Chencun Hui Ethnic Town of Qiuxian County, Handan

Overview

Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township (Chen Cun Huizu Xiang, 陈村回族乡) is located in Qiu County (邱县), Handan City (邯郸市), Hebei Province. It lies in the southwestern part of Qiu County, bordered by Qiu City Town (邱城镇) to the east and south, adjacent to Huaiqiao Town (槐桥镇) and Hou Village Town (侯村镇) in Quzhou County (曲周县) to the west, and connected to Xinma Town (新马头镇) to the north. The township covers an area of 11.24 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 7,726.

In April 1953, Chen Village Hui Autonomous Township was established. In 1956, it became part of Qiu City Town. In 1958, it was merged into Quzhou County and became part of Qiu City Commune. On March 27, 1962, Qiu County was reestablished, and Chen Village returned to Qiu City Commune. In 1984, it was part of Qiu City Town again and was formally reestablished as Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township on May 8, 1984. As of June 2020, the township comprises 5 administrative villages, with the township government located at No. 10, Government Road, Chen Three Village (陈三村).

In 2018, there were 6 industrial enterprises in Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township, including 1 above the designated size, along with 17 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area exceeding 50 square meters.

Historical Development

  • During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it was part of Fuchun Township in Qiu County.
  • In the early Republic of China, it was known as Chen Village in Fuchun District.
  • During the Second Sino-Japanese War, it belonged to District One of Qiu County and later to District Three.
  • In April 1953, Chen Village Hui Autonomous Township was established.
  • In 1956, it became part of Qiu City Town.
  • In 1958, it was merged into Quzhou County and became part of Qiu City Commune.
  • On March 27, 1962, Qiu County was reinstated, and Chen Village was placed under Qiu City Commune.
  • In 1984, it returned to Qiu City Town.
  • On May 8, 1984, it was reestablished as Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Division

As of the end of 2011, Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township governed five villagers’ committees:

  • Chen One Village (陈一村)
  • Chen Two Village (陈二村)
  • Chen Three Village (陈三村)
  • Chen Four Village (陈四村)
  • Yang Erzhuang Village (杨二庄)

By June 2020, the township continued to administer these five administrative villages.

Geographic Environment

Location

Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the southwestern part of Qiu County. It is bordered by:

  • East: Qiu City Town (邱城镇)
  • South: Qiu City Town (邱城镇)
  • West: Huaiqiao Town (槐桥镇) and Hou Village Town (侯村镇) in Quzhou County
  • North: Xinma Town (新马头镇)

Population

By the end of 2011, the total population of Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township was 7,174, with an additional 695 migrant residents. The population included 3,625 males (50.53%) and 3,549 females (49.47%). Among them, 1,935 individuals (26.97%) were under 18 years old, 2,045 (28.51%) were between 19 and 35, 2,166 (30.19%) were between 36 and 60, and 1,028 (14.33%) were over 61. The majority were Hui people, numbering 6,241 (87%), while Han Chinese accounted for 933 (13%). The birth rate was 15.73‰, the death rate was 5‰, and the natural population growth rate was 10.73%. The population density was 598 people per square kilometer. By 2017, the permanent population was recorded at 6,108, and by the end of 2018, the registered population was 7,726.

Transportation

By 2011, Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township had a total of 11 kilometers of roads within its jurisdiction, including 2 outgoing township roads, 7 main streets, and 4 outgoing village roads, ensuring all villages were accessible by road.

Name Origin

The township is named Chen Village Hui Ethnic Township due to the government being located in Chen Three Village.

Scenic Attractions

  • Chen Village Mosque: Built in 1577 (5th year of the Wanli era), it features a “Ke’er Bai” style and is located in the center of the village, consisting of 18 main halls and 17 other rooms.
  • Chen Village Women’s Mosque: This mosque includes 5 main halls, 3 lecture rooms, 1 water room, and 1 gatehouse.

How to Get There

By Public Transportation

  • Bus: Local buses run from Handan to Qiu County, with stops in Chen Village. Check schedules for specific routes and times.
  • Train: The nearest train station is in Handan City. From there, take a bus or taxi to reach Chen Village.

By Taxi or Ride-hailing

Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing are available in the area. Simply enter “Chen Cun Huizu Xiang” (陈村回族乡) as your destination.

Driving

If you are driving, take the main roads from Handan City towards Qiu County, following local signage to reach Chen Village.

Travel Tips

  • Cultural Respect: As a Hui Muslim community, be respectful of local customs, especially regarding food. Avoid bringing pork into the community and consider dietary restrictions during meals.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for visiting when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold.
  • Local Cuisine: Try traditional Hui dishes, particularly lamb and beef. Look for halal restaurants for an authentic dining experience.
  • Engage with the Community: Participating in local festivals and events is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and connect with residents, enriching your travel experience.