duyun East Station or Guiyang North Station and then transfer to local buses to reach Libo County.

By Road:

From Libo, visitors can take a bus to Limingguan Shui Ethnic Township, passing through scenic karst landscapes. Hiring a private vehicle offers more flexibility, especially if planning to visit surrounding attractions such as the Maolan Nature Reserve.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the area is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the natural scenery is at its most vibrant. The subtropical climate ensures pleasant temperatures most of the year.
Road Conditions: Some roads in the area, especially those leading to remote villages, may be underdeveloped and challenging to navigate during the rainy season. Consider renting a four-wheel-drive vehicle if you plan to explore deeper into the region.
Cultural Sensitivity: The area is home to the Shui ethnic group, so be respectful of local customs and traditions. If visiting villages, it is polite to ask for permission before taking photos or entering private areas.
Local Cuisine: Enjoy the local food, which often includes fresh ingredients from the area. Rice dishes and farm-fresh vegetables are staples, along with Shui ethnic specialties like sour fish soup.
Accommodation: While the township itself may not have many lodging options, nearby Libo offers a variety of guesthouses and hotels catering to different budgets.
Nature and Hiking: The area’s karst topography and river valleys provide excellent opportunities for nature lovers and hikers. The nearby Maolan National Nature Reserve is a must-visit for those interested in biodiversity and geology.

Exploring Yongkang Shui Ethnic Township and its surrounding areas offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the Shui people and a chance to immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes of Guizhou Province.