10 years on: Luocheng landscape sees great change

In the past decade, Hechi's Luocheng Mulam autonomous county has mitigated and controlled air, water and soil pollution, optimized its business environment, and seen Mulam cultural undertakings flourish, all with the goal of building a county suitable for living, working, and traveling. The urban area has expanded from 6.5 square kilometers to 8.68 sq km, and its urban and rural areas have undergone great change.

If you drive into the county from the northwest of the county seat, Chenglong Lake Park will be the first example of natural splendor to greet your eyes. In the center of the lake is a statue of Yu Chenglong. The Ethnic Museum and the Yu Chenglong Integrity Museum are on the other side of the park.

Not far behind the Ethnic Museum is the Mulam Homeland in Luocheng, a relocation area for impoverished people from 137 villages in 11 towns and townships. Mulam Homeland has a total investment of 744 million yuan ($102 million) and covers an area of 443 mu (30 hectares). It has 2,356 resettlement houses, having resettled 8,932 people from 1,964 registered households. It is the largest and most comprehensive facility supporting the four resettlement communities for ethnic people in Luocheng to help alleviate poverty.

Fenghuang Mountain is a treasured scenic spot in the local area. Luocheng Third Street sits at the foot of the mountain and is paved with cement, facilitating easier access for residents and visitors.

On the other side of Fenghuang Mountain, a new business center, Fenghuang Zhai, has been built. Based on the theme of a characteristic Mulam street, Fenghuang Zhai comprises the Tianhe Palace Scenic Area, Mulam Food Street a tourism shopping street, and Mulam Fenghuang Water Street, a leisure and entertainment street. The area increasingly integrates ecology, environmental protection and tourism while giving people more choices in terms of culture and entertainment.

An aerial view of Luocheng Mulam autonomous county. [Photo/Hechi Daily]