Changying Hui Ethnic Town of Chaoyang District, Beijing

Overview

Changying Hui Ethnic Township (Changying Huizu Xiang, 常营回族乡) is an administrative township located in the Chaoyang District of Beijing, China. It is situated in the eastern part of Chaoyang District, between longitudes 116°34′02″E to 116°37′30″E and latitudes 39°54′55″N to 39°56′22″N. The township is bordered by Dajiaoyao Village in Tongzhou District to the east, Guanzhuang Township to the south, Sanjianfang Township to the west, and Louzizhuang Village of Jinshan Township and Xijiaojing Village in Dongba Township to the north. The township spans 5.4 kilometers from east to west and 2.7 kilometers from north to south, with a total area of 9.3 square kilometers.

In July 1984, the Changying Hui Ethnic Township was established under the administration of Shuangqiao Rural Office in Tongzhou. In September 1998, it came under the jurisdiction of Chaoyang District. The township officially adopted its current name in June 2000. On December 17, 2002, the Changying Township Office was set up, sharing the same administration and resources as Changying Hui Ethnic Township.

As of June 2020, the township administers 12 communities. By the end of 2018, the registered population of Changying Hui Ethnic Township was 35,363 residents.

Administrative History

  • 1955: Changying was established as a Hui Ethnic Autonomous Township under the jurisdiction of Tongzhou.
  • 1958: Changying was integrated into the Eastern Suburban District.
  • August 1958: Changying was placed under the administration of Chaoyang People’s Commune in Chaoyang District, and its name was temporarily changed to “Changying.”
  • July 1984: The area became Changying Hui Ethnic Township under Shuangqiao Rural Office in Tongzhou.
  • September 1998: The township came under the jurisdiction of Chaoyang District.
  • June 2000: The name was changed to Changying Hui Ethnic Township.
  • December 17, 2002: The Changying Township Office was established, operating under the same administration as the township.

Administrative Divisions

By the end of 2011, Changying Hui Ethnic Township governed 11 residential committees, including Minzu Jiayuan, Lianxinyuan, Xinzhaojiayuan, Wanxiang Xintian, Huiwanhong, Apple Pie, Changxin Yangguang, Baoli Jiayuan, Zhuxin Jiayuan, Changying Fudi, and Lijingyuan, with a total of 270 residential groups.

As of June 2020, Changying Hui Ethnic Township administers 12 communities:

  • Huiwanhong Community (荟万鸿社区)
  • Xinzhaojiayuan Community (鑫兆佳园社区)
  • Wanxiang Xintian Community (万象新天社区)
  • Changying Minzu Jiayuan Community (常营民族家园社区)
  • Lianxinyuan Community (连心园社区)
  • Apple Pie Community (苹果派社区)
  • Changying Fudi Community (常营福第社区)
  • Changxin Yangguang Community (畅心阳光社区)
  • Changying Baoli Community (常营保利社区)
  • Lijingyuan Community (丽景园社区)
  • Zhuxin Jiayuan Community (住欣家园社区)
  • Dongfang Huating Community (东方华庭社区)

The township government is located at Building 9, Yanbao Changying Jiayuan, Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District.

Geography

Changying Hui Ethnic Township is located in the eastern part of Chaoyang District, with coordinates ranging between 116°34′02″E to 116°37′30″E and 39°54′55″N to 39°56′22″N. It is bordered by several villages and townships, including Tongzhou District’s Dajiaoyao Village to the east, Guanzhuang Township to the south, Sanjianfang Township to the west, and Jinshan Township’s Louzizhuang Village to the north. The total area of the township is 9.3 square kilometers, with the longest distance from east to west being 5.4 kilometers, and the longest distance from north to south being 2.7 kilometers.

Population and Ethnic Composition

At the end of 2011, the total population of Changying Hui Ethnic Township was 20,582, of which 13,428 were urban permanent residents, representing an urbanization rate of 65.2%. The floating population in the township amounted to 24,597 individuals. The gender distribution was fairly even, with males accounting for 50.4% (10,378 people) and females making up 49.6% (10,204 people).

The township is predominantly Han, with 13,019 residents, representing 63.3% of the total population. The Hui ethnic group is the largest minority, comprising 6,898 individuals, accounting for 91.2% of the minority population.

In 2011, the birth rate was 21.2 per thousand, while the death rate was 2.4 per thousand, resulting in a natural population growth rate of 18.8 per thousand. By the end of 2018, the registered population had grown to 35,363 residents.

Origin of the Name

The name “Changying” (常营) is derived from the historical significance of the area. In the early Ming Dynasty, Hui General Chang Yuchun (常遇春) led his troops north to attack the Yuan Dynasty’s capital and stationed his troops in the area that later became the village of Changying. The village became a settlement for Hui people, and the township was named after this military encampment.

Honors and Recognition

In December 2019, Changying Hui Ethnic Township was recognized as a “Sports Feature Township” by Beijing, highlighting its contributions to promoting sports and physical activities.

How to Get There

By Public Transportation

  • Subway: The closest subway station to Changying Hui Ethnic Township is Changying Station on Line 6 of the Beijing Subway. From there, it’s a short bus or taxi ride to the township.
  • Bus: Several bus routes service the area, including Route 306, Route 499, and Route 758, which have stops near or within the township.

By Taxi or Ride-hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi Chuxing are widely available in Beijing and can take you directly to Changying Hui Ethnic Township. Simply input the destination as “Changying Huizu Xiang” (常营回族乡) or the specific community within the township.

Driving

If you prefer driving, Changying Hui Ethnic Township is located in eastern Beijing and is accessible via Chaoyang North Road or the Jingtong Expressway (Beijing-Tongzhou Expressway).

Travel Tips

  • Cultural Sensitivity: As Changying Hui Ethnic Township has a significant Hui Muslim population, be mindful of cultural practices, especially when it comes to food and behavior in public spaces. Respect for Islamic customs, such as not eating pork in public, is appreciated.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the township, as the weather in Beijing is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold with occasional snow.
  • Local Cuisine: Changying Hui Ethnic Township is home to a variety of Hui Muslim restaurants offering traditional halal food, such as roast lamb, mutton skewers, and hand-pulled noodles. These dishes are a must-try for visitors.