Miliangquan Hui Ethnic Township in Qapqal Xibe Autonomous County, Ili

Location and Administrative Division

Miliangquan Hui Township (Miliangquan Huizu Xiang, 米粮泉回族乡) is located in the northeastern part of Chabuchar Xibe Autonomous County (察布查尔锡伯自治县), Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (伊犁哈萨克自治州), Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), China. It is bordered by Kuo Hongqi Township (阔洪奇乡) to the east, Zakuqi Niuluo Township (扎库齐牛录乡) to the south, Chuo Huoer Township (绰霍尔乡) to the west, and the Ili River (伊犁河) to the north, across from Ili City (伊宁市). The total administrative area of Miliangquan Hui Township is 32.01 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 5,390 people.

Historical Background

Before 1950: The area was governed by Zhaixiu Luo.
1950: It was part of the Third District.
1958: It was under the jurisdiction of the Rocket Commune and known as Miliangquan Brigade.
1965: It became part of the Ili Dairy Farm, 11th Brigade.
1981: It was reorganized as an agricultural brigade directly under the county agricultural bureau.
1982: It was converted into a county rice farm.
November 1984: It was established as Miliangquan Hui Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2011, Miliangquan Hui Township is divided into 3 administrative villages:

Miliangquan Village (米粮泉村)
Adu Ba Village (阿顿巴村)
Kemiqi Ma Li Village (克米其买里村)

There are also 8 village groups under these administrative villages.

By June 2020, the township continued to be divided into the following 3 administrative villages:

Miliangquan Village (米粮泉村)
Kemiqi Ma Li Village (克米其买里村)
Adu Ba Village (阿顿巴村)

The township government is located in Miliangquan Village.

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Miliangquan Hui Township is situated in the northeastern part of Chabuchar Xibe Autonomous County. It lies on the alluvial plain of the southern Ili River. The terrain is flat, and it is one of the oldest oases in Chabuchar Xibe Autonomous County. The highest elevation within the township is 620.4 meters, and the lowest is 609.7 meters.

Climate

Miliangquan Hui Township experiences a temperate continental climate with distinct seasons and ample sunlight. Spring warms quickly, summer is hot, autumn cools down rapidly, and winter experiences significant snowfall. The average annual temperature is between 8°C and 8.5°C, with annual precipitation ranging from 180 to 220 millimeters.

Hydrology

The Ili River (伊犁河) flows through the northern part of Miliangquan Hui Township from east to west, extending approximately 8 kilometers within the township. The main tributary is the Chuo Huoer River (绰霍尔河), which meanders from east to west through the southern part of the township and is about 7.5 kilometers long. Agricultural and pastoral water needs are supplied by the Chuo Huoer River.

Natural Disasters

The primary natural disasters in Miliangquan Hui Township include floods, late spring cold spells, hot winds, and hail. Flooding is particularly severe, occurring 1 to 2 times annually, mainly between March and May.

Population

Demographics

By the end of 2011, Miliangquan Hui Township had a total population of 5,686 people, with:

460 people living in urban areas (urbanization rate of 8.1%).
408 people classified as floating population.

The population breakdown was as follows:

Males: 3,127 (55%)
Females: 2,559 (45%)
Under 14 years old: 1,357 (23.9%)
Aged 15–64: 4,086 (71.8%)
Over 65 years old: 243 (4.3%)

Ethnic composition included:

Hui: 4,150 people (73%)
Uyghur, Kazakh, Dongxiang, Bao’an, Xibe, Sala, and other ethnic groups: 1,536 people (27%)

The birth rate was 17.35‰, the death rate was 5.08‰, and the natural population growth rate was 12.27‰. The population density was 126 people per square kilometer.

As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 5,390.

Economy

Revenue

In 2011, Miliangquan Hui Township had a total fiscal revenue of 7 million yuan, which was a 1.1% increase from the previous year.

Retail

By 2018, the township had 4 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of more than 50 square meters.

Transportation

How to Get There

By Bus: Public buses connect Miliangquan Hui Township with major cities in Xinjiang, such as Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) and Ili City (伊宁市). Buses from Urumqi take approximately 6 to 7 hours, and from Ili City, around 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient way to travel to Miliangquan Hui Township from Urumqi or Ili City. The drive from Urumqi is about 6 to 7 hours, while from Ili City, it is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Train: The nearest major railway stations are in Urumqi and Ili City. From these stations, you can take a bus or taxi to Miliangquan Hui Township.
By Road: The township is accessible via local roads from neighboring regions. The road network is generally well-maintained, but checking road conditions, especially in winter, is advisable.

Travel Tips

Local Customs

Miliangquan Hui Township is predominantly Hui, with a diverse mix of other ethnic groups. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly regarding dietary practices and religious observances.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Miliangquan Hui Township are in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is milder and more suitable for travel.

Local Cuisine

Try local Hui dishes, which often feature lamb and beef, as well as traditional Xinjiang bread and noodles. The region’s cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes.

Essential Services

Basic services such as local markets and small shops are available within the township. For specialized services or medical care, larger cities like Ili City may be needed.

Attractions

Ili River (伊犁河): Offers scenic views and is an important water resource for the area.
Local Villages: Explore traditional Hui villages to experience local culture and lifestyle.

Prepare for varying weather conditions and check transportation options in advance to ensure a smooth visit.