Haotouzhuang Hui Ethnic Town in Dingzhou City, Baoding
Overview
Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township is located in the southeast of Dingzhou City (定州市), Baoding (保定市), Hebei Province (河北省). It borders Dongliuchun Township (东留春乡) to the east and south, Dingningdian Town (叮咛店镇) to the west, and Dongting Town (东亭镇) to the north. The township covers a total area of 54.06 square kilometers. By the end of 2018, the registered population of Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township was 39,600.
History
- In 1961, Haotouzhang Commune was established.
- In 1982, it was renamed Haotouzhang Township.
- In 1983, it became Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township.
As of June 2020, Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township administers 17 village committees, with the township government located in Haotouzhang Village.
In 2011, the total agricultural output value of Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township was 564 million yuan, and the per capita net income for farmers was 5,394 yuan. The total fiscal revenue was 3.96 million yuan, an increase of 5% compared to the previous year. By 2018, there were two industrial enterprises and 15 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area exceeding 50 square meters.
Historical Development
- In 1953, it was part of Liangjiaying and Yangjiaqiao Autonomous Townships.
- In 1958, it was incorporated into Dingningdian Commune.
- In 1961, it became an independent commune.
- In 1982, it was renamed Haotouzhang Township.
- In 1983, it was designated as Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township.
Administrative Division
As of the end of 2011, Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township had one residential committee in Yangjiaying and 16 village committees, including:
- Wujiazhuang (吴家庄)
- Majiabzhuang (马家庄)
- Liuliangzhuang (刘良庄)
- Tangjiazhuang (唐家庄)
- Jimingtai (鸡鸣台)
- Shengfotou (圣佛头)
- Mawangzhuang (马王庄)
- Dongmatao (东马头)
- Ximatao (西马头)
- Guandaozhuang (官道庄)
- Yangjiaqiao (杨家桥)
- Haotouzhuang (号头庄)
- Liangjiaying (梁家营)
- Wudingzhuang (吴定庄)
- Lvzhaozhuang (吕家庄)
- Anjiazhuang (安家庄)
Geographic Environment
Location
Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township is situated 7.1 kilometers southeast of the Dingzhou People’s Government. It borders Dongliuchun Township to the east and south, Dingningdian Town to the west, and Dongting Town to the north. The total area is 54.06 square kilometers.
Topography
The township is located in the North China Plain, characterized by alluvial plains and flat, open terrain.
Climate
Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township experiences a temperate to warm temperate semi-humid and semi-arid continental monsoon climate. Winters are cold, dry, and have little snow, while springs are often dry and windy. Summers are hot and humid with concentrated rainfall, and autumns are crisp and clear.
Hydrology
The Mengliang River (孟良河) flows through the township, measuring approximately 9 kilometers in length.
Natural Disasters
Main natural disasters in the area include hail, drought and flooding, strong winds, low temperatures, frost, and lightning strikes.
Population
As of the end of 2011, Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 38,121. This included 19,440 males (51%) and 18,681 females (49%). Among them, 3,210 individuals (8.42%) were under 14 years old, 29,204 individuals (76.61%) were between 15 and 64 years old, and 5,707 individuals (14.97%) were over 65 years old. The predominant ethnic group is Han Chinese (汉族), numbering 25,121 (65.9%), followed by Hui people (回族) at 13,000 (34.1%). In 2011, the birth rate was 13.17‰, the death rate was 6.53‰, and the natural growth rate was 6.64%. The population density was 705 people per square kilometer.
As of the end of 2017, the permanent resident population was 32,774, and by the end of 2018, the registered population reached 39,600.
Local Specialties and Cuisine
Dingzhou Hand-Pulled Sausage
Dingzhou Hand-Pulled Sausage (定州手掰肠) is primarily made from finely minced pork and flavored with a variety of pure herbal spices.
Dingzhou New-Style Smoked Meat
Dingzhou New-Style Smoked Meat (定州新宗熏肉) dates back to the Northern Song Dynasty when Su Dongpo served in Dingzhou. He collaborated with the local kitchen to create a smoked meat recipe, which has been passed down through generations.
Dingzhou Braised Meat
Dingzhou Braised Meat (定州焖子) is a type of meat dish shaped like a pillow, thicker than sausage and approximately the size of a calf. It measures about 30 to 40 centimeters in length.
Honors
On October 1, 2020, Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township was awarded the title of Model Collective for Ethnic Unity and Progress in Hebei Province.
Getting There (Transportation)
To reach Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township, visitors can take public transportation or drive.
- By Car: It is approximately a 90-minute drive from Baoding City. Take G307 National Road towards Dingzhou and follow local roads to the township.
- By Bus: Regular buses run from Baoding to Dingzhou. From Dingzhou, take a local minibus or taxi to Haotouzhang Hui Ethnic Township.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer mild weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Local Etiquette: Respect local customs, especially during festivals and religious events. Engaging with the Hui community is encouraged but be mindful of their traditions.
- Cuisine Exploration: Try local specialties in village eateries to enjoy authentic flavors of the region.
- Stay Connected: Mobile coverage is generally good, but it’s advisable to download offline maps in advance.
