Daqin Hui Ethnic Town in Kongtong District, Pingliang
Overview
Daqin Hui Ethnic Township (大秦回族乡), located in the northwestern hilly region of Kongtong District (崆峒区), Pingliang City (平凉市), Gansu Province, covers an administrative area of 58.48 square kilometers. It borders Baimiao Township (白庙乡) to the east, Liuhu Town (柳湖镇) to the south, Anguo Township (安国乡) to the west, and Zhaihe Township (寨河乡) and Xiyang Township (西阳乡) to the north.
The township was originally named “Anguo Third Township” and was located in Liu Temple Village (刘庙村). In 1954, it was renamed “Daqin Township” and further developed into Daqin Hui Ethnic Township in 1984. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 13,207 people, with the majority being Hui ethnic minority, constituting 87% of the population. The township comprises 12 administrative villages, and the local government is based in Dongjiu Village (东九村).
How to Get There (Transportation)
To visit Daqin Hui Ethnic Township, you can travel by bus or car from the city center of Pingliang (平凉市). The township is approximately 30 kilometers away from the main urban area. Regular buses operate from Pingliang to Kongtong District, where visitors can then transfer to local transportation heading to Daqin. Private taxis and rideshare services are also available. The nearest major transportation hub is Pingliang Railway Station, offering train services from nearby cities.
Travel Tips:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal, as the summer can be quite hot and the winter can be cold and dry.
- Clothing: Bring warm clothing if visiting in winter, as temperatures can drop to -6°C, especially in the morning and evening.
- Cultural Sensitivity: As the township has a majority Hui Muslim population, it is advised to dress modestly and respect local customs, particularly around religious practices.
History
- In 1954, Daqin Township was established.
- During the Communist period in 1958, Daqin was transformed into a people’s commune known as Daqin Commune.
- In 1984, following China’s rural reforms, the area was officially designated as Daqin Hui Ethnic Township.
Administrative Divisions
Daqin Hui Ethnic Township administers 12 villages, including:
- Daqin Village (大秦村)
- Dongjiu Village (东九村)
- Xijiu Village (西九村)
- Liu Temple Village (刘庙村)
- Dongyang Village (东阳村)
- Shashui Village (沙塬村)
- Liangdong Village (梁东村)
- Liangxi Village (梁西村)
- Sanshu Village (三树村)
- Sujia Village (苏家村)
- Tengbao Village (腾堡村)
- Dazhang Village (大张村)
Geography and Climate
Location
Daqin Hui Ethnic Township is located in the northwestern hilly plateau region of Kongtong District, with an area of 58.48 square kilometers. The topography is characterized by narrow plateaus with a slightly higher elevation in the west and lower in the east. The highest point is in Dazhang Village (大张村), at an altitude of 1,750 meters.
Climate
The township experiences a temperate continental arid climate. Autumn tends to bring prolonged rain, while winters and springs are dry with strong northwesterly winds. The average annual temperature is 8.5°C, with the hottest month being July, averaging 20.6°C, and the coldest month being January, averaging -6°C. The area experiences an average of 160–170 frost-free days per year, with an annual precipitation of 400–500 millimeters and an evaporation rate of 1,370 millimeters.
Natural Disasters
The main natural hazards affecting Daqin Hui Ethnic Township include hailstorms and frost. These weather events can occur unexpectedly, especially during transitional seasons.
Natural Resources
The township has significant deposits of clay and kaolin, which are valuable for ceramics and other industrial uses. Additionally, it boasts a variety of plant and animal resources, enriching the local biodiversity and providing opportunities for sustainable agriculture and livestock farming.
Population
Demographics
As of the end of 2011, Daqin Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 11,822, with males accounting for 54.9% and females making up 45.1%. Hui ethnic group members make up 87% of the population (9,996 people), while the remaining 13% are Han Chinese. The population density stands at 202.1 people per square kilometer. By the end of 2018, the population had grown to 13,207.
Travel Tip: Due to the significant Hui Muslim population, halal food is widely available in the area, and visitors are encouraged to try local specialties.
