Ciyuan Hui Ethnic Town in Ludian County, Zhaotong
Overview
Ciyuan Hui Township昭通市鲁甸县茨院回族乡 is located in the eastern part of Ludian County, Zhaotong City, Yunnan Province. It borders Yongfeng Town and Leju Town in the northeast and north, respectively, connects with Taoyuan Hui (回族) Township to the south, and adjoins Wenping Town to the west. The township covers an area of 41.96 square kilometers and had a registered population of 31,565 at the end of 2019.
How to Get There
- By Car: From Zhaotong City, you can drive to Ciyuan Township via Route 213, which is paved and connects the township with other villages like Hulukou and Yanzha. The drive from Zhaotong to Ciyuan typically takes around 1-2 hours.
- Public Transport: Rural buses frequently run from Zhaotong City to the various villages in Ciyuan Township. Check local bus schedules for specific routes and departure times.
Historical Development
Before 1988, the entire area was part of Taoyuan District (Wenping District and Commune). In 1988, Ciyuan Township was established by separating Hulukou, Yanzha, and Tianhe from Taoyuan Township.
Administrative Divisions
As of June 2020, Ciyuan Hui (回族) Township administers 2 communities and 4 administrative villages. The township government is located in Ciyuan.
Communities:
- Ciyuan Community
- Harmony Community
Villages:
- Hulukou Village
- Yanzha Village
- Banbanfang Village
- Tianhe Village
How to Get There
- By Car: Ciyuan Township is accessible by local roads connecting to the county seat. The journey is straightforward but can be challenging in adverse weather conditions.
- Public Transport: Regular bus services operate between Ciyuan and surrounding areas. Buses are a convenient option for visitors coming from major towns or cities.
Geographical Environment
Location
Ciyuan Hui (回族) Township is situated in the eastern part of Ludian County. It is bordered by Yongfeng and Leju towns in the north and east, Taoyuan Hui (回族) Township to the south, and Wenping Town to the west. The total area of the township is 41.96 square kilometers.
Topography
The highest point in Ciyuan Township is located in the northeastern extension of Wubing Mountain, at an altitude of 2,250 meters. The lowest point is at Shiniu Kou, with an elevation of 1,900 meters.
Climate
The entire area is part of the basin region, with an average annual temperature of 12.2°C. The frost-free period averages 230 days per year, and the average annual precipitation is 877 mm. In areas above 2,000 meters in elevation, the average temperature is 11.7°C, with a frost-free period of 200 days and an annual precipitation of 900 mm.
Hydrology
The largest river in Ciyuan Township is the Zhaolu River, with a drainage area of 234.9 square kilometers. It flows from the junction of Wenping Town into the township and is 8 kilometers long within the township, serving as a major tributary of the Zhaolu River.
Population
By the end of 2011, the total population of Ciyuan Township was 28,215. The population was composed of 14,229 males (50.43%) and 13,986 females (49.57%). According to the sixth national census, 26.5% of the population was under 14 years old, 74.2% was between 15 and 64 years old, and 5.52% was over 65 years old. The majority ethnic group was Han, with 20,337 individuals (72.08%). Other ethnic groups include Hui, Yi, Miao, Zhuang, and Bai, totaling 7,878 individuals (27.92%). Among the minorities, the Hui ethnic group was predominant, comprising 7,485 people (95% of the minority population), while the Yi ethnic group had 369 people (4.7%).
Economy
Overview
In 2019, Ciyuan Hui (回族) Township had 27 industrial enterprises, with 5 of them being large-scale operations. There were also 27 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area exceeding 50 square meters.
Agriculture
The township has 22,470 acres of arable land, including 5,250 acres of paddy fields. In 2011, it produced 7,555 tons of grain, including 2,573 tons of rice. Major economic crops include vegetables and tobacco, with 755 tons of tobacco and 4,499 tons of vegetables produced in 2011. The fruit cultivation area was 1,560 acres, yielding 801 tons of fruit.
Industry
In 2011, the total industrial output value of Ciyuan Township reached 6.01 million yuan, with one provincial-level industrial park located in the area.
How to Get There
- By Car: The township is connected by paved roads, including a section of Route 213. The drive from Zhaotong City or surrounding towns is relatively straightforward.
- Public Transport: Buses run between Ciyuan and nearby towns. Check local schedules for the most accurate information on departures and routes.
Transportation
The township is served by the county road leading to Longshu, with Route 213 running through Ciyuan, Hulukou, and Yanzha. All five villages in the township are connected by paved roads. The Zhaoqiao Secondary Road, which is 132 kilometers long, and the Zhaolu Expressway, which is 19.64 kilometers long, provide key access routes, with an 8.16-kilometer section in Ludian.
Name Origin
Ciyuan Hui (回族) Township is named after its administrative center, Ciyuan. “Ciyuan” is derived from the Yi language, meaning “farmland.”
Travel Tips
- Accommodation: Check for local guesthouses or hotels in Zhaotong City or directly in Ciyuan Township for a more immersive experience.
- Local Cuisine: Explore local Hui (回族) cuisine in Ciyuan for a unique culinary experience.
- Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially if traveling to higher elevations. Bring appropriate clothing for both warm and cool temperatures.
