Laomeng Sunday Market in Jinping, Honghe

The Laomeng Sunday Market in Jinping is known for its vibrant atmosphere, and it serves as a major trade hub in the western part of Jinping County. It is home to multiple ethnic groups, including the Miao (苗), Yao (瑶), Dai (傣), Zhuang (壮), Hani (哈尼), Yi (彝), Lahu (拉枯), Blang (布朗), and Han (汉) people. Each ethnic group wears colorful traditional clothing, and the market is largely frequented by women carrying baskets filled with goods. The market not only serves as a place for commerce but also as a social gathering for the locals.

Features of Laomeng Sunday Market

1. History and Cultural Background

• Originating from the exchange of handcrafted goods among ethnic minorities, Laomeng Sunday Market has been in existence for over a thousand years.

• Known as "街子" (street market), this market is a unique cultural expression of local commerce.

2. Market Diversity and Atmosphere

• The market offers a wide variety of goods, including agricultural products, clothing, jewelry, and more.

• The market atmosphere is natural and harmonious, combining commercial activity with social interaction.

• Despite the rise of online shopping, the market retains its strong presence as a major trade hub in Jinping and the surrounding areas.

3. Ethnic Charm and Local Economy

• The market attracts women from the surrounding areas, often carrying traditional baskets filled with products to sell.

• The bright, colorful costumes of different ethnic groups create a visually stunning scene.

• As an important commercial center in the western part of Jinping County, the Laomeng Sunday Market holds significant economic value for the region, with regular trading every Sunday.

4. Modern Management and Infrastructure

• Local authorities maintain order in the market through initiatives like public awareness campaigns, traffic regulation, and regular security patrols.

• Laomeng Sunday Market continues to thrive despite modernization efforts, with a large number of people still relying on the market for their essential goods.

5. Geography and Transportation

• Laomeng is located at the crossroads of Luchun (绿春), Yuanyang (元阳), and Jinping (金平) counties, in a geographically isolated area with limited external transportation access.

• Due to the area's geographical constraints, the market is crucial for the trade of essential goods, particularly in this region where many people rely on it for day-to-day survival.

6. Future Challenges and Opportunities

• Infrastructure improvements, such as the establishment of specific zones for trade, are needed to optimize the market's potential.

• There are opportunities to explore the integration of the market with tourism, as well as ways to increase the value of goods sold through e-commerce platforms.

Market Schedule and Locations

Market Day: The Laomeng Sunday Market (老勐赶集) is held every Sunday.

Additional Local Market Days:

• Huangmaoling (黄茅岭): Saturday

• Niujiaozhai (牛角寨): Days related to the Tiger, Horse, and Dog zodiac (such as the 5th, 15th of the lunar month)

• Shengcun (胜村): Days related to the Sheep, Pig, and Rabbit zodiac (such as the 10th, 20th of the lunar month)

Location:

Laomeng Township (老勐乡), Jinping Miao, Yao, and Dai Autonomous County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县), Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省)

About Laomeng Town

Laomeng Town (老勐镇) is located in the western part of Jinping County (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县), Honghe Prefecture (红河哈尼族彝族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). It is situated near the borders of Yingpan Township (营盘乡) to the east, Laojizhai Township (老集寨乡) to the south, and Yuanyang County (元阳县) to the west and north. Laomeng Town is approximately 101 kilometers from Jinping County's urban area (金平苗族瑶族傣族自治县城区), covering a total area of 193 square kilometers.

As of the end of 2019, the population of Laomeng Town was approximately 20,537 people. Originally part of the Lin'an Prefecture (临安府), Laomeng was established as a township in 1753 during the Qianlong Era (乾隆十八年) of the Qing Dynasty. In 2015, Laomeng was upgraded from a township to a town.

Administrative Structure

As of 2020, Laomeng Town (老勐镇) governs 5 administrative villages, including Laomeng Village (老勐村), Xincun Village (新村), Xin'anli Village (新安里村), Heping Village (和平村), and Kuzhulun Village (苦竹林村), and is home to 78 village groups.

Recognition

In October 2021, Laomeng Town was included in the third batch of Red River Prefecture's Ethnic Unity and Progress Demonstration Units (红河州民族团结进步示范单位公示名单).