Bodang Hui Ethnic Town in Minquan County, Shangqiu

Location and Administrative Division

Bodang Hui Ethnic Township (伯党回族乡, Bodang Huizu Minzu Xiang) is situated in the southern part of Minquan County (民权县), Shangqiu City (商丘市), Henan Province (河南省), China. The township borders Ningling County’s Luogang Town (宁陵县逻岗镇) to the east, Suixian County’s Dongdian Sub-district (睢县董店街道) to the south, Suixian County’s Huangtai Township (睢县皇台乡) to the west, and Huayuan Township (花园乡) to the north. It covers an area of 26.92 square kilometers.

Historical Background

  • Qing Dynasty: Bodang was part of Suizhou (睢州).
  • 1912 (Republic of China): Bodang was under Suixian County’s Dongdian District (睢县董店区).
  • February 1947: Suixian County was established, and Bodang District (伯党区) was set up in September.
  • 1948 (Republic of China): Suixian County was abolished and incorporated into Minquan County’s Longtang (六) District.
  • September 1955: Bodang Township (伯党乡) was established.
  • September 1958: It was merged into Longtang Commune (龙塘公社).
  • October 1969: Bodang was transferred to Huayuan Commune (花园公社).
  • October 1983: It became part of Huayuan Township (花园乡).
  • September 1984: Bodang Hui Ethnic Township (伯党回族乡) was officially established, separating from Huayuan Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of the end of 2011, Bodang Hui Ethnic Township was divided into 9 administrative villages:

  • Boxi Village (伯西村)
  • Bodang Village (伯南村)
  • Yanzhuang Village (闫庄村)
  • Kangzhuang Village (康庄村)
  • Shuanglou Village (双楼村)
  • Zhaizhuang Village (翟庄村)
  • Lihongzhuang Village (李洪庄村)
  • Yuanshiyuan Village (袁柿园村)
  • Bodong Village (伯东村)

By June 2020, the township still comprised these 9 administrative villages with a total of 63 village groups and 28 natural villages. The township government is located in Boxi Village (伯西村).

Geography and Land Resources

Location and Terrain

Bodang Hui Ethnic Township is located in the southern part of Minquan County. It is bordered by Luogang Town to the east, Dongdian Sub-district to the south, Huangtai Township to the west, and Huayuan Township to the north. The township covers an area of 26.92 square kilometers.

Land Resources

The township has a total arable land area of 24,000 acres.

Population

As of the end of 2011, Bodang Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 22,100:

  • Urban Permanent Residents: 2,864 (urbanization rate: 13%)
  • Floating Population: 684
  • Male: 11,700 (53.2%)
  • Female: 10,400 (46.8%)
  • Han Chinese: 12,400
  • Hui Ethnic Group: 9,577

The population density was 884 people per square kilometer.

By the end of 2017, the permanent population was 22,009. By the end of 2018, the registered population was 24,296.

Economy

Financial and Industrial Overview

In 2011, Bodang Hui Ethnic Township achieved a total fiscal revenue of 2.16 million RMB, with local fiscal revenue accounting for 1.8 million RMB. The per capita fiscal revenue was 98.2 RMB, while the rural per capita net income was 4,628 RMB.

In 2018, the township had 5 industrial enterprises, 2 of which were large-scale. There were also 10 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area exceeding 50 square meters.

Transportation

How to Get There

  • By Car: Bodang Hui Ethnic Township is accessible via local roads connecting to nearby towns and cities. The drive from Shangqiu City takes about 1.5 hours.
  • By Bus: Regular bus services operate between Shangqiu City and Bodang. The journey usually takes around 2 hours.
  • By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Shangqiu. From these stations, taxis or buses can be used to reach the township.
  • By High-Speed Rail: The high-speed rail services connecting major cities to Shangqiu offer a faster travel option, followed by a taxi or bus ride to Bodang.

Travel Tips

  1. Local Customs: Be respectful of Hui customs and traditions. Hui cuisine, including lamb dishes and traditional pastries, is a highlight.
  2. Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) for comfortable weather conditions.
  3. Local Cuisine: Try local Hui dishes such as lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and Hui-style pastries.
  4. Essential Services: Basic amenities are available in the township. For specialized services, travel to Shangqiu City.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Origin of the Name

Bodang Hui Ethnic Township is named after Bodang Village, where the township government is located.

Notable Figures

  • Li Shengsan (李省三): Born in 1906 and martyred in June 1938, Li Shengsan was a resident of Lihongzhuang Village (李洪庄村) in Bodang Township and a notable anti-Japanese martyr.