Bǎodiān

Baodian lies north of Jingdong in the mountain country between the Lancang River and the Ailao range. The Ming established a patrol office here in 1390, roughly 160 li north of the prefectural seat. It formed part of a network of garrisons, checkpoints and relay stations maintained around Jingdong. The roads through this rugged country joined the prefecture to the settlements farther north, and the Baodian post gave officials a presence along the approach to the town.