Lingtang Hui Ethnic Town in Gaoyou City, Yangzhou
Overview
Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township is located in the southwestern part of Gaoyou City (高邮市), Yangzhou City (扬州市), Jiangsu Province (江苏省). It shares borders with Songqiao Town (送桥镇) to the east, Tianshan Town (天山镇) to the south, and Jiepai Town (界牌镇) in Anhui Province (安徽省) to the west. To the north, it borders Gaoyou Lake (高邮湖). The township covers an area of 53.92 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population was 23,053.
Historical Development
Lingtang Township was established in 1948. In July 1983, Lingtang People’s Commune was renamed Lingtang Township, and in May 1988, it became Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township. By June 2020, Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township governed 2 communities and 6 administrative villages, with the township government located at No. 1 Xingling Road (兴菱路).
Administrative Division
As of 2020, Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township consists of:
- Communities: Wenchang Community (文昌社区), Shuguang Community (曙光社区)
- Villages: Lingtang Village (菱塘村), Qilong Village (骑龙村), Gaomia Village (高庙村), Gongjia Village (龚家村), Qingzhen Village (清真村), Wangyao Village (王姚村)
The township has a total of 89 villagers’ groups and 11 residential groups.
Geography
Location
Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the southwestern part of Gaoyou City. It is surrounded by Gaoyou Lake on three sides. The area has a total administrative area of 53.92 square kilometers.
Terrain and Climate
Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township is located on the northern slope of the Shugang Mountain Range, characterized by a higher center and lower sides, resembling a turtle’s back. The region consists of hilly areas and low-lying plains. It has a subtropical humid monsoon climate.
Water Resources
The township is bordered by Gaoyou Lake to the east, west, and north. There are two artificial rivers, Xiangyang and Shuangqing, extending into Gaoyou Lake.
Natural Resources
As of 2011, Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township had 28,200 acres of arable land, averaging 1.2 acres per person. The forest coverage rate was 25.8%.
Population
As of the end of 2011, Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 23,276, with 10,200 residing in urban areas, resulting in an urbanization rate of 44%. The population was composed of 11,590 males (49.8%) and 11,686 females (50.2%), with a population density of 432 people per square kilometer. By the end of 2017, the resident population had increased to 23,829.
Transportation
As of 2011, Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township had 4 municipal and township-level roads totaling 110 kilometers, along with 26 rural roads covering 73 kilometers.
How to Get There
To reach Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township, travelers can take a bus from Yangzhou City to Gaoyou City and then transfer to local transport services that connect to the township. The township is well-connected by road, making it accessible for visitors.
Cultural Heritage
Name Origin
Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township is named after Lingtang Bridge (菱塘桥) located within the township.
Honors and Recognition
In February 2019, Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township was recognized as a “National Sanitary County (Township)” by the National Patriotic Health Campaign Committee. In 2022, it was included in the list of provincial-level cultural heritage sites in Jiangsu Province.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Lingtang Hui Ethnic Township is during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant.
- Local Cuisine: Be sure to try local Hui cuisine, which features unique flavors and dishes.
- Cultural Respect: As the township has a significant Hui population, understanding and respecting local customs and traditions is important for a pleasant visit.
