The story of how successive chieftains of the Nandian Xuanfu Office dedicated themselves to fostering ethnic unity and progress in the border regions.

　　The Nandian Xuanfu Office is located at No. 103 Nandian Road, Zhedao Town, Lianghe County. It was the hereditary seat of the Dai ethnic group's Dao-Gong clan as the Nandian Xuanfu Office, originally established in 1851. Over three generations—specifically the 26th, 27th, and 28th chieftains—the complex underwent continuous expansion, culminating in its completion in 1935. Covering an area of 10,625 square meters with a total building footprint of 7,780 square meters, the structure features a traditional timber-and-masonry construction. The architectural layout follows the classic Han-style administrative model, organized into five main sections divided by four courtyards—four primary courtyards flanked by ten secondary ones. The entire complex boasts a meticulously planned design that clearly distinguishes between central and peripheral areas, adorned with intricately carved beams and elaborately painted ceilings. This site stands out as one of the most well-preserved examples of indigenous chieftain architecture in China, serving as invaluable physical evidence for studying the history of Yunnan’s ethnic minorities, local history, the unique system of chieftain rule, as well as advancements in architectural techniques and artistic craftsmanship. As a result, it holds significant historical and cultural value. In 1996, the Nandian Xuanfu Office was officially designated as a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, and by 2004, it had earned recognition as a National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction.

　　I. Ethnic Distribution within Lianghe County

　　Today, the county is home to 13 ethnic groups, including Han, Dai, Achang, Jingpo, De'ang, Lisu, and Wa, among others. The climate is mild, and the region boasts abundant natural resources. With its rich cultural heritage and vibrant ethnic traditions, Lianghe offers a fascinating blend of human and natural landscapes. Among these diverse groups, the Han, Dai, Achang, Jingpo, De'ang, Wa, and Lisu can all be considered indigenous to Lianghe. As early as the Han and Jin dynasties, the area was inhabited by the "Pu people" (the ancestors of today's Wa and De'ang ethnic groups) and the "Yue people" (the forebears of the Dai). During the Yuan Dynasty, the Achang migrated to the region, while in the mid-Ming Dynasty, large numbers of Han Chinese from inland areas began settling here. By the Qing Dynasty, the Jingpo and Lisu peoples had also moved into the area. Geographically, the Jingpo, Lisu, and De'ang tend to live in mountainous regions, the Achang and Wa often reside in semi-mountainous or hilly-plain areas, and the Dai primarily inhabit the fertile plains. Meanwhile, the Han population is scattered throughout the county, with a stronger presence in the mountainous zones. Due to historical and geographical factors, the ethnic groups here coexist in a remarkably mixed and interwoven manner. According to statistics, out of the county's 380 natural villages, 225 are home to two or more ethnic groups, while 155 remain exclusively inhabited by a single ethnic community.

　　In 1950, Lianghe was liberated, marking the beginning of a new era in which all ethnic groups embraced equality, unity, and shared prosperity. Since then, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China and guided by the party’s enlightened ethnic policies, the people of all ethnic groups across the county have steadfastly pursued the socialist path, tirelessly upholding the spirit of self-reliance and hard work—transforming Lianghe into a place of profound and sweeping change.

　　II. Historical Figures of the Tusi Dynasties Dedicated to Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress in Border Regions

　　The hereditary Tusi leaders made significant contributions to the integration of ethnic minorities in border regions with the Han Chinese, earning them lasting admiration from later generations—a testament that can still be glimpsed in the quiet, ancient architecture.

　　In the reception hall, a couplet hangs from the ornate columns on either side, reading: "Only by upholding the moral and ritual teachings of the Confucian classic *Book of Songs: Zhou Nan*, which inspired our ancestors to guide communities and nations with virtue and grace, can we joyfully witness the thriving prosperity and cultural transformation of ethnic groups—both within and beyond the Yangtze River—turning their homelands into peaceful, idyllic lands. As spring returns to the earth, may the people living beneath the verdant mountains of Nandian, nestled in the southwest corner of our nation, flourish abundantly and lead lives marked by stability and harmony."

　　Although the Nandian Tusi was of Dai ethnicity, frequent military campaigns during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties led to soldiers being stationed in Nandian to establish settlements and cultivate the land. Additionally, the central imperial court actively encouraged large-scale migration of people from inland regions to settle in Nandian, facilitating the introduction of Central Plains culture into the area. At that time, all official correspondence between the Tusi, the imperial court, and higher-ranking officials was conducted in Chinese. Moreover, the Tusi’s nobility were expected to be proficient in both reading and writing Chinese as well as speaking the language, which is why the Nandian Tusi placed great emphasis on educating their people in Han Chinese culture.

　　The 27th-generation Tusi, Dao Dingguo, once sent his eldest son, Gong Shou, to a private academy in Tengchong, where they were taught by Han Chinese instructors—Wu Jialu (a Bo Gong) and Lan Yousan—focusing on classics like the *Three Character Classic*, the *Four Books*, and the *Five Classics*. After Gong Shou succeeded as Tusi, he subsequently enrolled his own son, Gong Tongzheng, in the Tusi Office Academy, then at Zhadao Provincial Primary School, followed by Nanqing Middle School in Kunming, and finally the National Frontier School in Chongqing. Meanwhile, Gong Yueqing, the son of Dao Zhiguo—Dao Dingguo’s younger brother—completed his studies at a Han Chinese private secondary school before going on to further his education at Yunnan School of Political Science and Law and later at the Central Military Training Class. His younger brother, Gong Yuequan, attended the 21st class of Yunnan Military Academy and later studied infantry science at the Central Military and Political School. Clearly, Han culture not only has deep historical roots but has also profoundly influenced China’s ethnic minorities.

