Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Town in Ping’an District, Haidong

Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township海东市平安区洪水泉回族乡, located in Ping’an District (平安区), Haidong City (海东市), Qinghai Province (青海省), is situated in the western part of Ping’an District. It borders Sanhe Town (三合镇) to the east, Shihuiyao Township (石灰窑乡) to the south, Tianjiazai Township (田家寨乡) in Huangzhong District (湟中区) to the west, and Xiaoxia Town (小峡镇) to the north. It is 30 kilometers northeast of the county seat. The administrative area covers 77.91 square kilometers. As of the end of 2020, the registered population of Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township is 8,329 people.

Historical Evolution

  • 1950s: Hongshuiquan was part of the 10th District of Huangzhong County (湟中县).
  • 1979: It was placed under the jurisdiction of Ping’an County (平安县).
  • 1984: It was officially designated as Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Division

As of October 2021, Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 15 administrative villages:

  • Jinger Gou Village (井尔沟村)
  • Caozi Village (槽子村)
  • Maquan Village (马圈村)
  • Mizuwan Village (糜子湾村)
  • Huangshu Bay Village (黄鼠湾村)
  • Yong’an Village (永安村)
  • Hongshuiquan Village (洪水泉村)
  • Goutan Village (沟滩村)
  • Xiaoshuiquan Village (硝水泉村)
  • Beiling Village (北岭村)
  • Jiu Cai Gou Village (韭菜沟村)
  • Aji Ying Village (阿吉营村)
  • Shayi Ling Village (沙义岭村)
  • Lashu Ling Village (拉树岭村)
  • Yonggu Village (永固村)

The township government is located at No. 240, Hongshuiquan Village (洪水泉村古街240号).

Geography and Environment

Location

Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the western part of Ping’an District. It borders Sanhe Town to the east, Shihuiyao Township to the south, Tianjiazai Township in Huangzhong District to the west, and Xiaoxia Town to the north. The administrative area spans 77.91 square kilometers.

Terrain and Landforms

The township is characterized by loess hilly areas with elevations ranging from 2,400 to 2,800 meters. Due to long-term water accumulation and erosion in river valleys, the terrain features fragmented gullies radiating from the hills, presenting a typical loess plateau erosion landscape.

Climate

Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township experiences a continental plateau climate with the following characteristics:

  • Sunlight: Average daily sunshine ranges from 6.8 to 7.9 hours.
  • Solar Radiation: Annual total solar radiation varies between 607 and 628 kilojoules per square centimeter.
  • Precipitation: Annual precipitation ranges from 350 to 450 millimeters, with the driest period occurring from mid-March to early May. The rainy season peaks in July and August, with the most severe rainfall typically occurring in August.

Natural Disasters

Hongshuiquan experiences several natural disasters:

  • Drought: Occurs mainly from mid-March to early May, with spring being particularly severe.
  • Hailstorms: Common from June to September, usually in the afternoon or evening, lasting 5 to 8 minutes. Hailstorms occur 4 to 6 times annually.
  • Frost: Affected by topography and altitude, with late frost ending in late May and early frost beginning in mid-September. The frost-free period ranges from 125 to 150 days.
  • Floods: Extreme rainfall events primarily happen in July and August, with August being the most damaging. Notable flood events include the one on August 20, 1983, which caused significant damage to crops and infrastructure.

Natural Resources

The township is rich in gypsum, particularly in the Dapo Gen area of Hongshuiquan Village. The gypsum quality is generally 75%–79%, with some areas reaching 85%. As of 2011, this gypsum deposit had not yet been extensively developed.

Population

  • 2011: The total population was 8,131, with 4,224 males (51.9%) and 3,907 females (48.1%). The non-agricultural population was 175.
  • 2018: The registered population was 8,366.
  • 2020: The registered population was 8,329.

Transportation

Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township is accessible via the township roads connecting Ping’an County (平安县) to Huangzhong County (湟中县). The area is well-linked by hardened village roads.

How to Get There

  • By Car: From Haidong City (海东市), drive southwest to Ping’an District (平安区) and follow local roads to Hongshuiquan.
  • By Bus: Regular buses run from Haidong City to Ping’an District, from which you can take local transport to Hongshuiquan.

Scenic Spots

Hongshuiquan Hui Ethnic Township is home to the Hongshuiquan Mosque (洪水泉清真寺), a provincial-level cultural heritage site built during the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle period. The mosque is renowned for its intricate architectural design.