Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township in Fengqiu County, Xinxiang

Location and Administrative Division

Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township (荆乡回族乡, Jingxiang Huizu Minzu Xiang) is located 3 kilometers west of the county seat of Fengqiu County (封丘县), Xinxing City (新乡市), Henan Province (河南省), China. The township covers an area of 8 square kilometers and has 6,856 mu (approximately 4.57 square kilometers) of arable land. The region experiences a temperate continental climate and is home to 5 Hui ethnic villages, with a total population of 5,215 people, organized into 30 village groups.

Historical Background

  • 1952: Jingxiang Hui Autonomous Township (荆乡回族自治乡) was established.
  • 1958: The township was merged into Chengguan Commune (城关公社).
  • 1986: Jingxiang Hui Autonomous Township was reinstated as Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township (荆乡回族乡).

On September 24, 2019, Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township was honored with the title of “National Model Collective for Ethnic Unity and Progress” by the State Council.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2020, Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 5 administrative villages:

  • Baishi Village (百寺村)
  • Qianjingxiang Village (前荆乡村)
  • Baizhuang Village (白庄村)
  • Yangzhuang Village (杨庄村)
  • Houjingxiang Village (后荆乡村)

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township is situated 4 kilometers west of Fengqiu County’s city center. It is bordered by Chengguan Town (城关镇) to the east, Chengguan Township (城关乡) to the south, Yingju Town (应举镇) to the west, and Wangcun Township (王村乡) to the north. The area covers 8 square kilometers with 6,856 mu of arable land.

Topography

The region was originally saline-alkaline land covered with red willows. During winter and spring, the winds can stir up the alkali dust.

Climate

The township has a temperate continental climate, characterized by distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters.

Population

As of 2018, Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township had a population of 5,215 people. The majority of the population is Hui ethnic, with over 5,140 Hui individuals, and a small number of Han Chinese, totaling around 70. The population density is approximately 651 people per square kilometer.

Economy

Main Industries

Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township’s primary industries include:

  • Wheat and Corn Farming
  • Yam Cultivation
  • Fur and Leather Sales
  • Livestock Farming
  • Slaughter and Processing Industry
  • Food Processing

The township is home to numerous planting and breeding companies. In 2014, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 160 million RMB. The major industries include leather processing and fur sales, with a total annual production value of 45 million RMB and a tax revenue of 4 million RMB.

In 2016, the township had 7 leather factories and 18 fur sales stations, with some large companies achieving annual outputs exceeding 5 million RMB. Livestock includes 2,000 rabbits, 2,000 ducks, and 5,000 cattle, with an annual production value of 6 million RMB and a tax revenue of 1 million RMB.

Transportation

How to Get There

  • By Car: Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township is easily accessible by road. It is located about 3 kilometers west of Fengqiu County’s city center. Driving from Xinxing City takes around 30 minutes.
  • By Bus: Public bus services run from Xinxing City to Fengqiu County, and local buses can take you to the township.
  • By Train: The nearest major railway station is in Xinxing City. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to reach Jingxiang.

Travel Tips

  • Local Culture: Respect the Hui ethnic traditions and customs. The Hui people have unique cultural practices and cuisine.
  • Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for comfortable weather.
  • Local Cuisine: Try traditional Hui dishes, including lamb and beef specialties, which are prominent in the local cuisine.
  • Essential Services: Basic services are available within the township. For more specialized needs, you may need to travel to larger towns or cities like Xinxing.

Honors and Awards

  • 1998: Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township was awarded the title of “Well-Off Township” by the Xinxing City Government.
  • September 24, 2019: The township received the “National Model Collective for Ethnic Unity and Progress” honor from the State Council.
  • March 2019: Baishi Village (百寺村) was recognized as a “Provincial Model Village for Rural Revitalization.”
  • 2019: Jingxiang Hui Ethnic Township was honored with the title of “Advanced Township for Petition Work” in Xinxing City.