Maoping Hui Ethnic Township in Zhen’an County, Shangluo
Overview
Maoping Hui Ethnic Town is located in the southeastern part of Zhen’an County (镇安县), Shangluo City (商洛市), Shaanxi Province (陕西省). It borders Hubeikou Township (湖北口乡) in Hubei Province (湖北省) to the east, Hongjun Town (红军镇) in Xunyang City (旬阳市), Ankang City (安康市) to the south, Xikou Hui Ethnic Town (西口回族镇) to the west, and Miliang Town (米粮镇) to the north. The town covers a total area of 105.47 square kilometers, with a maximum east-west distance of 21.2 kilometers and a maximum north-south distance of 12 kilometers. As of June 2020, Maoping governs 7 administrative villages, and its registered population was 11,971 at the end of 2018.
Historical Development
The town derives its name from the flat terrain covered in reeds, which is suitable for grazing.
- 1949: Established as Maoping Township (茅坪乡).
- 1953: Designated as Maoping Hui Autonomous Township (茅坪回民自治乡).
- 1958: Renamed to Maoping Management Area (茅坪管理区).
- 1961: Formed Maoping Commune (茅坪公社).
- 1984: Renamed to Maoping Hui Ethnic Township (茅坪回族乡).
- 1997: Maoping Hui Ethnic Township merged with most of the territory of Ganguo Hui Ethnic Township (甘沟回族乡) to establish Maoping Hui Ethnic Town.
- 2011: Included Yaozhuang River Village (腰庄河村) and Wufu Village (五福村) from Guanyin River Township (关坪河乡).
Administrative Division
As of 2020, Maoping Hui Ethnic Town includes:
- Administrative Villages: Maoping Village (茅坪村), Yuanping Village (元坪村), Hongguang Village (红光村), Yaozhuang River Village (腰庄河村), Wufu Village (五福村), Wuxing Village (五星村), Fengjing Village (峰景村)
The town comprises a total of 37 villagers’ groups, with the local government based in Maoping Street (茅坪街).
Geography
Location
Maoping Hui Ethnic Town is situated in the southeastern part of Zhen’an County, bordered by Hubeikou Township, Hongjun Town, Xikou Town, and Miliang Town.
Terrain and Climate
The terrain in Maoping is inclined from southwest to northeast, characterized by mountainous areas with significant vertical drops. The highest point is Beiyang Mountain (北阳山) at an elevation of 1,868 meters, while the lowest point is at Haotan River (蒿滩河) at 811 meters. The average temperature is 11.2°C, with January averages at -2°C and extreme lows of -11°C recorded in February 2010. July averages around 22°C, with extreme highs reaching 31°C in August 2010.
Water Resources
Maoping Hui Ethnic Town is part of the Yangtze River Basin, with major rivers including Maoping River (茅坪河) and Yaozhuang River (腰庄河). The Maoping River originates in Yuanping Village and flows north into the Huashui River, covering a length of 12.2 kilometers, while the Yaozhuang River flows from Yuanping Village southwest through Yaozhuang River Village and Wufu Village, with a length of 14.2 kilometers.
Natural Resources
The area has identified underground mineral resources, including marble, limestone, gold oxide, antimony, and mercury, with marble reserves totaling 100 million tons and limestone reserves reaching 1.3 billion tons. The agricultural land covers 19,300 acres, and the area dedicated to economic forestry spans 16,200 acres, including 8,585 acres of chestnut orchards and 7,661 acres of walnut orchards.
Natural Disasters
Maoping Hui Ethnic Town faces various natural disasters, including low temperatures, droughts, floods, mudslides, and landslides. Droughts and floods occur every 3 to 4 years, with severe rainstorms common in August and September, while low temperatures primarily affect March and April. The most significant landslide occurred on September 5, 2009, in Wanjia Mountain, resulting in economic losses of over 3 million yuan. In 2011, the town experienced 33 natural disasters, affecting 491 households and 2,494 individuals.
Population
As of the end of 2011, the total population of Maoping Hui Ethnic Town was 11,316, with an urban population of 4,889, leading to an urbanization rate of 43.2%. Among the total population, there were 6,189 males (54.7%) and 5,127 females (45.3%). The population included 931 individuals under the age of 14 (8.2%), 9,077 individuals aged 15-64 (80.2%), and 1,308 individuals over 65 (11.6%). The population density is 107 people per square kilometer.
Transportation
Maoping Hui Ethnic Town is accessible by road, with well-connected routes leading to neighboring towns. There are regular bus services from Shangluo City to Zhen’an County.
How to Get There
To reach Maoping Hui Ethnic Town, take a bus from Shangluo City to Zhen’an County. Upon arrival, local taxis and shared vehicles can transport you directly to the town.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit due to the mild weather and beautiful scenery.
- Local Cuisine: Sample Hui cuisine, known for its unique flavors and traditional dishes.
- Cultural Respect: Be mindful of local customs and practices, especially in this Hui-dominated area, to enrich your travel experience. Engaging with the local community can provide valuable insights into their culture and traditions.
