Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town in Suixian County, Shangqiu

Location and Administrative Division

Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town (城关回族镇, Chengguan Huizu Zhen) is located in the central part of Suixian County (睢县), Shangqiu City (商丘市), Henan Province (河南省), China. The town is surrounded by the rural areas of Suixian County and covers an area of 11.94 square kilometers.

Historical Background

  • Ming Dynasty: Chengguan was part of Jinyi Township (锦衣乡) in Fangli (坊里).
  • Qing Dynasty: It was situated in Kuaishui Post (葵丘驿) within Fangshe (坊社).
  • 1912 (Republic of China): The area was established as Wencheng Town (文化镇), also known as Kuaishui Town (葵丘镇).
  • 1948 (Republic of China): Following the liberation of Suixian County, it became part of the Ninth District (第九区).
  • June 1956: The town was renamed Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town (城关回族镇).
  • September 1958: It became part of Chengguan Satellite Commune (城关卫星公社).
  • December 1983: Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town was re-established.

Administrative Divisions

As of the end of 2011, Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town was organized into 7 communities and 7 administrative villages:

  • Communities:
    • Jianshe Road Community (建设路社区)
    • Huangdong Road Community (湖东路社区)
    • Shengchan Road Community (生产路社区)
    • Yuanshan Road Community (袁山路社区)
    • Jiefang Road Community (解放路社区)
    • Wenhua Road Community (文化路社区)
    • Kangle Road Community (康乐路社区)
  • Villages:
    • Xiaomenli Village (小门里村)
    • Dongguan South Village (东关南村)
    • Dongguan North Village (东关北村)
    • Dongguan East Village (东关东村)
    • Nanguan Village (南关村)
    • Ximenli Village (西门里村)
    • Liudong Village (东关西村)

By June 2020, the town continued to have 7 communities and 7 administrative villages, with the town government based on Shuikou Road (水口路).

Geography and Land Resources

Location and Terrain

Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town is situated in the central part of Suixian County, with surrounding areas being rural and suburban. The town spans an area of 11.94 square kilometers.

Land Resources

The town has a total of 3,800 acres of arable land.

Population

As of the end of 2011, Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town had a total population of 67,400:

  • Urban Permanent Residents: 59,000 (urbanization rate: 86.8%)
  • Floating Population: 2,956
  • Male: 35,200 (52%)
  • Female: 32,200 (48%)
  • Han Chinese: 56,400
  • Ethnic Minorities: Hui (回族) 11,000, Buyei (布依族) 2, and Korean (朝鲜族) 5.

The population density was 2,696 people per square kilometer. The natural population growth rate was 6.94‰ with a birth rate of 9.9‰ and a death rate of 2.96‰.

By the end of 2018, the registered population was 60,239.

Economy

Financial and Industrial Overview

In 2011, Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town achieved a total fiscal revenue of 33.18 million RMB, with local fiscal revenue amounting to 22.23 million RMB. The per capita net income for farmers was 5,787 RMB.

By 2018, the town had 54 industrial enterprises, including 12 large-scale businesses. There were also 36 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area exceeding 50 square meters.

Transportation

How to Get There

  • By Car: Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town is accessible via several local roads connecting to major highways. Driving from Shangqiu City takes approximately 1 hour.
  • By Bus: Public buses run between Shangqiu City and Chengguan, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours.
  • By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Shangqiu. From these stations, you can take a taxi or bus to Chengguan.
  • By High-Speed Rail: High-speed rail services to Shangqiu offer a faster option, followed by a short taxi or bus ride.

Travel Tips

  1. Local Customs: Respect local Hui customs and try traditional Hui cuisine, such as lamb dishes and Hui-style pastries.
  2. Best Time to Visit: Visit during spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) for pleasant weather.
  3. Local Cuisine: Enjoy local Hui dishes and explore street food in Chengguan.
  4. Essential Services: Basic amenities are available in the town. For specialized services, visit Shangqiu City.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Origin of the Name

Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town is named for its central location in Suixian County. In the late Qing Dynasty, it was established as a checkpoint, hence the name “Chengguan” (城关). It was renamed Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town in 1956.

Cultural and Historical Sites

  • Yuanjia Mountain (袁家山): A protected cultural site in Henan Province.
  • Mosque (清真寺): A historical mosque reflecting the Hui culture.
  • Tang Family Ancestral Hall (汤家祠堂): A protected cultural site in Shangqiu City.

These sites offer insights into the local culture and history, enriching your visit to Chengguan Hui Ethnic Town.