Handong Hui Ethnic Town in Huangzhong County, Xining

Handong Hui Ethnic Township (Handong Huizu Xiang, 汉东回族乡) is located in the central part of Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province. It is situated 13 kilometers from the urban area of Lushaer Town (鲁沙尔镇), bordered to the north by Duoba Town (多巴镇), to the south by Dacai Hui Ethnic Township (大才回族乡), to the east by the Western Mining Company (Ganha Tan Town, 甘河滩镇), and to the west by Gonghe Town (共和镇). The average elevation is 2,650 meters, with an annual average temperature ranging from 3°C to 14°C, annual rainfall of 550 millimeters, and an annual sunshine duration of 2,546 hours. The frost-free period lasts 130-140 days. The total arable land area is 26,428 acres (including 13,311 acres of irrigated land and 13,117 acres of dry land), with an average of 1.55 acres of arable land per person. The grassland area is 12,850 acres (of which 1,100 acres are usable). Forestland covers 5,570 acres. The population is 16,000, with the Han ethnic group being the majority and Hui ethnic group accounting for 49% of the total population.

Historical Development

  • 1949: Established as Tianjia Village (田家庄乡) under the old system.
  • 1953: Renamed Handong Township (汉东乡).
  • 1958: Became “July 1 Commune” (七一公社), later renamed Handong Commune (汉东公社).
  • 1984: Reorganized as Handong Hui Ethnic Township (汉东回族乡).

Travel Tips

  • Getting There: Handong Hui Ethnic Township can be reached by road from Xining City. It is about 13 kilometers from Lushaer Town, which is well-connected by local transportation services.

Administrative Division

Handong Hui Ethnic Township administers 14 village committees:

  • Handong Village (汉东村)
  • Houyao Village (后窑村)
  • Lijiazuang Village (李家庄村)
  • Xiazhazha Village (下扎扎村)
  • Labuer Village (拉布尔村)
  • Yangjia Tan Village (杨家滩村)
  • Shang Tianjia Village (上田家庄村)
  • Xia Tianjia Village (下田家庄村)
  • Banjie Gorge Village (半截沟村)
  • Yangmao Village (羊毛村)
  • Binggou Village (冰沟村)
  • Xia Ma’er Village (下麻尔村)
  • Qianyao Village (前窑村)
  • Shang Zhazha Village (上扎扎村)

Social Services

Handong Township has the following educational and community facilities:

  • Schools: 8 primary schools, 1 nine-year consistent education school, and 1 complete secondary school.
  • Staff: 220 teaching staff.
  • Students: 3,175 students.
  • Community Services: 169 residents, 1 community service center (Xiazhazha Village), 4 temporary folk art performance teams (Xiazhazha, Lijiazuang, Shangzhazha, Shang Tianjia Village).
  • Healthcare: 13 village clinics, 37 rural doctors, 8 religious institution staff.
  • Labor Export: 1,488 people (606 from outside, 882 local).
  • Broadcasting: No broadcasting or television users.

Travel Tips

  • Local Facilities: The township provides various community services and educational facilities. For medical care, you can visit the local village clinics or consult rural doctors.

Economic Development

Since November 2008, 12 villages in Handong, Yangmao, and surrounding areas have been included in the land acquisition and relocation project for the Ganha Industrial Park (甘河工业园区) West District. As of now, land measurement has been completed for 17,340 acres, with 3,175 households evaluated (85% of the total task), and 1,394 households have been demolished. Compensation payments for land in Banjie Gorge, Yangmao, and other villages have totaled 556 million yuan, with living subsidies of 4.25 million yuan, seedling subsidies of 13.4 million yuan, and relocation transition fees of 7.18 million yuan. The local population is actively involved in land measurement and housing evaluation.

The construction of the Ganha Industrial Park West District is supported by investments from Zijin Mining Group Qinghai Company and Guilu Chemical Industry, each contributing 8 billion yuan. Both companies have commenced construction in the West District.

Travel Tips

  • Economic Zone Access: The Ganha Industrial Park West District is an area of active development. Visitors interested in the economic activities or investments can reach the area via the main roads from Xining and Lushaer Town. It’s advisable to check the current status of construction and any potential restrictions before planning a visit.