Huaidian Hui Ethnic Town in Shenqiu County, Zhoukou

Huaidian Hui Ethnic Town in Shenqiu County, Zhoukou

Location and Administrative Division

Huadian Hui Ethnic Township (槐店回族镇, Huadian Huizu Zhen) is located in the western part of Shenqiu County (沈丘县), Zhoukou City (周口市), Henan Province (河南省), China. It is bordered by Dongcheng Sub-district (东城街道) to the east and northeast, Shicun Township (石槽集乡) to the southeast, Lianchi Township (莲池镇) to the south, Zhengguo Township (郑郭乡) in Xiangcheng City (项城市) to the southwest, and Beicheng Sub-district (北城街道) to the northwest and north. The total area of the township is 29.34 square kilometers.

Historical Background

Western Zhou Dynasty: Huadian was the capital of the ancient Xiangzi State.
Tang, Five Dynasties, Jin, Yuan, and Early Ming Dynasty: Known as Muling, it served as the administrative center of Xiangcheng County.
August 1428: The Huangshui River flooded, causing the city to fall into the river. The administrative center of Xiangcheng County was moved south to Nandun County (南顿县).
Ming Dynasty (1436-1449): Renamed to Huai Fang (槐坊).
Qing Dynasty (1796-1820): Established a county office.
Qing Dynasty Xianfeng Year (1857): Created Huai Fang Hall (槐坊厅).
Republic of China Period:
- October 1944: The Henan Province Seventh Administrative Inspectorate Office was established here.
- June 1947: The Huadian District Democratic Government and Huadian Town Democratic Government were established.
- November 1947: The Yuwansusu Military Region and Shahe Work Committee relocated to Huadian.
- March 1948: The Huadian City was established by the Yuwansusu Administrative Office.
- March 1949: The city was abolished and Huadian Town was reestablished.
October 1950: The Shenqiu County People’s Government moved to the town.
1953: Established Hailou Hui Ethnic Township and Huadian Hui Autonomous Region.
August 1956: Renamed Huadian Hui Ethnic Township.
August 1958: Converted into a commune.
1962: Reverted to Huadian Town.
August 1983: Officially renamed Huadian Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of June 2020, Huadian Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 17 communities:

Dongguan Community (东关社区)
Nanguan Community (南关社区)
Zhongxin Community (中心社区)
Beiguan Community (北关社区)
Caihe Community (蔡河社区)
Xiguan Community (西关社区)
Shanan Community (沙南社区)
Henan Community (河南社区)
Chuanmin Community (船民社区)
Dongcheng Community (东城社区)
Dawanglou Village (大王楼村)
Xiaowanglou Village (小王楼村)
Liulou Village (刘楼村)
Hailou Village (海楼村)
Malou Village (马楼村)
Gaoying Village (高营村)
Zuozhuang Village (左庄村)
Fenchanghe Village (丰产河村)
Jiazhai Village (贾寨村)

The township government is located at No. 1 Town Government Street, Dongguan Community (东关社区).

Geography and Land Resources

Location and Terrain

Huadian Hui Ethnic Township is located in the western part of Shenqiu County. It is bordered by Dongcheng Sub-district to the east and northeast, Shicun Township to the southeast, Lianchi Township to the south, Zhengguo Township in Xiangcheng City to the southwest, and Beicheng Sub-district to the northwest and north. The total area is 29.34 square kilometers.

Topography

Huadian Hui Ethnic Township lies in the Huang-Huai Plain. The terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with an average elevation of 41 meters. The highest point is Zhangwan and Zhabei West Road East Section, with an elevation of 42-43 meters; the lowest point is Jiazhai, with an elevation of 39.5 meters.

