Gaozhai Hui Ethnic Town in Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Haidong

Overview

Gaozhaizhen (高寨镇), previously a township under the jurisdiction of Huzhu Tu Autonomous County (互助土族自治县) in Haidong City (海东市), Qinghai Province (青海省), is located in the southeastern suburbs of Huzhu County. It borders Hongyazi Gou Township (红崖子沟乡) to the east, Ping’an (平安) to the south, Xining (西宁) to the west, and Hala Zhi Gou Township (哈拉直沟乡) to the north. The township was situated approximately 40 kilometers from the county seat, with a total area of 73.66 square kilometers.

As of the end of 2018, the registered population of Gaozhaizhen was 17,144 people. By 2019, Gaozhaizhen was administratively divided into one community and eight administrative villages.

Historical Development

  • 1954: Gaozai Hui Autonomous Region (高赛回族自治区) was established.
  • 1956: The area was incorporated into Xining City (西宁市).
  • 1958: Renamed Dongfang Commune (东方公社).
  • 1962: Returned to the jurisdiction of Huzhu County.
  • 1983: Dongfang Commune was renamed Gaozhaizhen Hui Township (高寨回族乡).
  • 2001: Gaozhaizhen Hui Township was restructured into Gaozhaizhen (高寨镇).
  • February 2022: Gaozhaizhen was abolished and reestablished as Gaozhaijie Street (高寨街道).

Administrative Divisions

  • 2011: Gaozhaizhen was divided into eight administrative villages: Dong Village (东村), Zhong Village (中村), Caojiabao (曹家堡), West Village (西村), Dongzhuang (东庄), Xizhuang (西庄), Beizhuang (北庄), and Xiwang (西湾). It had 58 production cooperatives.
  • 2019: The township comprised one community: Gaozhaizhen Community (高寨镇社区), and eight administrative villages: Caojiabao Village (曹家堡村), Dong Village (东村), Dongzhuang Village (东庄村), Beizhuang Village (北庄村), Xiwang Village (西湾村), Xizhuang Village (西庄村), Zhong Village (中村), and West Village (西村).

Geographic Environment

Location

Gaozhaizhen is situated in the southeastern suburbs of Huzhu County, bordered by Hongyazi Gou Township to the east, Ping’an to the south, Xining to the west, and Hala Zhi Gou Township to the north. It is approximately 40 kilometers from the county seat, with a total area of 73.66 square kilometers.

Topography

The topography of Gaozhaizhen is characterized by low hills and shallow mountains, with the terrain descending from south to north. The average elevation is 2,200 meters above sea level.

Climate

Gaozhaizhen experiences a continental plateau climate with significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. It has strong solar radiation, long sunshine duration, and frequent strong winds in winter. The average annual temperature ranges between 4°C and 6°C, with annual precipitation between 300 and 400 millimeters. The frost-free period lasts around 187 days, and the area is classified as semi-arid.

Hydrology

The area includes the Heping Canal (和平渠) and the Caojiabao Village Irrigation Canal (曹家保村灌渠). The Huangshui River (湟水河) flows from west to east through the township.

Natural Resources

Gaozhaizhen is rich in natural resources, including oil shale (油页岩) and gypsum (石膏).

Population

  • 2011: Gaozhaizhen had a total population of 12,834 people. Of these, 6,575 were male (51%) and 6,259 were female (49%). The age distribution was as follows: 2,274 people (17.7%) were under 14 years old, 9,751 people (76%) were between 15 and 64 years old, and 809 people (6.3%) were 65 years or older. The majority ethnic group was Han Chinese, with 7,822 people (60.9%), followed by Hui (回族) with 4,830 people (37.6%), Tu (土族) with 20 people (0.15%), and Tibetan (藏族) with 162 people (1.26%). The birth rate was 7.14‰, the death rate was 2.90‰, and the natural population growth rate was 4.24‰.
  • 2018: The registered population was 17,144 people.

Transportation and Travel Tips

Getting There

  • By Road: Gaozhaizhen is accessible by major highways such as the Lanxi Expressway (兰西高速公路) and local roads connecting it to Xining (西宁). You can drive or take a bus from Xining to Gaozhaizhen.
  • By Rail: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway (青藏铁路) passes through the area, making rail travel convenient. From Xining Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to Gaozhaizhen.
  • By Air: Xining Airport (西宁机场) is the closest airport. From the airport, you can use taxis or buses to reach Gaozhaizhen, which is well-connected via dedicated airport roads.

Travel Tips

  • Accommodation: Accommodation options in Gaozhaizhen are limited. It is advisable to stay in Xining or nearby towns and visit Gaozhaizhen for day trips.
  • Local Attractions: Explore the local Hui culture and historical sites. The area’s natural beauty and historical significance make for interesting visits.
  • Weather: Prepare for a continental plateau climate with cold winters and significant temperature variations. Bring appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
  • Communication: Mandarin is widely spoken, but knowing a few basic phrases in Hui dialect might be helpful for interacting with local residents.
  • Local Services: Check for amenities such as medical facilities and shops in Xining before traveling to Gaozhaizhen.