Caoping Hui Ethnic Town in Yanshan District, Guilin
Location and Administrative Division
Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township (Cao Ping Huizu Xiang, 草坪回族乡) is located in Yanshan District (雁山区), Guilin City (桂林市), Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (广西壮族自治区), China. It is situated in the eastern part of Yanshan District, bordering Yangshuo County (阳朔县) to the south, adjacent to Zhemu Town (柘木镇), Yanshan Town (雁山镇), and Dabu Township (大埠乡) to the northwest, and neighboring Daxu Town (大圩镇) and Chao Tian Township (潮田乡) to the northeast. The township is 37 kilometers from Guilin City. The total area of the township is 29.52 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population of Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township was 5,611 people.
Historical Background
- Qing Dynasty: During the Qing Dynasty, the area now known as Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township was part of Lin Gui County (临桂县).
- 1933: The area was designated as Cao Ping Township (草坪乡) under Lin Gui County.
- 1984: Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township was established.
- 1996: It was incorporated into Yanshan District of Guilin City.
Administrative Divisions
As of the end of 2011, Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township was divided into 1 community and 3 administrative villages:
- Cao Ping Community (草坪街社区)
- Cao Ping Village (草坪村)
- Qianjing Village (潜经村)
- Datian Village (大田村)
By June 2020, the township continued to be administratively organized as described above, with the township government located opposite the Guan Yan Scenic Area (冠岩景区) in Cao Ping Village.
Geography and Climate
Location and Terrain
Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the eastern part of Yanshan District, with a total area of 29.52 square kilometers. The terrain is rugged, characterized by Karst landforms. The average elevation is 300 meters, with mountains and rivers forming the primary landscape features. The region includes a Karst peak cluster to the south, the Li River (漓江) to the west, and a small plain to the north.
Climate
Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with an average annual temperature of 17°C. The climate is mild with distinct seasons, featuring dry springs, long summers with abundant rainfall, and clear, cool winters.
Hydrology
The Li River flows through the township from north to south, covering a distance of 12 kilometers within the area.
Natural Disasters
Common natural disasters include droughts and floods. During the rainy season, upstream floods in the Li River can lead to flooding in Cao Ping Village (街), affecting rice fields.
Natural Resources
In 2011, Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township had 4,957.5 acres of arable land, averaging 0.97 acres per person.
Population
Demographics
By the end of 2011, the registered population of Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township was 5,155. The gender distribution was 2,566 males (49.78%) and 2,589 females (50.22%). The population included 264 floating residents. The majority ethnic group is Han (汉族), comprising 4,074 people (79%), while Hui (回族), Zhuang (壮族), and Yao (瑶族) ethnic groups make up 21%, with Hui people numbering 1,068 (20.7%). The birth rate in 2011 was 14.2‰, the death rate was 6.4‰, and the natural growth rate was 7.8‰. The population density was 161.09 people per square kilometer.
As of the end of 2017, the resident population was 5,411. By the end of 2018, the registered population was 5,560, and by the end of 2019, it had increased to 5,611.
Economy
Overview
In 2013, Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township achieved a fiscal revenue of 4.52 million yuan, which was 3.5 times the revenue in 2004. The total output value of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries reached 63.21 million yuan, a 2.1-fold increase from 2004.
Primary Industry
The township has 4,957.5 acres of farmland, with major crops including wheat, corn, and oilseeds. In 2011, the total grain output was 13,100 tons, and the total agricultural income was 25.286 million yuan. Livestock farming is significant, with 25,000 beef cattle and an end-of-year stock of 10,000 heads.
Secondary Industry
The secondary sector includes building materials, leather, paper, and carbide production. In 2011, industrial revenue was 780 million yuan, making up 64% of the rural economy’s total income.
Tertiary Industry
By the end of 2011, there was one comprehensive trade market focusing on agricultural products, small commodities, and livestock transactions.
Transportation
How to Get There
- By Bus: Public buses connect Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township with Guilin City, with a journey taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours.
- By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient way to reach Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township. The drive from Guilin City takes about 1 hour.
- By Train: The nearest major railway station is in Guilin City. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the township.
- By Road: Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township is accessible via the Da Cao Road (大草公路), which connects the township to Guilin and Yangshuo. The Li River tourism route also passes through the area. The Xiamen Passenger Transport Station, established in 2006, provides local transportation services.
Travel Tips
Local Customs
As a Hui ethnic area, it is essential to respect local customs, including dress codes and dietary restrictions. Avoid carrying or consuming alcohol in public spaces.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for visiting Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township due to favorable weather conditions.
Local Cuisine
Hui cuisine is known for its distinct flavors, particularly lamb and beef dishes. Be sure to try local specialties like Hui-style dumplings and grilled lamb.
Essential Services
Basic services are available within the township, including local markets and small shops. For specialized services, visiting Guilin City may be necessary.
Attractions
Cao Ping Hui Ethnic Township is home to several notable attractions:
- Guan Yan Scenic Area (冠岩景区): A 4A-rated national tourist attraction.
- Shenlong Water World Resort (神龙水世界度假区): A popular resort area.
- Yunwu Mountain Villa (云雾山庄): A scenic spot offering beautiful views.
- Li River (漓江): A key scenic area with 12 kilometers flowing through the township. Notable landmarks along the river include Nine Bulls Looking at Three Continents (九牛望三洲), Dragon Playing in Water (群龙戏水), Half-Moon Peach (半边仙桃), Frog Crossing the River (青蛙过江), and Husband Watching Stone (望夫石).
- Qianjing Village (潜经村): Features Hui-style mosques and historic trading posts.
