Boshu Hui Ethnic Town in Langzhong City, Nanchong

Boshu Hui Ethnic Township南充市阆中市博树回族乡 is located in Langzhong City, Nanchong City, Sichuan Province. Situated in the northeastern part of Langzhong City, it is bordered by Donghe (东河) to the east, Wen Cheng Town (文成镇) to the south and west, and Yunfeng Town (云峰镇) in Cangxi County (苍溪县), Guangyuan City (广元市) to the north. The township covers a total area of 23.48 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, Boshu Hui Ethnic Township had a registered population of 6,601 residents.

Historical Development

• January 1950: Boshu Township (博树乡) was established.
• 1958: Boshu Township was reorganized into Boshu Commune (博树公社).
• 1967: The commune was renamed Xingwu Commune (兴无公社).
• 1971: Xingwu Commune was renamed back to Boshu Commune.
• 1984: Boshu Commune was restructured into Boshu Township.
• March 1986: Boshu Township was renamed Boshu Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Division

As of the end of 2011, Boshu Hui Ethnic Township was divided into eight administrative villages: Tuanjie (团结), Qingzhen (清真), Lailong (来龙), Denglong (灯笼), Sanwan (三湾), Qingshengguan (青神观), Wen Cheng (文成), and Paodaozi (跑道子), with 33 villager groups.

By June 2020, Boshu Hui Ethnic Township was administratively divided into one community (Boshu Community) and four administrative villages: Tuanjie Village, Lailong Village, Denglong Village, and Paodaozi Village. The township government is located in Boshu Chang (博树场).

Geography

Location and Area Boshu Hui Ethnic Township is located in the northeastern part of Langzhong City. It is bordered by Donghe to the east, Wen Cheng Town to the south and west, and Yunfeng Town to the north. The total area of the township is 23.48 square kilometers.

Topography

The terrain of Boshu Hui Ethnic Township is higher in the northeast and lower in the southwest.

Climate

Boshu Hui Ethnic Township experiences a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, suitable sunlight, and distinct seasons. The area experiences spring droughts, summer floods, autumn rains, and winter dryness. The average frost-free period is about 310 days. Rainfall is concentrated between May and September, with August receiving the most precipitation.

Hydrology

The Donghe River (东河) flows through six villages in the township: Sanwan, Denglong, Lailong, Qingzhen, Tuanjie.

Natural Disasters

Boshu Hui Ethnic Township is prone to strong winds, droughts, and hailstorms.

Natural Resources

As of 2011, Boshu Hui Ethnic Township had 7,530 acres of arable land. The region is rich in natural resources, including land suitable for agriculture and various mineral resources.

Population

As of the end of 2011, the total population of Boshu Hui Ethnic Township was 7,420, including 285 urban residents and 439 mobile residents. The population consisted of 3,819 males (51.5%) and 3,601 females (48.5%). The age distribution included 970 people under 14 years (13.1%), 5,102 people between 15 and 64 years (68.8%), and 1,348 people over 65 years (18.2%). The majority of the population is Han Chinese, with minorities including Hui, Yi, and Naxi ethnic groups totaling 3,487 people, resulting in a population density of 320 people per square kilometer.

By the end of 2017, the resident population was 3,900. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 6,629, and by the end of 2019, it was 6,601.

History and Culture

Place Name Origin Boshu Hui Ethnic Township is named after its administrative center, Boshu Chang.

Cultural Heritage The area contains several historical sites, including the tombstones of Pu Chunyu (蒲纯元) and his wife, a mosque, and the Baoning to Bazhou official road (also known as Wangdao). There are also the ruins of the Boshu Hui Autonomous Soviet Area and the Boshu Township Soviet Area.

Customs and Traditions

• Islamic Festivals: Annually, during the Islamic calendar’s Eid al-Fitr (开斋节), the Festival of the Prophet (圣纪节), and the Zhaerbang Festival (占尔邦节), local Muslims participate in religious ceremonies led by imams. These events may include slaughtering cattle and sheep for communal meals.
• Marriage Customs: For Hui people, marriage involves a matchmaker introducing the couple. Engagement is finalized after mutual agreement, and the groom presents a bride price. Traditional customs prohibit divination or astrology before marriage as they are seen as disrespectful to their religion. Weddings are held in mosques, with the imam officiating. The bride and groom pray to Allah for recognition as a married couple and are not involved in traditional Chinese ceremonies such as worshipping heaven and earth. The wedding procession avoids noisy celebrations and firecrackers. Instead, the use of torches made from cypress bark, which have evolved into lanterns, symbolizes a festive and bright event.
• Funeral Customs: Hui funerals are simple and emphasize quick burial. The deceased are buried in the same day if they die in the morning, or the next morning if they die in the afternoon. The body is not dressed but wrapped in white cloth. The coffin, made of stone with no bottom, symbolizes “returning to the earth.” After burial, Quranic verses are recited daily for forty days.

Local Specialties

Boshu Hui Ethnic Township is known for its local specialties, including halal dried beef and dried lamb. A unique Hui dish called “Yao Xian” (油飨) is made from flour, sugar, eggs, sesame seeds, and vegetable oil, prepared using traditional methods.

Travel Tips

How to Get There

• By Car: Boshu Hui Ethnic Township can be accessed by car from Langzhong City, which is well-connected by provincial highways.
• Public Transport: Buses from Nanchong City to Langzhong City may also serve routes to Boshu Hui Ethnic Township.

Travel Tips

• Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying the local Hui specialties, especially the traditional halal dried meats.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs, especially during religious festivals and ceremonies. Dress modestly and be aware of local practices regarding marriage and funerals.
• Weather Considerations: Be prepared for the subtropical climate by bringing suitable clothing for varying weather conditions, particularly during the rainy season from May to September.