Dazhai Hui Ethnic Town in Kongtong District, Pingliang

Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township (Dazhai Huizu Xiang 大寨回族乡) is located in the southeastern part of Kongtong District (崆峒区), Pingliang City (平凉市), Gansu Province (甘肃省). The township is bordered by Baishui Town (白水镇) and Chongxin County (崇信县) to the east, Ankou Town (安口镇) in Huating County (华亭县) to the south, Shangyang and Xiamen Townships (上杨和峡门乡) to the west, and Shishili Pu Town (四十里铺镇) to the north. The total administrative area covers 227.04 square kilometers.

In 1984, Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township was officially established, and in December 2003, Kangzhuang Township (康庄乡) was merged into it. By the end of 2018, the township had a registered population of 26,162 people, with Hui ethnic people making up the majority (about 70% of the population as of 2011). As of June 2020, Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township administers 24 villages. The township government is located in Zhaoyuan Village (赵塬村) on Zhaoyuan Street.

Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township has a modest level of commercial development, with 3 industrial enterprises and one comprehensive store or supermarket with an area exceeding 50 square meters as of 2018.

How to Get There (Transportation)

Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township can be accessed from Pingliang City by bus or private vehicle. It is located around 40 kilometers from the center of Pingliang, and there are local roads that connect the township to nearby towns such as Baishui Town (白水镇) and Shishili Pu Town (四十里铺镇). From Pingliang Railway Station, visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus toward the township. For those coming from further away, the nearest airport is Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport (兰州中川机场), which is around 300 kilometers from the township, and from there, travelers can take a train or bus to Pingliang.

Travel Tips

  1. Best Time to Visit: Due to the semi-arid and semi-humid climate, the best time to visit Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township is from spring to autumn (April to October), when temperatures are mild, and the landscape is green.
  2. Local Customs: As a Hui ethnic township, respect for local Islamic customs is important. Be mindful of dietary restrictions (halal food is commonly consumed), and avoid visiting mosques during prayer times unless invited.
  3. Facilities: The township is relatively rural, with limited modern amenities, so visitors should plan accordingly by bringing necessary supplies. However, basic necessities are available at the local supermarket.
  4. Transportation: Local transportation is limited, so hiring a local guide or arranging private transport from Pingliang City is recommended.

Historical Development

  • 1984: Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township was officially established.
  • December 2003: Kangzhuang Township was merged into Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2011, Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township administers 24 village committees, with 146 villager groups:

  1. Zhaoyuan Village (赵塬村)
  2. Gaoyuan Village (高塬村)
  3. Dazhai Village (大寨村)
  4. Zhangzhuang Village (张庄村)
  5. Tongjue Village (童咀村)
  6. Xiaoma Village (小马村)
  7. Laozhuangwa Village (老庄洼村)
  8. Baitu Village (白土村)
  9. Panling Village (潘岭村)
  10. Yulin Village (雨林村)
  11. Mayingzi Village (马营子村)
  12. Leishenmiao Village (雷神庙村)
  13. Tugutui Village (土谷堆村)
  14. Caozi Village (曹子村)
  15. Kangzhuang Village (康庄村)
  16. Guihua Village (桂花村)
  17. Liugou Village (柳沟村)
  18. Qingshuiling Village (清水岭村)
  19. Youfang Village (油坊村)
  20. Liujia Village (刘家村)
  21. Huangjia Village (黄家村)
  22. Suojia Village (锁家村)
  23. Mujia Village (穆家村)
  24. Lishuyuan Village (梨树园村)

Geographic Environment

Location and Territory

Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township is located in the southeastern hilly area of Kongtong District, with Baishui Town (白水镇) and Chongxin County (崇信县) to the east, Ankou Town (安口镇) to the south, Shangyang and Xiamen Townships to the west, and Shishili Pu Town to the north. The township covers an area of 227.04 square kilometers.

Topography and Landforms

The township features complex terrain. The northern part is a plateau, while the southern areas are mostly mountainous. The landscape is dominated by gullies and terraces, with yellow loess soil being the primary type. The altitude ranges from 1,350 to 1,700 meters above sea level.

Climate

Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township experiences a temperate semi-arid, semi-humid climate. The annual average temperature is 9.89°C, with a frost-free period of 165 days. The annual rainfall exceeds 500 millimeters.

Natural Disasters

The main natural disasters affecting the township include hail, drought, floods, low temperatures, and frost.

Natural Resources

The township’s key mineral resources include clay, limestone, and ferruginous sandstone.

Population

By the end of 2011, Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township had a population of 22,549 people, including 341 urban residents, giving the township an urbanization rate of 1.5%. The township also had 2,727 migrants. The population was primarily composed of Hui ethnic people, who accounted for 70% of the total population (15,784 people). In 2011, the population birth rate was 11.3‰, while the death rate was 4.8‰, with a natural growth rate of 6.5‰. The population density was 95.5 people per square kilometer.

By the end of 2018, the registered population of Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township was 26,162 people.