Benzhai Hui Ethnic Township in Xian County, Cangzhou

Overview

Benzhai Hui Ethnic Township, located in Xian County, Cangzhou City, Hebei Province, is the hometown of the national hero Ma Benzhai (马本斋) from the Anti-Japanese War. The township covers an area of 30 square kilometers and has a permanent population of 13,044 (as of 2017). It consists of 11 administrative villages, with the township government based in Benzhai East Village.

Geography and Environment

Benzhai Township is situated in the central part of the North China Plain, characterized by flat terrain. The Ziya River (子牙河) flows along the southern and eastern borders. The main agricultural products include wheat, corn, and peanuts, alongside livestock farming and slaughtering. The local industry features halal food processing, oils, leather, and biochemical products. Notable attractions include the Ma Benzhai Memorial Hall and Benzhai Mosque.

Location and Accessibility

Benzhai Township is approximately 25 kilometers northeast of the Xian County town center. To the east, it faces Hancun Town across the Ziya River; to the west, it borders Xicheng Township; to the south, the Ziya River serves as the boundary with Shiwujie Township; and to the north, it adjoins Hejian City. The geographical coordinates are between 116°12′22″ and 116°17′02″ E, and 38°18′08″ and 38°21′54″ N.

Transportation Tips

  • By Car: The township is accessible via provincial roads from major cities like Cangzhou and Hejian.
  • Public Transport: Buses from Cangzhou or nearby towns can reach Xian County, from where local taxis or shared rides can be arranged to Benzhai Township.

Historical Development

  • 1941-1954: Benzhai was part of the Jiguo County’s Houying District.
  • 1955: It belonged to the Zhangdama District of Xian County.
  • 1958: Benzhai was incorporated into the Hongqi People’s Commune (later renamed Xicheng People’s Commune).
  • 1961: Xicheng People’s Commune was split, forming the new Xicheng People’s Commune.
  • 1984: The Xicheng People’s Commune was abolished, and Benzhai Hui Ethnic Township was established.
  • 1995: Xicheng Township was merged into Benzhai Hui Ethnic Township.
  • 2003: The administrative area of the former Xicheng Township was re-established.

Administrative Structure

As of 2013, Benzhai Hui Ethnic Township comprises 11 administrative villages:

  • Benzhai East Village (本斋东村)
  • Benzhai West Village (本斋西村)
  • Shawa Village (沙洼村)
  • Xiaowang Village (小汪村)
  • Qianying Village (前营村)
  • Zhongying Village (中营村)
  • Houying Village (后营村)
  • Dengzhuang Village (邓庄村)
  • Menggezhuang Village (孟各庄村)
  • Pocheng Village (坡城村)
  • Huanglupu Village (黄芦铺村)

Climate

Benzhai Township experiences a temperate continental monsoon climate, with distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 12.3°C, with January averaging -3.6°C and July averaging 26.9°C.

Travel Tips for Climate

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Winter Travel: If visiting in winter, be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snow; dress warmly.

Natural Resources

Hydrography

The township features several waterways, including the Ziya River and the Ren River irrigation channels, with a total river length of 26 kilometers. The Ziya River flows through the southern and eastern borders of the township.

Geothermal Resources

Benzhai is located on the edge of the Xian County geothermal field, providing hot water resources with temperatures reaching 62°C, which is rich in various trace elements.

Biological Resources

Flora

The region’s wild plants include a variety of species such as Lespedeza, Tiger’s Tail Grass, and Dandelion, contributing to local biodiversity.

Fauna

Mammals in the area include dogs, cats, and foxes, while birds like sparrows and swallows are common.

Population and Ethnic Composition

As of the end of 2011, Benzhai Township had 3,614 households and a total population of 14,574, with Hui people numbering 4,325, making up 29.7% of the population.

Cultural Customs

Benzhai has a rich Hui culture, influenced by its historical figures and traditions.

Festivals

  • Eid al-Fitr (开斋节): Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, with communal prayers and feasting.
  • Eid al-Adha (古尔邦节): Marked by the sacrifice of livestock and sharing with friends and family.
  • Mawlid al-Nabi (圣纪节): Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, involving donations to mosques and communal meals.

Cuisine

Hui cuisine emphasizes rice and wheat, with a preference for fried noodle dishes. Only halal meats are consumed, and animals must be slaughtered by a qualified individual.

Landmarks

Ma Benzhai Memorial Hall

The Ma Benzhai Memorial Hall, located north of Benzhai Village, covers 105 acres and features a mother-son martyr cemetery and the main exhibition hall. It serves as a key site for patriotic education in Hebei Province.

Benzhai Mosque

Originally built in 1404, the mosque is historically significant as the birthplace of the Hui people’s resistance against Japanese invasion during WWII.

Notable Figures

  • Ma Benzhai (马本斋): A national hero who led resistance efforts during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
  • Bai Wenguan (白文冠): Known for her steadfastness against Japanese forces and for raising Ma Benzhai.

Benzhai Hui Ethnic Township offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, historical significance, and natural beauty, making it a compelling destination for travelers interested in exploring the rich traditions and stories of the Hui people.