Hongdian Hui Ethnic Town in Wenshan County, Wenshan

Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township文山州文山县红甸回族乡 is located in the northern part of Wenshan City, under the jurisdiction of Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan Province, China. It borders Binlie Township to the east, Matang Town to the south, Dehou Town to the west, and Jiaji Town in Yanshan County to the north. The township government is 50 kilometers from the city center of Wenshan. The total administrative area covers 90.42 square kilometers, and by the end of 2019, the registered population of Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township was 15,364 people.

History

During the Ming Dynasty, the area of Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township was under the jurisdiction of the Wangnong Chief Commandery.
In the early Republic of China (1912-1949), it belonged to the Outer North District.
In 1928, Hongdian Township was established, and it went through several administrative changes over the years.
In December 1987, it was officially renamed Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township.
By June 2020, the township comprised 4 administrative villages: Hongdian, Xiaoliuzhai, Maoke, and Pingbazhai.

Geography and Climate

Location

Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township is located in the northern part of Wenshan City, about 50 kilometers from the city center, with an area of 90.42 square kilometers.

Terrain

The township lies on the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and features karst landforms. The terrain is relatively flat, with the highest point being Xiaomaoke Mountain (1,710 meters above sea level) and the lowest point at Niulachong (1,410 meters above sea level).

Climate

Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The average annual temperature is 17.1°C, with January averaging 8.5°C and July averaging 21.6°C. The region experiences an average of 2020 hours of sunshine annually, with average precipitation of 1,255.5 mm, most of which falls between May and October.

Natural Resources

Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township is rich in coal and iron resources, with coal being the most abundant. The township also has 20,000 acres of arable land, 26,700 acres of usable grassland, and a small portion of forest land.

Population

As of the end of 2019, Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township had a registered population of 15,364 people. The township is ethnically diverse, with Zhuang, Hui, Han, and Yi ethnic groups making up the majority of the population. The Zhuang ethnic group accounts for 30.44%, followed by the Hui ethnic group at 26.5%.

How to Get There

To visit Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township, the most convenient access point is Wenshan City, which has bus services connecting to nearby towns and cities. From Wenshan City, you can take a local bus or arrange private transport for the 50-kilometer journey north to the township.

By Train: The nearest major train station is in Kunming, Yunnan’s capital, which is well-connected by high-speed rail to various parts of China. From Kunming, take a bus or drive to Wenshan and then head to Hongdian.
By Car: If driving from Kunming, it takes around 4-5 hours to reach Wenshan City. From there, it’s about an hour’s drive to Hongdian Township.
By Air: The nearest airport is Wenshan Puzhehei Airport, with domestic flights from Kunming and other major cities. From the airport, you can reach Hongdian by bus or taxi.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Hongdian Hui Ethnic Township is between April and October, when the weather is mild, and rainfall is moderate.
Accommodation: Basic accommodation can be found in nearby Wenshan City, but it’s advisable to book in advance if visiting during peak travel periods.
Local Cuisine: As a Hui ethnic township, the area offers a variety of halal food options. Be sure to try local Hui dishes that incorporate local ingredients.
Cultural Insights: Visitors should be respectful of the local Hui Muslim culture, particularly regarding dress and customs in public spaces.