Climate

The township experiences a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with characteristics including strong winds in spring, hot and rainy summers, ample sunshine in autumn, and cold, dry winters. The average annual temperature is 14.7°C. The average temperature in January is 1.1°C, with an extreme minimum of -13.5°C. In July, the average temperature is 27.6°C, with an extreme maximum of 40°C. The temperature variation is 20.5°C annually, with a maximum daily variation of 12°C. The growing season lasts an average of 266 days, and the frost-free period averages 218 days. The average annual sunshine hours are 10.5 hours per day, with a total solar radiation of 138 kcal/cm². The area experiences a freezing period from February 15 to November 15. Annual rainfall averages 758.7 mm, with the maximum recorded at 1080.3 mm (1989) and the minimum at 482.1 mm (1997). Rainfall is concentrated from June to August, with July receiving the most precipitation.

Hydrology

Huadian Hui Ethnic Township is part of the Huai River Basin. The main river is the Shaying River, with a total length of 557 kilometers and a river network density of 1.67 km/sq km. The largest river within the township is the Shahe River, which flows from the southern foothills of Mount Song in Dengfeng to the Zhengyang Pass in Shouxian County, Anhui Province. The river length within the township is 6.75 kilometers, with an average annual flow of 1650 cubic meters per second. Major tributaries include the Xicai River and the Gu River.

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters in Huadian Hui Ethnic Township include floods, droughts, heavy rainfall, hail, heavy snow, strong winds, and pest infestations. Floods and strong winds occur approximately three times a year, primarily between July and September. A severe wind disaster occurred in July 2008, with a level 9 gale and heavy rainfall causing significant tree damage and crop flooding.

Natural Resources

As of 2011, Huadian Hui Ethnic Township had 9,800 mu of arable land, averaging 0.08 mu per person.

Population

As of the end of 2011, Huadian Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 117,850:

Urban Permanent Residents: 92,690 (urbanization rate: 78.7%)
Floating Population: 8,260
Male: 61,164 (51.9%)
Female: 56,686 (48.1%)
Population under 14: 29,226 (24.8%)
Population aged 15-64: 57,865 (49.1%)
Population aged 65 and above: 30,759 (26.1%)
Han Chinese: 93,924 (79.7%)
Hui Ethnic Group: 23,902 (99.9% of minority population)

The birth rate in 2011 was 11.7‰, the death rate was 5.6‰, and the natural growth rate was 6.1‰. The population density was 4016 people per square kilometer.

By the end of 2017, the permanent population was 126,614. By the end of 2018, the registered population was 122,027. As of the end of 2019, the registered population was 122,086.

Transportation

How to Get There

By Car: Huadian Hui Ethnic Township is accessible via local roads from Shenqiu County and Zhoukou City. The drive from Zhoukou City takes approximately 1.5 hours.
By Bus: Regular bus services connect Zhoukou City with Huadian. The bus ride typically takes around 2 hours.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Zhoukou City. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Huadian.
By High-Speed Rail: High-speed rail services from major cities to Zhoukou offer a faster travel option. From Zhoukou, a taxi or bus will take you to Huadian.

Travel Tips

Local Customs: Respect Hui customs and traditions. Hui cuisine, including lamb dishes and traditional pastries, is a highlight.
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for comfortable weather conditions.
Local Cuisine: Try Hui specialties such as lamb kebabs, hand-pulled noodles, and Hui-style pastries.
Essential Services: Basic amenities are available in the township. For specialized services, consider traveling to Zhoukou City.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Origin of the Name

Huadian Hui Ethnic Township is named after the Huai Fang (槐坊) from the Ming Dynasty, when immigrants from Hongdong County, Shanxi Province, settled here. The area was named “Huai Fang” or “Huai Fang Shop” because of the dense presence of locust trees (槐树).

Important Landmarks

Ancient Xiangzi State: The historical region where Huadian was the capital.
Huangshui River Flooding Site: Historical site of the 1428 flood disaster.
Huadian Hui Ethnic Township Government Office: The current administrative center.

Local Attractions and Activities

Historic Sites: Visit local historical sites related to the ancient Xiangzi State and Qing Dynasty Huai Fang Hall.
Cultural Festivals: Participate in Hui ethnic festivals and cultural events.
Natural Scenery: Explore the scenic countryside, including rivers and plains.
Local Markets: Experience local Hui markets and try regional cuisine.