Bazanggou Hui Ethnic Town in Ping’an District, Haidong

Overview

Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township巴藏沟回族乡 is located in the southeastern part of Ping’an District (平安区), Haidong City (海东市), Qinghai Province (青海省). It is bordered by Xianying Township (下营乡) of Ledu District (乐都区) to the east, Hua Shiyan Mountain (花石岩山) and Hualong County (化隆县) to the south, Shagou Hui Ethnic Township (沙沟回族乡) of Ping’an District to the west, and Dongzhuang Village (东庄村) of Ping’an Town (平安镇) to the north. The total administrative area is 88.93 square kilometers. As of the end of 2020, the registered population of Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township is 4,905 people.

History

  • 1949: Under the old system, it was part of Xinzhuang’er (沙沟) Township in Huangzhong County (湟中县).
  • 1980: Divided from Shagou Commune to establish Bazangou Commune.
  • 1984: Established as Bazangou Township, and in the same year, it was renamed Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Division

As of the end of 2011, Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township includes 13 administrative villages:

  • Xingjia (星家)
  • Shangxingjia (上星家)
  • Bajia (巴家)
  • Suojia (索家)
  • Xiamajia (下马家)
  • Lijia (李家)
  • Erguan (尔观)
  • Hedong (河东) – the only Tu ethnic village in Ping’an County
  • Qingquan (清泉)
  • Shangmaji (上马家)
  • Xiaguoer (下郭尔)
  • Tangsi’er (唐寺尔)
  • Shangguoer (上郭尔)

Geography and Environment

Location

Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the southeastern part of Ping’an District. It is bordered by Xianying Township of Ledu District to the east, Hua Shiyan Mountain and Hualong County to the south, Shagou Hui Ethnic Township to the west, and Dongzhuang Village of Ping’an Town to the north.

Terrain and Landforms

The terrain of Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township is characterized by a mix of valley plains and low mountain areas. The overall elevation decreases from south to north, with the highest point being Mount Aiyi (阿依山) at 4,166.7 meters. The landforms range from river valley terraces to low hills and middle mountains.

Climate

Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township has a continental plateau climate, with the following characteristics:

  • Sunshine: Long sunshine duration and strong solar radiation.
  • Spring: Dry and windy.
  • Summer: Cool.
  • Winter: Cold.
  • Annual Rainfall: 300–500 mm.
  • Temperature: The average annual temperature is 7.3°C, with the hottest month averaging 18.2°C and the coldest month averaging -4.6°C.

Hydrology

Surface water in Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township primarily comes from the southern mountain of Shangguoer Village, running across the township and flowing into Nanshui River. The total length of the river is 22.5 kilometers, but it has low flow and can dry up. The average annual flow is 6.282 million cubic meters.

Natural Disasters

The main natural disaster in Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township is drought, occurring annually to varying degrees. Other natural disasters include hail, frost, and floods. Earthquakes, storms, pest infestations, and rodent damage also occur.

Natural Resources

The primary mineral resources in Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township are gypsum. Despite the presence of these resources, they have not been exploited due to issues with quantity and quality. The area also has 23,900 acres of artificial pasture with relatively rich grass resources.

Population

  • 2011: The total population was 4,577, with 92 non-agricultural residents. Ethnic groups include Han, Hui, Tibetan, and Tu, with minorities comprising 58% of the population. Hui people make up 33.2% of the total population.
  • 2020: The registered population is 4,905 people.

Economy

Overview

In 2011, the per capita net income of farmers in Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township was 4,231 yuan. As of 2020, there are five comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of over 50 square meters in the township.

Agriculture

Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township is a typical agricultural area, with primary income sources including crop cultivation, animal husbandry, and labor. In 2011, the total agricultural income was 36.12 million yuan, with income from planting at 13.86 million yuan, animal husbandry at 5.60 million yuan, labor at 16.24 million yuan, and other sources at 420,000 yuan.

Transportation

By the end of 2011, all village roads in Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township were paved. There is a 19-kilometer township road connecting all villages, and four public bus routes to the county seat are available.

Origin of the Name

The name “Bazang” (巴藏) means “a place with abundant water and grass” in Tibetan. The township is named after the valley, hence Bazangou Township.

Travel Tips

  • Transportation: To reach Bazangou Hui Ethnic Township, you can fly into Xining (西宁) and then take a bus or drive to Ping’an District. From Ping’an District, local buses or taxis can take you to Bazangou Township.
  • Weather: Be prepared for a wide range of temperatures and potential drought conditions. Bringing appropriate clothing for both warm and cold weather is advisable.
  • Local Amenities: The township has several small supermarkets and local stores, but it’s wise to bring essential supplies with you, especially if traveling during off-peak times.