Laowan Hui Ethnic Township in Honghu City, Jingzhou

Overview

Laowan Hui Ethnic Township (老湾回族乡) is located in Honghu City (洪湖市), Jingzhou (荆州市), Hubei Province (湖北省). It lies in the southeastern part of Honghu, bordered by Longkou Town (龙口镇) to the east, the Yangtze River (长江) to the south, Wulin Town (乌林镇) to the west, and Datonghu Administrative District (大同湖管理区) to the north. The township covers an area of 61.31 square kilometers and had a registered population of 15,030 people by the end of 2019.

Prior to 1951, the area was under the jurisdiction of Mianyang County (沔阳县), Xindi City (新堤市), and Jiayu County (嘉鱼县). In October 1987, Laowan was elevated to the status of a township under the city’s administration. As of October 2021, it consists of 1 community and 6 administrative villages. The township government is located at No. 1 Minzu Avenue (民族大道特1号) in Laowan Street.

Laowan Hui Ethnic Township has 13 industrial enterprises and 13 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an operating area of over 50 square meters.

How to Get There

To reach Laowan Hui Ethnic Township, travelers can take a bus from Honghu City’s central bus station, which is connected to larger cities like Wuhan (武汉) and Jingzhou (荆州). If coming from Wuhan, you can take a train or long-distance bus to Honghu City and transfer to a local bus or taxi. For those driving, follow the main highways connecting Wuhan or Jingzhou to Honghu, then proceed southeast towards Laowan.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit due to moderate weather conditions.
  • Local Cuisine: Since this is a Hui ethnic area, halal food is readily available. Be sure to try local specialties like lamb dishes and traditional Hui snacks.
  • Transportation: Local buses are available, but renting a car or hiring a taxi might be more convenient for exploring the surrounding areas.

Historical Development

  • Pre-1951: The township was part of Mianyang County, Xindi City, and Jiayu County.
  • June 1951: It became part of the second district of Honghu County (洪湖县).
  • September 1958: The township was reorganized under Longkou Commune (龙口公社).
  • March 1984: It was renamed Laowan Township under Longkou District.
  • November 1985: It became Laowan Hui Ethnic Township.
  • October 1987: The township was elevated to city-administered status.

Administrative Divisions

As of the end of 2021, Laowan Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 1 community and 6 administrative villages. The local government is located at No. 1 Minzu Avenue in Laowan Street.

List of Administrative Divisions

  • Jiangtunwan Community (江豚湾社区)
  • Liuhua Village (六合村)
  • Lu Mengkou Village (吕蒙口村)
  • Keli Village (珂里村)
  • Fengyuan Village (丰垸村)
  • Shiqiao Village (石桥村)
  • Shazhou Village (沙洲村)

Geographic Environment

Location and Borders

Laowan Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the southeastern part of Honghu City. It borders Longkou Town to the east, the Yangtze River to the south, Wulin Town to the west, and Datonghu Administrative District to the north. The total area of the township is 61.31 square kilometers.

Natural Disasters

The township is prone to natural disasters, particularly floods. The most severe flood occurred in 1954, when a section of the riverbank collapsed on July 13, causing over 3,000 houses to collapse and 3,000 mu of land to become sand-covered. This disaster reduced arable land by one-third and resulted in direct economic losses exceeding 20 million yuan.

Population

By the end of 2011, Laowan Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 15,417, of which 5,102 were urban residents, leading to an urbanization rate of 33.1%. The male population was 8,133 (52.8%), while the female population was 7,284 (47.2%). The population under 18 was 2,391 (15.5%), those aged 19-59 made up 11,093 (72%), and those aged over 60 comprised 1,933 (12.5%). The Hui ethnic population totaled 4,676 (30.3%), while the Han population was 10,741 (69.7%).

By the end of 2019, the registered population was 15,030.

Historical and Cultural Highlights

Origin of the Name

The name “Laowan” (老湾) comes from its location along the Yangtze River, where the river bends sharply, and the area has a long history. The name reflects the township’s ancient connection to the river and its geographical features.

Natural Scenery

  • Yangtze River Islands: Two river islands are located opposite Laowan along the Yangtze River. These islands are largely undeveloped, with 80% of the area covered in reeds and only 20% cultivated for crops. The islands provide beautiful natural scenery and a peaceful environment for visitors.

Historical Site

  • Lu Mengkou Battlefield: In the Three Kingdoms period, Lu Mengkou (吕蒙口), formerly known as Li Jia Kou (李家口), was a small village on the Yangtze River. The Wu Kingdom general Lu Meng stationed his troops here. To avoid disturbing the villagers, he set up camp in a red poplar forest 300 meters behind the village. In memory of the general’s respect for the local people, the village was renamed Lu Mengkou. This historical site is a reminder of the ancient battles fought in the area and the culture of the Three Kingdoms period.