Caizhai Hui Ethnic Township in Xiping County, Zhumadian

Caizhai Hui Township is located in Xiping County (西平县), Zhumadian City (驻马店市), Henan Province (河南省). It is situated in the southern part of Xiping County, bordered by Jiaozhuang Township (焦庄乡) to the east, Suiping County’s Xing Town (兴镇) and Shen Zhai Town (沈寨镇) to the south and west, and Erlang Township (二郎乡) to the north. The township is 16 kilometers from Xiping County’s urban area and covers an area of 18.72 square kilometers.

Historical Development

  • 1934: Caizhai was part of Xinfeng Bao (新丰保) during the Republic of China.
  • 1949: It belonged to Jingang District (金刚区).
  • 1954 November: Caizhai Hui Autonomous Region (蔡寨回族自治区) was established, including Caizhai and Xiaowa Townships (肖洼).
  • 1956: The Hui Autonomous Region was abolished and replaced by Caizhai Hui Central Township (蔡寨回族中心乡).
  • 1958: Caizhai Hui Central Township was merged into Erlang Commune (二郎公社).
  • 1986 November: Caizhai Hui Township was reestablished from Erlang Commune.

Administrative Division

As of the end of 2011, Caizhai Hui Township included six administrative villages:

  • Caizhai Village (蔡寨村)
  • Cuizhuang Village (崔庄村)
  • Xiaowa Village (肖洼村)
  • Sihouguo Village (寺后郭村)
  • Fengzhangzhuang Village (冯张庄村)
  • Fenglaozhuang Village (冯老庄村)

By June 2020, the administrative structure remained the same, with the township government located in Caizhai Village.

Geographic Environment

Location

Caizhai Hui Township is situated in the southern part of Xiping County, between longitudes 113°92′ and 113°99′ east and latitudes 33°25′ and 33°28′ north. It is bordered by Jiaozhuang Township to the east, Suiping County’s Xing Town and Shen Zhai Town to the south and west, and Erlang Township to the north. The township is 16 kilometers from Xiping County’s urban area and covers an area of 18.72 square kilometers.

Climate

The climate in Caizhai Hui Township is temperate with distinct seasons and a long frost-free period. The average annual temperature is 16.1°C, and the annual rainfall is 830 millimeters.

Natural Resources

As of 2011, Caizhai Hui Township had 22,000 mu (approximately 14.67 square kilometers) of arable land, with an average of 1.3 mu (0.87 hectares) per capita. The area also includes 8,100 mu (approximately 5.4 square kilometers) of hilly land.

Population

By the end of 2011, Caizhai Hui Township had a total population of 16,598:

  • Urban residents: 244 (urbanization rate of 1.5%)
  • Transient residents: 457

Population demographics were as follows:

  • Males: 8,734 (52.6%)
  • Females: 7,864 (47.4%)
  • Under 14 years: 2,875 (17.3%)
  • Ages 15-64 years: 11,652 (70.2%)
  • Over 65 years: 2,071 (12.5%)
  • Han ethnic group: 12,177 (73.4%)
  • Hui ethnic group: 4,421 (26.6%)

In 2011, the birth rate was 6.8‰, the death rate was 6‰, and the natural population growth rate was 0.8‰. The population density was 839.55 people per square kilometer. By the end of 2017, the permanent population was 17,022. By the end of 2018, the registered population was 17,300.

Transportation

Caizhai Hui Township is accessible by several major routes:

  • Western Shiwu High-Speed Railway (西部石武高铁): Passes through the township.
  • Local Roads: The township has two main rural roads, Tuanjie Road (团结路) and Minzu Road (民族路), totaling 15 kilometers. In 2011, 20 kilometers of new cement roads were constructed.

How to Get There

  • By Train: Take the Western Shiwu High-Speed Railway to a nearby station and then transfer to local transport.
  • By Car: Drive from Zhumadian City to Caizhai Hui Township, following the main roads that connect to the high-speed railway and local highways.
  • By Public Transport: Local buses or taxis can be used from neighboring towns and cities to reach Caizhai Hui Township.

Travel Tips

  • Road Conditions: Main roads and highways are generally well-maintained, but it is advisable to check for road conditions and travel advisories before departure.
  • Local Transportation: Within the township, local buses and taxis are available. It might be helpful to have a local guide or contact to navigate the area more easily.

Cultural and Historical Aspects

Origin of the Name

Caizhai Hui Township is named after Caizhai Village, where the township government is located. Legend has it that Caiyi (蔡邑) established a fort in the area, leading to the name Caizhai.

Historical and Cultural Sites

  • Chenping Tomb (陈平坟): A county-level cultural relic protection site located within the township.

Customs and Traditions

  • Qingzi Calligraphy: The art of Arabic calligraphy, known as Qingzi, is used by Hui Muslims to write Islamic scriptures and proverbs. It is a traditional decorative art form that includes banners, couplets, and other types of decorative writing.
  • Folk Songs: Traditional Hui Muslim folk songs, known as Jing Tang Ge (经堂歌), are popular. These songs use simple Chinese poetry to recite Islamic teachings and moral advice. Notable examples include “Imam’s Song” (伊玛民歌), “Six Major Beliefs Song” (六大信仰歌), and “Eight Hundred Songs of Filial Piety” (劝孝八百歌).
  • Local Legends: Popular local legends include “A Dan and Good Girl” (阿丹与好娃), “Origin of the Hui People” (回回的来历), “Legend of Fragrance” (香气的传说), and “Playing with the In-laws” (耍公婆抹黑脸).