Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town in Xiantao City, Hubei

Location and Administrative Division

Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town (沔城回族镇, Miǎn Chéng Huízú Zhèn) is situated in the southwestern part of Xiantao City (仙桃市), Hubei Province (湖北省), China. It is the only Hui ethnic town in Hubei Province. To the north, it borders the vast Paixu Lake (排湖), while to the south, it is adjacent to the Dongjing River (东荆河). The town covers an area of 36.1 square kilometers and had a population of 19,539 as of 2017.

In September 2018, Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town was included in the list of model towns for agricultural industry strength. In July 2020, the National Patriotic Health Campaign Committee named Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town as a National Sanitary Township for the 2017-2019 period.

Historical Background

Miancheng, previously known as Mianyang City (沔阳城), has a history spanning over 1,500 years. It has served as an administrative center from the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the early years of the Republic of China. It was once a county seat, and in 1952, it became part of Tonghaikou’s jurisdiction. In 1984, Miancheng was approved by the Mianyang County government as a county-level town and was officially established as Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town in 1987 by the Hubei Provincial Government.

Administrative Divisions

As of 1997, Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town covered 36 square kilometers and had a population of 25,000. It comprised twelve village committees and Miancheng Community (沔城居委会). The town governs twelve administrative villages: Jiangbei Village (江北村), Qihong Village (七红村), Eryang Village (二羊村), Zhouling Village (洲岭村), Huangjin Village (黄金村), Chengjiao Village (城郊村), Gubaimen Village (古柏门村), Shaoshen Du Village (邵沈渡村), Wanghe Village (王河村), Shangguan Village (上关村), Yuanxie Village (袁剅村), and Nanqiao Village (南桥村).

Attractions and Tourism

Miancheng boasts rich tourism resources and a profound cultural heritage. It is a historical town with numerous ancient sites, including the ruins of the old city, the former residence, and palace site of Chen Youliang (陈友谅), a famous leader of the peasant uprising during the Yuan Dynasty.

Key Attractions:

  • Chen Youliang’s Former Residence: Historical site related to the famous peasant leader.
  • Zhuge Liang Reading Platform: Associated with the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang.
  • Di Renjie’s Administrative Office: Related to the famous historical figure Di Renjie.

The town is renowned for its historical and cultural richness, including over forty ancient wells, archways, and temples. Key cultural sites include:

  • Pufosi Temple (普佛寺): A Buddhist temple.
  • Xuanmiao Temple (玄妙观): A Taoist temple.
  • Mosques: Reflecting the town’s Islamic heritage.
  • Wensheng Temple (文圣庙): Dedicated to Confucian teachings.

Annual cultural activities include the cultural temple fair, dragon boat races, Eid al-Fitr celebrations, and the Lotus Flower Art Festival. The town’s natural beauty is highlighted by the Dongmiao Red Lotus Pond, a picturesque spot ideal for relaxation. The town attracts around 100,000 visitors annually, with tourism revenue approaching 3 million RMB.

Economy

Miancheng has a robust industrial sector with 25 large-scale enterprises and fixed assets reaching 510 million RMB. In 2005, the town’s industrial output value was 470 million RMB, with sales revenue of 430 million RMB. Notable industries include:

  • Meihua Electromechanical: Supporting electromechanical product exports.
  • Green Home: Specializing in environmental chemical products.
  • Hubei Aoyuan Egg Products: Leading agricultural product processing.

The town has made significant strides in industrial infrastructure, with a modern industrial park spanning 1,000 acres. Recent investments include:

  • Wuhan Shuju Technology: 30 million RMB.
  • Green Home Phase II Production Line: 15 million RMB.
  • Zhongping Precision Casting: 10 million RMB.
  • Aoyuan Egg Products: 5 million RMB.

Agriculture

Miancheng’s agriculture is characterized by its distinctive features. The town has leveraged its location along the provincial Xianjian Highway to boost agricultural product circulation and vegetable industry development. Notable achievements include:

  • Qihong Vegetable Professional Village: Awarded “Top Ten Boutique Villages” by the city government in 2000.
  • Agricultural Production Value: 78.65 million RMB in 2005, with a per capita net income of 3,478 RMB, an increase of 210 RMB from the previous year.

The town focuses on the “Two Main and Four Modernizations” strategy in agriculture, emphasizing vegetable cultivation and duck farming. Key agricultural production areas include:

  • Xianjian and Chengshao Highways: Vegetable cultivation.
  • Dongjing River Area: Duck farming.
  • Honghao, Masi, and Qili Ponds: Lotus root cultivation.

Social Development

Miancheng has seen significant growth in education, with a strong emphasis on quality education. High school and college entrance exam results have shown continuous improvement. The town has also improved family planning policies and cultural, health, and security services, contributing to a stable and prosperous community.

How to Get There

By Car

Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town is accessible by car, approximately 35 kilometers from Xiantao City. The journey takes around 30 minutes.

By Bus

Regular bus services connect Xiantao City and Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes.

By Train

The nearest major railway stations are in Xiantao. From these stations, taxis or buses can be taken to reach Miancheng Hui Ethnic Town.

Travel Tips

  • Local Customs: Respect the local Hui ethnic customs and traditions. Enjoy Hui cuisine, including lamb dishes and hand-pulled noodles.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal times for pleasant weather.
  • Local Cuisine: Sample local Hui specialties such as lamb kebabs and traditional noodles.
  • Essential Services: Basic amenities are available in the town. For more specialized services, larger cities like Xiantao may be necessary.