Chénggòng

Chenggong lies on the eastern side of Dian Lake, where fertile ground spreads between the water and the hills. One explanation of its name derives it from a Yi expression for a rice-growing basin by the lake. The district is also known for its Baozhu pears, a variety associated by tradition with a monk who grafted pear trees brought from Dali onto local stock. The Yuan established a county here in 1275, and the Ming restored the name Chenggong in 1383. Its orchards became celebrated for their fruit; local tradition says the pears were sent as tribute in Yuan times. The neighbouring county of Guihua was merged into Chenggong under the Qing in 1668, adding its settlements to the lakeside district.