　　According to historical records, after the Japanese forces invaded Chadao Island, the 28th Nandian Tusi, Gong Shou and Gong Tongzheng, reorganized the "Security Association" into a "Maintenance Association." In May 1944—the 33rd year of the Republic of China era—when the counteroffensive campaign in western Yunnan commenced, Gong Shou returned to the Tusi headquarters and established the first Military-Civilian Cooperation Station on Chadao Island, organizing the supply of food and provisions needed by the Nationalist troops.

　　In August of the 36th year of the Republic of China, Gong Shou and Dao Jingban convened the Tenglong Border Region Recovery and Post-War Reconstruction Conference in Mengyang Manghuan, submitting a request to the government to approve the establishment of a committee within each border region office, with the aim of advancing development in these frontier areas.

　　After the liberation of Tengchong at the end of 1949, the Yunnan-Western Region People's Liberation Committee and the 36th Regiment of the "Border Column" issued the "Appeal to Local Chiefs and Their People" to ethnic minority regions along the frontier, while also sending letters directly to the chiefs themselves. The Baoshan Prefectural Committee of the Communist Party of China entrusted Cun Shusheng, Director of the Tengchong County Liberation Committee, with the task of engaging with the local chiefs. Meanwhile, Gong Shou agreed to allow the People's Liberation Army to station troops in the area.

　　In early May 1950, the People's Liberation Army and the Lianghe Military and Political Delegation entered Lianghe and sent personnel to Luotuba to bring back Gong Shou. Zhang Qi, Deputy Secretary of the Liang(He)-Ying(Jiang)-Lian(Shan) Working Committee of the Communist Party of China, went to the administrative office to discuss with him the establishment of an ethnic minority administrative committee. Gong Shou accepted the leadership of the Party and was appointed as the Director of the Lianghe Ethnic Minority Administrative Committee, later being elected Vice Chairman of the Baoshan Prefecture Political Consultative Conference. During this period, he played a vital role in mobilizing military supplies and funds, fostering unity in production, suppressing banditry and espionage activities, and supporting the Korean War effort—achieving numerous positive outcomes across these fronts.

　　After 1950, Gong Shou successively served as the Director of the Lianghe Ethnic Administrative Committee, the County Head of the Lianghe County United Government of All Ethnic Groups, a member of the Baoshan Special Zone United Government of All Ethnic Groups, Vice Governor of the Dehong Prefecture People's Government, a standing committee member of the first Yunnan Provincial Political Consultative Conference, Vice Chairman of the Provincial Ethnic Affairs Committee, and a representative of the first, second, and third National People's Congress. In November 1951, the Baoshan Special Zone Office notified Gong Shou to attend a meeting and go on a tour in Beijing. He visited various places and participated in the expanded meeting of the National Ethnic Affairs Committee, where he spoke at the conference. On April 11, 1952, Gong Shou returned to Lianghe after a journey lasting 5 months and 6 days. Gong Shou was moved and said: "The reception was the most generous, with doctors accompanying all trips, disease prevention and care along the way, and military protection throughout, leaving no detail unattended." "All that I witnessed, the economy and education of various provinces and counties... were advancing and developing rapidly, making great progress day by day." In the same year, at the representative conference for the establishment of the Lianghe County United Government in May, Gong Shou gave a report on his observations in Beijing. He concluded: "I personally am willing to work together with everyone, wholeheartedly, to do well in the key tasks within Lianghe such as transportation, culture, production, construction, medical and health care, and the suppression of bandits and special enemies." At the meeting, Gong Shou was elected as the first county head of Lianghe County. In 1954, as a representative of the National People's Congress, he participated in the first National People's Congress. In May 1955, he attended another meeting and was received by Chairman Mao. The work on ethnic unity and progress in the border areas received full recognition from the Party Central Committee.

　　Due to historical reasons, Gong Shou died unjustly during the "Cultural Revolution." On July 25, 1979, the Prefectural Revolutionary Committee held a memorial meeting in the small auditorium of Mangshi to rehabilitate Gong Shou and others. The Prefectural Revolutionary Committee's "Decision on the Rehabilitation and Restoration of the Reputation of Former Vice Governor Gong Shou" pointed out: "Gong Shou loved the great socialist motherland. He was once received by Chairman Mao, Premier Zhou, and Chairman Zhu De... Under the care of the Party and government, he believed in the Party's ethnic policies and united front policies, and made contributions to maintaining national unity, supporting socialist reform and construction in the border areas, and enhancing ethnic unity."

　　In summary, as the only 4A-level scenic spot and national-level cultural protection unit in the county, the Nandian Pacification Office Management Bureau is fully committed to promoting ethnic unity, jointly building a harmonious scenic area, and creating a model example of multi-ethnic unity, struggle, and common prosperity and progress. It actively strives to be a demonstration scenic area for ethnic unity and progress activities in Lianghe County.