Jiading Shui Ethnic Town in Dushan County, Qiannan

Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township黔南布依族苗族自治州独山县甲定水族乡, formerly under Dushan County in Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, was located in the northeastern part of Dushan County. It was bordered by Hejiang Town of Sandu Shui Autonomous County to the east, Shuiyan Township to the south, Tuchang Town and Mawan Town to the west, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township to the north. The township’s administrative center was 37 kilometers from the county seat, covering a total area of 55.81 square kilometers. As of the end of 2011, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township had a population of 3,598.

In 1991, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township was part of Dingtai Township. The administrative divisions were reorganized in 2013, with Tuchang Town, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township being dissolved and merged into Yingshan Town. The new administrative area of Yingshan Town included the regions formerly known as Tuchang Town, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township.

Historical Development

1932: The county was divided into 5 districts and 62 townships (or towns), with Dingtai Township falling under the 2nd district.
1941: Dingtai Township was directly administered by the county.
Pre-1956: It was part of Wengqi District.
December 1956: Dingtai Township was assigned to Sandu County.
1961: It was reassigned to Dushan County.
1961: Dingtai Commune was established, later divided into Jiadong Commune and Wengtai Commune, both under Wengqi District.
1984: Renamed Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township.
1991: The administrative area remained unchanged during the township, town, and district reorganization.
June 28, 2013: Tuchang Town, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township were dissolved, and Yingshan Town was established with the administrative area including the former regions of Tuchang Town, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Division

1991: Included 7 administrative villages and 36 village groups.
2007: The 7 administrative villages were consolidated into 5.
End of 2011: The township was divided into 5 administrative villages: Jiadong, Jiaxi, Zilin Mountain, Datou, and Xinlian, with 36 village groups and 40 natural villages.

As of October 31, 2012, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township included these 5 administrative villages, with the township government located in Jiadong Village.

Geographical Environment

Location and Boundaries

Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township was situated in the northeastern part of Dushan County. It was bordered by Hejiang Town of Sandu Shui Autonomous County to the east, Shuiyan Township to the south, Tuchang Town and Mawan Town to the west, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township to the north. The administrative center was 37 kilometers from the county seat, and the area covered 55.81 square kilometers.

Topography and Landforms

The township is located on a sloping transition zone from the Guizhou Plateau to the Guangxi Hills, characterized by high mountains, deep valleys, and karst hill basins. The average elevation is 1,221 meters. The region features a mesa-like low and medium mountain landform with developed karst topography.

Climate

Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, being one of the high-altitude, cold regions of Dushan County, known as “Dushan Tibet.” It has a notably cool climate with an average annual temperature of 13.9°C and an extreme minimum temperature of -8°C. The annual accumulated temperature is 3,765°C, with an average frost-free period of 255 days. The average annual sunshine duration is 1,100 hours, and the average annual precipitation is 1,570 mm.

Hydrology

Major rivers in the area include the Bazhao River and the Liu Xian River.

Natural Disasters

The main natural disasters in Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township include late spring cold snaps, spring droughts, summer droughts, and hailstorms.

Natural Resources

The township has mineral resources such as coal, hematite, and sulfur iron ore. There are 13,000 acres of undeveloped mountain grasslands. Protected wildlife includes giant salamanders, golden pheasants, white peacocks, and macaques. Rare plant species under national protection include the southern yew, rosewood, elm, and pine trees.

In 2011, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township had 3,176 acres of arable land.

Population

As of the end of 2011, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township had a total population of 3,598, including 149 urban residents, resulting in an urbanization rate of 4.1%. The population was composed of 1,762 males (48.97%) and 1,836 females (51.03%). The Shui ethnic group was the predominant group, with 3,418 individuals (95%). The birth rate was 8.96‰, the death rate was 4.62‰, and the natural population growth rate was 4.34‰. The population density was 64.5 people per square kilometer.

Transportation

As of the end of 2011, the township government seat was accessible by an oil road with 2 daily bus departures, each bus seating 32 passengers. Jiadong and Jiaxi villages had paved village roads, while other villages had simple roads.

Historical and Cultural Background

Origin of the Name

The name Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township is derived from Jiadong Village, where the township government was located.

How to Get There

To reach the former Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township:

By Car: Drive to Dushan County, and from there take local roads to the former Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township area.
Public Transportation: You can use the daily bus service that connects the township to nearby regions.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Consider visiting from April to October to avoid extreme cold and enjoy more favorable weather.
Clothing: Prepare for cool temperatures and possible rain. Layered clothing and rain gear are recommended.
Local Attractions: Explore the natural landscapes, including the karst formations and rivers, and learn about the Shui ethnic culture.
Accommodations: Plan ahead for lodging, as accommodations in rural areas may be limited.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic communities or participating in cultural events.