Putian Hui Ethnic Town in Panzhou City, Liupanshui
Overview
Putian Hui Ethnic Township (普田回族乡) is located in the southern part of Panzhou City (盘州市), Liupanshui City (六盘水市), Guizhou Province (贵州省). It borders Xinmin Town (新民镇) to the east, Pu’an County (普安县) in Qianxinan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture (黔西南布依族苗族自治州) across a river to the southeast, Qingshuihe Town (清水河镇) in Xingyi City (兴义市) to the south, and Baotian Town (保田镇) to the west and north. The township covers an area of 73.58 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population was 14,881 people.
Historical Background
- Qing Dynasty: Initially, the area belonged to Pu’an Prefecture (普安州) during the early Qing Dynasty period.
- 1984: Putian Hui Ethnic Township was established.
- 1992: Villages from the former Zhuyi District (忠义区), such as Ahlang Village (啊榔村) and Anzhanpo Village (安展坡村), were merged into Putian Township.
Administrative Divisions
As of June 2020, Putian Township governs 1 community and 5 administrative villages:
- Damuqiao Community (大木桥社区)
- Dogchangba Village (狗场坝村)
- Laogezi Village (老格子村)
- Ahlang Village (啊榔村)
- Yan Zi Village (雁子村)
- Xiaobishe Village (小毕舍村)
The township government is based in Damuqiao Community (大木桥社区).
Economy
In 2019, Putian Hui Ethnic Township had 9 industrial enterprises and 27 general stores or supermarkets, each with an operational area exceeding 50 square meters.
Geography and Environment
Location and Boundaries
Putian Township is located in the southern part of Panzhou City, bordered by towns from Qianxinan Prefecture and other regions of Panzhou. It has an administrative area of 73.58 square kilometers.
Topography
The township lies on the transition zone between the Guizhou Plateau (贵州高原) and the Yunnan Plateau (云南高原), featuring a typical karst landscape. The terrain slopes from north to south, with hilly features. The highest point is Bajiaoqing (八角箐), at 1,972 meters above sea level, while the lowest point is in Puke (普克), at 1,387 meters above sea level.
Climate
The township has a mild climate with an average temperature of 18°C. The growing season lasts for 260 days annually, with an average frost-free period of 280 days. The region receives an average of 2,160 hours of sunlight per year and about 1,200 mm of rainfall annually.
Hydrology
Putian Hui Ethnic Township is part of the Pearl River Basin (珠江水系), specifically the Nanpan River (南盘江) tributary system. The main rivers include Damuqiao (大木桥), Puke (普克), Ah Lang (啊榔), and Anjia (安家), with a total river length of 10.7 kilometers and an annual runoff volume of 11 million cubic meters.
Natural Disasters
The township is prone to natural disasters such as hail, drought, and flooding. The most severe drought occurred in 2009, affecting an area of 9,000 mu (亩). By the end of 2001, four locations were identified as susceptible to geological disasters.
Natural Resources
Putian Hui Ethnic Township has abundant underground resources, including coal, iron, and limestone. The coal reserves are estimated to be 260 million tons, while the available groundwater resources are about 4.73 billion cubic meters. In 2011, the township had 12,270 mu of arable land.
Population
By the end of 2011, the total population of Putian Hui Ethnic Township was 13,851, with 2,820 urban residents, reflecting an urbanization rate of 20.4%. The population consisted of 7,380 males (53.3%) and 6,471 females (46.7%). The population density was 188 people per square kilometer. By the end of 2019, the registered population had grown to 14,881.
Transportation
In 2011, there were two main passenger routes connecting the township:
- Hongguo to Putian Route (红果至普田)
- Xingyi to Putian Route (兴义至普田)
The township had 60 passenger vehicles, with an annual passenger volume of 540,000 people, and 73 freight vehicles, transporting around 300,000 tons of goods annually.
How to Get There
- By Road: You can take a bus from nearby cities like Xingyi (兴义) or Hongguo (红果) to reach Putian Township. Regular passenger services are available, and the route is scenic, offering views of the karst landscape.
- By Car: Travelers can drive from Liupanshui City (六盘水市) or other nearby regions, with direct road connections making it accessible. The drive takes you through the picturesque Guizhou countryside, with opportunities to explore neighboring towns.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The climate in Putian Township is mild, but it’s best to visit during the spring or autumn months when the weather is cooler and pleasant for outdoor activities.
- Accommodation: As it’s a smaller, rural township, accommodation options are limited. However, visitors can stay in nearby towns such as Panzhou City or Xingyi, which offer more hotels and guesthouses.
- Local Products: The township is known for its natural resources, especially coal and limestone. Local markets also feature agricultural products that reflect the region’s fertile land.
- Explore the Surroundings: Make time to explore the neighboring towns and the unique karst topography of the region. The rivers and hills provide excellent opportunities for hiking and nature walks.
