Guozhuang Hui Ethnic Township in Zhenping County, Nanyang

Guozhuang Hui Township is located in Zhenping County (镇平县), Nanyang City (南阳市), Henan Province (河南省). It is situated in the southern part of Zhenping County, bordering Houji Town (侯集镇) to the east and north, Dengzhou’s Rangdong Town (邓州市穰东镇) to the south, and Zhanglin Town (张林镇) to the west. The township government is 21 kilometers from Zhenping County. The total area of the township is 16.07 square kilometers.

Historical Development

  • 1953: Guozhuang Hui Township was established.
  • 1956: The township was abolished.
  • December 1987: Guozhuang Hui Township was reinstated.
  • March 1991: The township was reorganized from 5 village committees into 9 village committees.

Administrative Division

As of the end of 2011, Guozhuang Hui Township comprised nine administrative villages:

  • Guozhuang Village (郭庄村)
  • Tuanxi Village (团西村)
  • Tuandong Village (团东村)
  • Tuanzhong Village (团中村)
  • Sunlou Village (孙楼村)
  • Xuqiao Village (许桥村)
  • Baiyangpa Village (白杨葩村)
  • Zhangzhuang Village (张庄村)

By June 2020, the administrative structure remained the same, with the township government located at the boundary of Xiongzhuang Village (熊庄村) and Tuanxi Village. [4]

Geographic Environment

Location

Guozhuang Hui Township is situated in the southern part of Zhenping County, bordering Houji Town to the east and north, Rangdong Town to the south, and Zhanglin Town to the west. The township government is located 21 kilometers from Zhenping County, covering an area of 16.07 square kilometers.

Terrain and Topography

Guozhuang Hui Township has a flat terrain, with the lowest point at Dali Village (大李庄) in the southern border, at an elevation of 125 meters.

Climate

The township experiences a subtropical continental monsoon climate characterized by distinct seasons:

  • Spring and Autumn: Mild and pleasant.
  • Summer: Warm, with the highest average temperature reaching 27.5°C in July.
  • Winter: Generally cold, with an average temperature of 1.4°C in January.

The average annual temperature is 15°C. The frost-free period averages 230 days per year. Annual sunshine duration averages 2,015 hours, and the average annual precipitation is 710 millimeters, with the majority of rainfall occurring from May to September, peaking in July.

Natural Disasters

The main natural disasters affecting the township include droughts, floods, low temperatures, and hail. Flooding typically occurs in July and August, with the most severe flood event occurring from July 12 to 21, 2010, which resulted in the collapse of over 30% of homes and significant crop damage.

Natural Resources

In 2011, Guozhuang Hui Township had 18,400 mu (approximately 12.27 square kilometers) of arable land.

Population

As of the end of 2011, the township had a total population of 13,047:

  • Urban Population: 253 people (1.9% urbanization rate)
  • Floating Population: 1,957 people
  • Males: 7,082 (54.3%)
  • Females: 5,965 (45.7%)
  • Under 14 years: 2,479 (19%)
  • Ages 15-64: 9,133 (70%)
  • Over 65 years: 1,435 (11%)

Ethnic composition:

  • Han Ethnic Group: 9,247 (70.9%)
  • Hui Ethnic Group: 3,765 (99% of minority ethnic population)
  • Mongol Ethnic Group: 35 (1% of minority ethnic population)

By the end of 2018, the registered population was 13,776.

Transportation

Guozhuang Hui Township is accessible via county and township roads:

  • County and Township Roads: There are 2 roads totaling 5 kilometers within the township.

How to Get There

  • By Car: You can drive from Nanyang City to Zhenping County and then follow local roads to Guozhuang Township.
  • Public Transport: Use local buses or taxis from Zhenping County or neighboring towns to reach Guozhuang Hui Township.

Travel Tips

  • Road Conditions: The roads within the township are generally good. Check road conditions before traveling, especially during the rainy season.
  • Local Transport: Public transportation options may be limited within the township. Arrange for local transport in advance or use taxis where available.

Cultural and Historical Aspects

Origin of the Name

Guozhuang Hui Township was named after the Guo family, who migrated to the area and established the village during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong period.

Honors and Awards

In 2009, Guozhuang Hui Township was recognized as a “National Model Collective for Ethnic Unity and Progress” at the fifth National Ethnic Unity and Progress Conference held by the State Council. It was also designated as a “National Ethnic Unity and Progress Demonstration Area (Unit)” in the seventh batch.