Dayuan Hui Ethnic Town in Qingchuan County, Guangyuan
Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township (大院回族乡), located in the central part of Qingchuan County (青川县), Guangyuan City (广元市), Sichuan Province, covers an area of 50.16 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, it had a registered population of 5,628 people. To the east, it borders Chaba Township (茶坝乡), to the south is Liangshui Town (凉水镇), to the west is Maoba Township (茅坝乡), and to the north, it neighbors Daba Township (大坝乡), Huangping Township (黄坪乡), and Wali Township (瓦砾乡).
Established during the early Republican period in 1912, it underwent various administrative changes before becoming a Hui ethnic township in 1989. By June 2020, the township governed 1 community and 5 administrative villages. In 2019, Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township had five comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of more than 50 square meters.
Historical Development
- 1912: Dayuan regiment training office was established, under Qingchuan sub-county.
- 1935: The Soviet government of Dayuan Township was set up under the jurisdiction of Pingwu County’s Qingchuan District.
- 1942: Dayuan Township was established, part of Qingchuan County’s 2nd District.
- 1950: The township was part of Qingchuan County’s 3rd District (Guanzhuang District).
- 1958: The township became a commune, under Dayuan District.
- 1959: It was governed by Liangshui District.
- 1961: It came under the administration of Guanzhuang District.
- 1984: The commune was re-designated as a township.
- 1989: It became Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township, under Liangshui District.
- 1992: Liangshui District was dissolved, and Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township came directly under Qingchuan County.
Administrative Divisions
By the end of 2011, Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township was responsible for 1 residents’ committee (Mingzhu Community) and 6 villagers’ committees, namely Qinghua, Suojia, Huaguo, Zhuba, Damao, and Jianxing. There were 2 resident groups and 58 village groups under these committees. By June 2020, it governed 1 community and 5 administrative villages, with the township government seated in Dayuanli.
Current Administrative Areas:
- Mingzhu Community (明珠社区)
- Suojia Village (锁家村)
- Huaguo Village (花果村)
- Damao Village (大茅村)
- Zhuba Village (竹坝村)
- Jianxing Village (建兴村)
Geography and Environment
Location
Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township is located in the central region of Qingchuan County. It borders Chaba Township to the east, Liangshui Town to the south, Maoba Township to the west, and Daba, Huangping, and Wali Townships to the north. The total area of the township is 50.16 square kilometers.
Terrain
The terrain of Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township is higher in the north and lower in the south. The highest point is at Putai Mountain (菩台山), with an elevation of 1,764 meters, while the lowest point is at Maoerling (猫儿岭), at 730 meters above sea level.
Climate
The township experiences a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 13.9°C. The average annual sunshine duration is about 1,300 hours, and the average annual precipitation is 960 mm.
Water Resources
The primary rivers in the township are Dayuan River (大院河) and Huajie River (花街河). The Dayuan River originates from Jiujia Ridge (酒家垭) at an altitude of 1,586 meters in the north, flowing southward for 19.2 kilometers. The Huajie River starts at Putai Mountain, flowing south for 7.4 kilometers before merging with Dayuan River.
Natural Disasters
The township is prone to natural disasters such as floods, windstorms, droughts, and earthquakes. The most severe drought occurred in 1994, causing crop failures and drinking water shortages. In August 2006, severe flooding destroyed large areas of farmland and infrastructure. The most devastating disaster was the Wenchuan Earthquake on May 12, 2008, which resulted in 25 deaths, 120 injuries, and significant damage to infrastructure and housing, with direct economic losses of 1.2 billion yuan.
Natural Resources
Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township is rich in natural resources, including quartz, bluestone, barite, and gold. The main distribution areas of quartz are in Suojia, Huaguo, Zhuba, and Qinghua villages. Other local resources include walnuts, mushrooms, tea, and medicinal plants like ginkgo and Eucommia.
Population
At the end of 2011, the total population of the township was 5,967, with an urbanization rate of 4.1%. The majority of the population is Han Chinese, making up 76.5%, while Hui people constitute 23.5%. By 2017, the permanent population was 5,305, and by the end of 2019, the registered population was 5,628.
Transportation
In 2011, the township had several key transportation routes, including the Jianqing Road (剑青路), which runs through the township for 8.6 kilometers. Additionally, there were 26 village roads, totaling 94.4 kilometers in length. Passenger buses from Qiaozhuang to Chengdu, Mianyang, and Guangyuan passed through the township daily, with four departures per day.
How to Get There
Travelers can reach Dayuan Hui Ethnic Township by taking long-distance buses from major cities such as Chengdu, Guangyuan, and Mianyang. The most convenient way is to take a bus to Qingchuan County, followed by local transportation to the township. The roads leading into the area are well-maintained, making it accessible by car or bus. The Jianqing Road is the primary route that connects the township with other parts of Qingchuan County.
Travel Tips:
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather, making them ideal for visiting. Summers can be humid, while winters may experience cold conditions.
- Local amenities: While there are a few small stores and supermarkets, it is recommended to bring any necessary supplies as the facilities are limited in the rural areas.
- Cultural respect: As a Hui ethnic area, visitors should be mindful of local customs, particularly regarding dietary restrictions and religious practices.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Origin of the Name
The township derives its name from a large courtyard or estate where the township government used to be located, commonly referred to as “Dayuanli” (大院里), meaning “within the courtyard.” The name “Dayuan” (大院) reflects this historical setting.
The township’s history, natural beauty, and cultural significance make it a fascinating place for travelers interested in rural and ethnic experiences in Sichuan Province.
