Gugou Hui Ethnic Township in Panji District, Huainan

Location and Administrative Division

Guxian Hui Ethnic Township (古沟回族乡, Guxian Huizu Xiang) is located in the central part of Panji District (潘集区) in Huainan City (淮南市), Anhui Province (安徽省), China. It borders Pingxiu Town (平圩镇) to the east, Qiji Town (祁集镇) to the south, Tianji Street (田集街道) to the west, and Jiagou Township (夹沟乡) and Nihe Town (泥河镇) to the north. The administrative area covers 42.26 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population of Guxian Hui Ethnic Township was 33,252.

Historical Development

  • Before 1949: Part of Fengtai County (风台县).
  • 1949: Established as a township.
  • 1958: Renamed Guxian Commune (古沟公社).
  • 1959: Reorganized as a suburb of Zhunan City (准南市).
  • 1961: Divided into Qiji Commune (祁集公社).
  • 1964: Returned to Fengtai County.
  • 1972: Reintegrated into Zhunan City.
  • 1983: Transformed from a commune to a township.
  • 1992: Qiji Township (祁集乡) merged into Guxian Township.
  • 1994: Qiji Township was divided again, and Guxian Hui Ethnic Township was officially established.

Administrative Structure

As of June 2020, Guxian Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 12 administrative villages:

  • Guwei Village (顾圩村)
  • Gobei Village (沟北村)
  • Suyang Village (苏杨村)
  • Taiping Village (太平村)
  • Caimiao Village (蔡庙村)
  • Niewei Village (聂圩村)
  • Yuhu Village (於湖村)
  • Fulong Village (伏龙村)
  • Taoying Village (陶郢村)
  • Xinhe Village (新河村)
  • Guxian Village (古沟村)
  • Gaohu Village (高湖村)

The township government is located in Taiping Village (太平村).

Geography and Environment

Location

Guxian Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the central part of Panji District. It is positioned on the north bank of the Huai River (淮河) in the Yellow-Huai Plain (黄淮平原) region. The area has a semi-circular shape that is long from east to west and narrow from north to south.

Terrain and Topography

The terrain is predominantly flat, with a slight slope from west to east and from south to north. The highest point is at Chenying Natural Village in Gaohu Village, with an elevation of 29.6 meters. The lowest point is at Nihe Bay, with an elevation of 16.8 meters.

Climate

The township has a transitional climate between subtropical and warm temperate zones. Key characteristics include:

  • Distinct Seasons: Clear seasonal changes with long winters and summers, and short springs and autumns.
  • Average Temperature: 15.1°C annually, with January averaging 1.2°C.
  • Frost Period: Average of 215.5 days per year.
  • Sunshine: 2,298 hours annually.
  • Precipitation: 906.6 mm annually, with the majority falling between June and September, peaking in July.

Hydrology

The township features two primary water systems:

  • Nihe River: Enters from Fengtai, 10.2 kilometers in length.
  • Gu Gao Xin River: Enters from Guqiao, 9 kilometers in length.

Natural Resources

As of 2011, the area has 32,000 acres of arable land.

Population

  • 2011: Total population of 32,530, with 1,161 residing in urban areas and a 3.6% urbanization rate. The population includes 6,403 migrants. The ethnic composition is predominantly Han Chinese (81%) with 26,417 people, and Hui (18.84%) with 6,133 people.
  • 2017: Permanent population of 30,682.
  • 2019: Registered population of 33,252.

Economy

Financial Overview

  • 2011: The township had a total fiscal revenue of 7.18 million RMB, a 55% increase from the previous year.
  • 2019: There were 29 industrial enterprises, with 12 exceeding scale criteria, and 39 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with areas over 50 square meters.

Key Industries

  • Agriculture: The township has a strong agricultural sector with significant cultivation of crops and development of large-scale agricultural cooperatives.
  • Other Products: Notable products include aquatic products (e.g., silverfish and wild fish), gelatin powder, wood products, and building materials.

Transportation

  • By Road: Guxian is well-connected with nearby towns and cities through county roads and provincial highways. The township’s road network is extensive, with most areas accessible via paved roads.
  • Public Transport: Local transportation options are available, and the township is accessible from major cities in Anhui Province.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal due to the favorable weather conditions.
  • Local Attractions: The area’s natural landscape and ethnic culture make it a great destination for cultural exploration and sightseeing. The rich local traditions and scenic spots add to the appeal for tourists.