Lingyunce Manchu and Hui Ethnic Town in Yixian County, Baoding

Overview

Lingyun Ce Township (Lingyun Ce Xiang, 凌云册乡) is a township under the jurisdiction of Yi County (易县) in Baoding City (保定市), Hebei Province. It is located in the southeastern part of Yi County, bordered to the east by Dingxing County (定兴县), to the south by Humu Township (户木乡) in Xushui District (徐水区), to the west by Peishan Town (裴山镇), and to the north by Gaomo Town (高陌镇). The township stretches a maximum distance of 8 kilometers from east to west and 13.3 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 62.1 square kilometers. As of November 1, 2020, the total population was 23,242.

Lingyun Ce Township was established as a commune in 1961 and was renamed as a township in 1984. By June 2020, it governed 19 administrative villages, with the township government located in Lingyun Ce Village (凌云册村).

In 2011, the total agricultural output value of Lingyun Ce Township was 480 million yuan, and the industrial output value was 195 million yuan. The financial revenue reached 3.12 million yuan, reflecting a 25% increase from the previous year. The local financial revenue was 2.12 million yuan, also up by 23%. Per capita financial income was 100.4 yuan, an increase of 26%. By 2018, Lingyun Ce Township had 10 industrial enterprises, with 4 classified as above the designated size, and 82 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area exceeding 50 square meters.

Historical Development

  • In 1949, it was part of Yi County’s second district.
  • In 1961, Lingyun Ce Commune was established.
  • In 1984, it was renamed Lingyun Ce Township.

Administrative Division

As of the end of 2011, Lingyun Ce Township governed the following 19 villagers’ committees:

  • Xiniu Village (西牛村)
  • Beihan Village (北韩村)
  • Nahan Village (南韩村)
  • Donghan Village (东韩村)
  • Xihan Village (西韩村)
  • Laishan Village (涞山村)
  • Dongshaodong Village (东邵东村)
  • Dongshaozhong Village (东邵中村)
  • Dongshaoxin Village (东邵新村)
  • Huangshan Village (黄山村)
  • Dafang Village (大方村)
  • Daju Village (大巨村)
  • Xinzhuang Village (辛庄村)
  • Beijiazhuang Village (北贾庄)
  • Taipingzhuang Village (太平庄)
  • Lingyun Ce Village (凌云册村)
  • Xiecun Village (解村)
  • Zhouren Village (周任村)
  • Longwantou Village (龙湾头村)

As of June 2020, Lingyun Ce Township continues to administer these 19 administrative villages.

Geographic Environment

Location

Lingyun Ce Township is situated in the southeastern part of Yi County, approximately 15 kilometers from the Yi County government. It is bordered by:

  • East: Dingxing County (定兴县)
  • South: Humu Township (户木乡) in Xushui District (徐水区)
  • West: Peishan Town (裴山镇)
  • North: Gaomo Town (高陌镇)

The township spans a maximum distance of 8 kilometers from east to west and 13.3 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 62.1 square kilometers.

Topography

Lingyun Ce Township lies in a transition zone from the Taihang Mountain range to the North China Plain, with most of the area being flat. The highest peak is Phoenix Mountain (凤凰山), which has an elevation of 182.6 meters.

Climate

Lingyun Ce Township has a temperate monsoon climate with distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are typically dry and windy, while summers are hot and rainy. The average temperature in spring is 3.2°C, in summer is 32.2°C, and in autumn is -3.3°C. The extreme minimum temperature recorded is -23°C, while the extreme maximum is 41°C. Winters are cold with little snow.

Hydrology

The Nanyishui River (南易水河) flows through Lingyun Ce Township, entering from Xiniu Village and running eastward for a length of 10 kilometers.

Natural Disasters

Lingyun Ce Township has experienced several natural disasters. The most severe hailstorm occurred on June 23, 2011, lasting about 20 minutes and affecting an area of 13,580 acres. Wind disasters can occur year-round, with the worst recorded on July 5, 2009, causing damage to 12,700 acres of corn and a yield loss of 1.27 million kilograms.

Natural Resources

By the end of 2011, Lingyun Ce Township had a total arable land area of 39,000 acres, averaging 1.3 acres per person, all of which was irrigated land.

Population

As of the end of 2011, the total population of Lingyun Ce Township was 31,064, including 500 permanent urban residents, resulting in an urbanization rate of 1.6%. There were also 2,828 migrant residents. The population comprised 16,777 males (54%) and 14,287 females (46%). Among them, 5,591 individuals (19%) were under 14 years old, 22,988 (73%) were between 15 and 64, and 2,485 (8%) were over 65. The majority were Han Chinese, numbering 29,821 (96%), followed by Hui people at 1,106 (3.6%) and Manchu people at 137 (0.4%). The birth rate was 6.7‰, the death rate was 3.6‰, and the natural growth rate was 3.1‰. The population density was 493 people per square kilometer. By the end of 2017, the resident population was 32,060, and by the end of 2018, the registered population was 32,448. As of November 1, 2020, the total population was 23,242.

Cultural History

Name Origin

Lingyun Ce Township is named after Lingyun Ce Village, where the township government is located.

Historical Sites

Zhenguo Temple (镇国寺)

Zhenguo Temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Yi County, located in Xiecun Village (解村) along the banks of the Nanyishui River. The temple and its stone Buddha statue date back to the 11th year of the Kaihuang period during the Sui Dynasty (隋朝) (591 AD). Due to the presence of a standing Buddha statue inside, it is also locally known as the “Standing Buddha Temple.”

In the seventh year of the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (光绪七年, 1881 AD), the temple was damaged by a storm but was later restored, with three main halls rebuilt in the 25th year of the Guangxu period (1899 AD). Inside Zhenguo Temple, there are murals on the east, west, and north walls. The main Buddha statue is a standing figure of Shakyamuni, made of white jade, standing 4.92 meters tall on a lotus pedestal, adorned with colorful paintings. However, the statue’s hands and feet are damaged, and in March 1997, the statue’s head was stolen. This Buddha statue exemplifies the style of Buddhist sculptures from the Sui Dynasty, making it significant for the study of Sui culture and stone carving art. On July 15, 1993, the stone Buddha of Zhenguo Temple was designated as a protected cultural relic in Hebei Province.

How to Get There

By Public Transportation

  • Bus: Regular buses operate from Baoding City to Yi County. From Yi County, you can take local buses to Lingyun Ce Township.
  • Train: The nearest train station is in Baoding City. From there, take a bus or taxi to Yi County, then to the township.

By Taxi or Ride-hailing

You can use taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing from Baoding City to reach Lingyun Ce Township directly.

Driving

If driving, take the main roads from Baoding City to Yi County, following local signage to arrive at Lingyun Ce Township.

Travel Tips

  • Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying traditional dishes unique to the region. Look for local eateries that serve authentic Hui cuisine.
  • Best Time to Visit: The best times to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be hot, while winters are quite cold.
  • Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious sites like Zhenguo Temple, dress modestly and be respectful of local customs.
  • Explore Nature: Take time to enjoy the natural surroundings, including the beautiful landscapes and rivers in the area. Hiking and outdoor activities are recommended.
  • Cultural Engagement: Engage with local residents to learn more about their customs and traditions, especially during festivals or community events.