Abstract: In the Qing Dynasty (1644―1911), water conservancy disputes occurred many times in Lufeng County, Yunnan Province. First, the water conservancy group led by Zhongtun and the village union of Luxitun-Gongbingcun competed for the right of control of the water resources. Finally, under the premise of not changing the “Water Division Principle of Three to Seven”, the officials and the local people jointly discussed for solutions. Later, there were water disputes within the Zhongtun Group. Under the official mediation, the “Water Division Principle of Two to Eight” was improved. The resolution of water disputes has enabled us to see the connotation of water division principles, the cooperation and competition between and within different groups, and the power structure of the rural society.

Key words: water conservancy dispute, water conservancy group, water division principle, Yunnan, Qing Dynasty