Dongbazha Hui Ethnic Town in Shanshan County, Turpan

Location and Administrative Division

Dongbazha Hui Ethnic Township (Dongbazha Huizu Xiang, 东巴扎回族乡) is located in the eastern part of Shanshan County (鄯善县), Turpan City (吐鲁番市), Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), China. It is bordered by Shanshan Town (鄯善镇) to the west, and Pizhan Township (辟展乡) to the east, south, west, and north. In 2018, the township covered an area of 19 square kilometers and had a registered population of 4,366.

Historical Background

  • Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Era: Pizhan Patrol Station was stationed in Dongbazha.
  • 1933: Dongbazha Mail Village (东巴扎买里村) was part of District 1.
  • 1944: It was administratively managed by Chaoyang Town (朝阳镇).
  • 1950: Dongbazha was designated as a township within District 1 of Shanshan.
  • November 24, 1953: Dongbazha Hui Autonomous Region was established at the township level, later renamed as an autonomous township.
  • September 1958: It became the Sixth Production Brigade of the Dongfeng Commune.
  • 1984: It was re-established as Dongbazha Hui Ethnic Township after separating from the Dongfeng Commune.

Administrative Divisions

As of the end of 2001, Dongbazha Hui Ethnic Township was divided into four administrative villages:

  • Qianjie Village (前街村)
  • Aizila Village (艾孜拉村)
  • Houliang Village (后梁村)
  • Tau Village (塔乌村)

By October 2019, the township retained these four villages with Qianjie Village as the administrative center.

Geography

Location

Dongbazha Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the eastern part of Shanshan County. It borders Shanshan Town to the west and Pizhan Township on all other sides. The total area of the township is 19 square kilometers.

Terrain and Climate

The region’s terrain is relatively flat with minimal elevation changes. The climate in Dongbazha is characterized by arid conditions typical of the Turpan region, with hot summers and cold winters.

Population

Demographics

  • 2010: The permanent population was 4,458 people, with the following age distribution:
    • Under 14 years old: 902 (20.23%)
    • Aged 15–64: 3,095 (69.43%)
    • Over 65 years old: 461 (10.34%)

    The ethnic composition included:

    • Hui: 2,468 (55.36%)
    • Uyghur: 1,559 (34.97%)
    • Han Chinese: 431 (9.67%)
  • End of 2011: The total registered population was 4,456. The urban population was 791, making up 17.75% of the total. There were 132 floating residents. The gender distribution was:
    • Males: 2,273 (51%)
    • Females: 2,183 (49%)

    In 2011, the birth rate was 15.11‰, the death rate was 7.13‰, and the natural population growth rate was 8.05‰.

  • 2017: The permanent population was 4,195.
  • 2018: The registered population was 4,366.

Economy and Infrastructure

Industrial and Commercial Facilities

In 2018, Dongbazha Hui Ethnic Township had four industrial enterprises, and three comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of over 50 square meters.

Transportation

How to Get There

  • By Bus: Public buses run from the county seat to Dahu Village (大东湖村), providing access to Dongbazha.
  • By Car: Driving from Turpan City to Dongbazha takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Renting a car or taking a taxi is a convenient option.
  • By Road: The township is connected by county-level roads leading to Dahu Village and Shanshan Town. The internal road network includes 10 kilometers of roads, with 8 kilometers paved and 2 kilometers gravel.

Travel Tips

Local Customs

Respect the diverse ethnic cultures, including Hui and Uyghur traditions. Hui cuisine is prevalent, featuring lamb and beef dishes.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Dongbazha are in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is more moderate and comfortable.

Local Cuisine

Try traditional Hui dishes such as lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles, which are popular in the area.

Essential Services

Basic services including markets and small shops are available in the township. For more specialized services or medical care, larger cities like Turpan may be necessary.

Attractions

  • Local Villages: Explore the traditional Hui villages to experience local culture and lifestyle.

Prepare for varying weather conditions and ensure your transportation is well-planned to make the most of your visit to Dongbazha Hui Ethnic Township.