Gaotou Hui Ethnic Town of Wuji County, Shijiazhuang

Overview

Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township (Gaotou Huizu Xiang, 高头回族乡) is located in the southwestern part of Wujixian (无极县), Shijiazhuang (石家庄), Hebei Province. It borders Donghoufang Town (东侯坊镇) to the east, is adjacent to Haozhuang Township (郝庄乡) to the south, connects with Beisu Town (北苏镇) to the west, and meets Guozhuang Town (郭庄镇) to the north. The township covers an area of 32 square kilometers.

As of the end of 2018, Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township had a registered population of 37,417. By June 2020, the township administered 15 administrative villages. In 2011, the total fiscal revenue reached 4.86 million yuan, a 0.7% increase from the previous year. In 2018, there were 45 industrial enterprises in the township, with 2 above the designated size, and 8 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area of over 50 square meters.

Historical Development

  • 1949: Part of District Two of Wujixian.
  • 1953: Established as a small township.
  • 1956: Merged into a larger township.
  • 1958: Became part of Gaotou Commune.
  • November 1958: Incorporated into Gaocheng County (藁城县).
  • End of 1961: Separated to establish Gaotou Commune.
  • January 1962: Wujixian was reinstated as a county, with Gaotou under its jurisdiction.
  • 1983: Renamed Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Division

As of the end of 2011, Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township governed 15 administrative villages:

  • Gaotou Village One (高头一村)
  • Gaotou Village Two (高头二村)
  • Gaotou Village Three (高头三村)
  • Xigao Village (西高村)
  • Tanxia One Village (谈下一村)
  • Tanxia Two Village (谈下二村)
  • Tanxia Three Village (谈下三村)
  • Liujiacun Village (刘家庄村)
  • Mafang Village (马坊村)
  • Nanhufu Village (南虎村)
  • Beihufu Village (北虎村)
  • Beihuzhuang Village (北虎庄村)
  • Xiwangjiazhuang Village (西王家庄村)
  • Xizhujiacun Village (西朱家庄村)
  • Xiaoximen Village (小西门村)

By June 2020, the township continued to oversee these 15 administrative villages, with the township government located in Gaotou Village One.

Geographic Environment

Location

Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township is located in the southwestern region of Wujixian. It shares borders with:

  • East: Donghoufang Town (东侯坊镇)
  • South: Haozhuang Township (郝庄乡)
  • West: Beisu Town (北苏镇)
  • North: Guozhuang Town (郭庄镇)

Topography

The highest point in Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township is Liujiacun Village, at an elevation of 54 meters, while the lowest point is Xizhujiacun Village, at 50 meters.

Natural Resources

The township has a total arable land area of 36,810 acres, averaging about 1.02 acres per person.

Population

By the end of 2011, Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 36,021, with 1,566 urban residents, leading to an urbanization rate of 4.3%. There were also 366 migrants. The total population included 18,514 males (51.4%) and 17,507 females (48.6%). Of the population, 6,124 individuals (17%) were under 14 years old, 20,892 (58%) were between 15 and 64 years old, and 9,005 (25%) were 65 years or older. The majority were Han Chinese, totaling 21,973 (61%), along with 7 other ethnic minorities including Hui, Manchu, and Zhuang. In 2011, the birth rate was 12‰, the death rate was 5.09‰, and the natural population growth rate was 6.91%. The population density was 1,126 people per square kilometer. By the end of 2017, the permanent population was recorded at 36,125, and by the end of 2018, the registered population was 37,417.

How to Get There

By Public Transportation

  • Bus: Local buses operate from Shijiazhuang to Wujixian, with routes connecting to Gaotou Township. Check schedules for the most direct options.
  • Train: The nearest train station is in Shijiazhuang. From there, take a bus or taxi to reach Gaotou.

By Taxi or Ride-hailing

You can use taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing to travel to Gaotou Hui Ethnic Township. Simply enter “Gaotou Huizu Xiang” (高头回族乡) as your destination.

Driving

For those driving, take the main roads from Shijiazhuang towards Wujixian, following local signs to Gaotou Township.

Travel Tips

  • Cultural Sensitivity: As a Hui Muslim community, it’s important to respect local customs, especially regarding food. Avoid bringing pork into the community and be mindful of dietary restrictions during meals.
  • Best Time to Visit: The ideal times to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is mild. Summer can be hot and humid, while winters are often cold.
  • Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying traditional Hui dishes, which typically feature lamb and beef. Look for halal restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Engagement with Community: Participating in local festivals or events provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and build connections with the residents. Engaging with locals can enhance your understanding of their traditions and lifestyle.