Jinping: Longer life remains a universal aspiration, symbolising dignity and fulfilment in many societies. In Jinping County, a mountainous region bordering Vietnam, these aspirations are becoming reality. The county, spanning 3,677 square kilometers with only 10.14 square kilometers of flatland, is home to 400,000 residents across 13 townships, including 48 centenarians-the highest concentration in China. The average lifespan here is 79.3 years.
According to Ghana News Agency, a comprehensive study led by Asia’s leading scientists, including Professor Wuyi Wang from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has revealed that longevity in China is primarily influenced by environmental factors. The study highlights socio-environmental advantages such as physiological health, psychological well-being, light meals, and high vegetable intake, with Jinping County exemplifying the environmental longevity model.
Jinping’s air and water quality are notable, with air rich in 50,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter and water containing 118 milligrams per litre of metasilicic acid. This unique environment significantly contributes to the residents’ long, healthy lives. Yu Yulong, Secretary of the Communist Party of China’s Jinping County Committee, highlighted these benefits in an interview, emphasizing the county’s rich biodiversity and mineral resources.
The county produces abundant longevity fruits from 400,000 acres of orchards, including bananas, passion fruit, jackfruit, and sticky corn. Known as the Biological Gene Bank of Southern Yunnan, Jinping boasts 2,567 species of higher plants across 913 genera in 223 families. Additionally, it has 24 mineral types, including gold, copper, iron, and nickel, which make up 45.28 per cent of Honghe Prefecture’s minerals.
Jinping is also renowned for its geothermal hot springs, with the Mengla Hot Spring ranked among China’s top ten natural hot springs. Its 15 water intake points contain metasilicic acid at 30 milligrams per litre, rich in longevity-supporting elements like selenium, strontium, and germanium, meeting natural mineral water standards.
Recognised as China’s Butterfly Capital, Honghe Butterfly Valley houses over 320 butterfly species. Millions of butterflies emerge in May and June, creating a rare ecological spectacle that attracts over 200,000 tourists annually.
Ms. Hua Chunying, Vice Minister of China’s Foreign Ministry, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving living conditions in Jinping during her interaction with foreign journalists. She noted that, for 33 years, with the support of the Ministry, friendly foreign governments, institutions worldwide, and compassionate individuals, Jinping has undergone a remarkable transformation. Improvements in farmers’ income, living standards, and public services in education, healthcare, and transportation have revitalized the county.
The concerted efforts have transformed Jinping into a symbol of hope, with the Ministry and partners’ steadfast support leading to a brighter future for the region.