Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township in Yunxi County, Shiyan
Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township (十堰市郧西县湖北口回族乡) is a recognized Hui Muslim township located in the northwestern part of Yunxi County, which is under the jurisdiction of Shiyan City, in Hubei Province. It shares borders with Guanfang Township to the east, Hongjun Town in Xunyang City, Shaanxi Province to the south, Maoping Hui Township in Zhen’an County, Shaanxi Province to the west, and Baimatang Township in Shanyang County, Shaanxi Province to the north. The township is situated 145 kilometers east of Yunxi County and covers a total area of 251.49 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the township had a registered population of 23,852 people.
Historical Background
Prior to 1949, the area belonged to Zhen’an County in Shaanxi Province. In August 1987, the township was officially established through the merger of former administrative divisions under Miaochuan District into what is now known as Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township.
Administrative Divisions
As of 2021, Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 17 administrative villages: Miaochuan, Santianmen, Hutouyan, Daxinchuan, Xiaoxinchuan, Kanzishan, Huping, Hubeiguan, Sixiakou, Longwangtan, Dongchuan, Xichuan, Anping, Taoyuanggou, Sanshiliuyan, Siyuangou, and Shangchuan. The township government is located in Longwangtan Village.
Geography and Climate
Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township has a rugged and mountainous terrain. The landscape is characterized by the saying “nine mountains, half water, and half farmland,” indicating its predominantly hilly geography. The highest peak in the township is Niutouling in Kanzishan Village, with an altitude of 1,799 meters, making it the highest point in Yunxi County.
The township experiences a relatively cool climate, with an average annual temperature of 10.8°C and a frost-free period of about 160 days. Natural disasters such as hailstorms, droughts, floods, strong winds, and frost are common, with the most significant hailstorm occurring in April 1982 and a severe wind disaster in 2000 that affected local crops.
Natural Resources
Hubeikou is rich in natural resources, including marble, gold, and coal. Gold deposits are primarily found around Santianmen and Huping Villages, marble is abundant in Daxinchuan, and coal resources are concentrated in Sixiakou and Huping Villages. Additionally, the township has 113.8 million cubic meters of usable groundwater resources. The total arable land in the township covers 24,429 mu (approximately 1,629 hectares), with an average of 1.1 mu per person.
Population
By the end of 2019, the registered population of Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township stood at 23,852 people. The population is composed of 54% male and 46% female residents. The township has a diverse ethnic composition, with the Hui ethnic group constituting around 21% of the population, while the majority (79%) are Han Chinese.
Transportation
The township is accessible via the Provincial Highway S338, which runs 25.5 kilometers through the township, connecting Hubeiguan with Shangjin.
Local Culture and Heritage
The name “Hubeikou” originates from the construction of Hubeiguan (Hubei Pass) in 1841, during the reign of the Daoguang Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The pass was strategically built under the direction of Weng Jishi, the county magistrate of Yunxi, who chose the location due to its advantageous terrain.
Attractions
Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township is home to several historical and scenic attractions, including:
- Hubeiguan Pass
- Guanyin Temple at Sanshiliuyan
- Huanglong Cave
- Hubeiguan Mosque
- The Laochi Courtyard, which served as the site of the 20th standing committee meeting of the CPC Hubei-Henan-Shaanxi Provincial Committee.
Local Specialties
Hubeikou is known for its agricultural products, such as Maotou mountain goats, walnuts, tung oil, persimmons, sesame, green beans, red beans, toona sinensis, and wild garlic.
Honors
In 2020, Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township was awarded the title of National Sanitation Township for the 2017-2019 period.
How to Get There
- By Car: The most convenient way to reach Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township is by car. The township is approximately 145 kilometers from Yunxi County and takes about 3-4 hours to reach via Provincial Highway S338.
- By Public Transport: Travelers can take buses from Shiyan City to Yunxi County, and from there, local buses or taxis are available to take you to Hubeikou.
Travel Tips
- Respect Local Customs: Since Hubeikou is a predominantly Hui Muslim community, it’s important to be mindful of local customs, particularly around dress codes and dietary habits (Halal food).
- Best Time to Visit: The mild weather in the region makes it an ideal destination during spring and autumn. Summer months can be warm but are still pleasant due to the mountainous environment.
- Language: Mandarin Chinese is spoken, but in some areas, local dialects might be more common, so it may be helpful to learn basic greetings.
Visiting Hubeikou Hui Ethnic Township provides a unique opportunity to explore a small yet culturally rich Hui Muslim community nestled in the scenic mountains of Hubei Province.
