Sangong Hui Ethnic Township in Huocheng County, Ili
Location and Administrative Division
San Gong Township (San Gong Xiang, 三宫乡) is located in Huocheng County (霍城县), 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 lies in the central part of Huocheng County, bordering Salburak Town (萨尔布拉克镇) to the east, neighboring Huocheng County’s Liangfan Field (良繁场) and Langan Township (兰干乡) to the south, and adjoining the 65th Regiment (65团) to the west. To the northwest, it faces Qing Shui He Town (清水河镇) and Lu Cao Gou Town (芦草沟镇) across the Yaomo Mountains (妖魔山). To the north, it is adjacent to Lu Cao Gou Town. The total administrative area of San Gong Township is 72 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 16,432 people.
Historical Background
- 1950: The area was part of the Fourth District.
- 1958: It was reorganized into the Qianjin Commune (前进公社).
- 1960: Merged into the October Commune (十月公社).
- 1964: Reorganized back into the Qianjin Commune.
- 1978: Renamed to San Gong Commune (三宫公社).
- 1984: Renamed to San Gong Hui Ethnic Township (三宫回族乡).
Administrative Divisions
As of the end of 2011, San Gong Township was divided into 5 administrative villages:
- Sha Wan (沙湾)
- Xia San Gong (下三宫)
- Shang San Gong (上三宫)
- Dong Wan (东湾)
- Mu Ye Village (牧业村)
By 2019, San Gong Township continued to consist of the same 5 administrative villages:
- Xia San Gong Village (下三宫村)
- Sha Wan Village (沙湾村)
- Shang San Gong Village (上三宫村)
- Dong Wan Village (东湾村)
- Mu Ye Village (牧业村)
The township government is located in Sha Wan Village.
Geography and Climate
Location and Terrain
San Gong Township is located in the central part of Huocheng County. It has an area of 72 square kilometers. The terrain consists of a plain with an elevation that is slightly higher in the east and south and lower in the west and north. The general elevation ranges from 800 to 1,100 meters above sea level, with the highest point at 1,200 meters and the lowest at 497 meters.
Climate
San Gong Township experiences a temperate continental climate characterized by long sunshine hours, high accumulated temperature, significant temperature fluctuations, and ample light and heat resources. Winters are typically sunny. The average annual temperature is 9.4°C, with extreme minimum temperatures reaching -34.2°C and extreme maximum temperatures up to 40.1°C. The region has an average of 2,550 sunshine hours per year and a total solar radiation of 137 kilocalories per square centimeter. The average annual precipitation is 217 millimeters, with the maximum annual rainfall being 450 millimeters and the minimum 140 millimeters.
Hydrology
Water sources in San Gong Township primarily include the Guo Zi Gou River (果子沟河), Dao Xu Gou Reservoir (倒须沟水库), and Karama Zha Spring (卡拉麻扎泉水). The total surface water runoff from mountain streams and springs amounts to 742 million cubic meters. The Dao Xu Gou Reservoir receives its water mainly from the melting ice and snow of the Tianshan Mountains (天山山脉).
Natural Disasters
The primary natural disasters in San Gong Township include hail, drought, and locusts.
Population
Demographics
In 2010, the permanent population of San Gong Township was 14,900. Of this population:
- 3,410 people were under 14 years old (22.9%).
- 10,623 people were between 15 and 64 years old (71.3%).
- 865 people were 65 years old and above (5.8%).
The majority ethnic group is Hui (回族), with 9,203 people (61.8%), while other ethnic groups include Han, Uyghur, Kazakh, and 12 other minorities, totaling 5,697 people (38.2%), with Hui accounting for 20.7% of the population.
By the end of 2011, the total population was 14,900, with 1,490 living in urban areas, resulting in an urbanization rate of 10%. The gender distribution was 7,701 males (51.8%) and 7,165 females (48.2%), with a population density of 206 people per square kilometer.
As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 16,432.
Economy
Agriculture
San Gong Township’s primary crops include winter wheat, corn, flax, sunflower, sugar beets, cotton, watermelon, and tobacco. Livestock farming focuses on cattle, sheep, and poultry.
Industry
By 2018, the township had three industrial enterprises.
Transportation
How to Get There
- By Bus: Public buses connect San Gong Township with major cities in Xinjiang, including Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) and Ili City (伊宁市). The journey may involve transfers, typically taking several hours.
- By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient way to reach San Gong Township from Urumqi or Ili City. The drive from Urumqi to San Gong Township takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, while from Ili City, it takes around 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 San Gong Township.
- By Road: The township is accessible via local roads that connect it to neighboring regions. The road network is well-maintained, but it’s advisable to check road conditions, especially in winter.
Travel Tips
Local Customs
San Gong Township is predominantly Hui ethnic, so it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Avoid consuming pork and alcohol in public, as these are not aligned with Hui dietary practices.
Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit San Gong Township are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is pleasant and conducive for travel.
Local Cuisine
Try local Hui dishes, which include lamb kebabs, Hui-style dumplings, and various noodle dishes. The region’s cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of spices.
Essential Services
Basic services such as local markets and small shops are available within the township. For specialized services or medical care, visiting larger cities like Ili City may be necessary.
Attractions
San Gong Township offers several points of interest:
- Guo Zi Gou River (果子沟河): Known for its scenic beauty.
- Dao Xu Gou Reservoir (倒须沟水库): A picturesque reservoir surrounded by mountains.
- Karama Zha Spring (卡拉麻扎泉水): A natural spring providing fresh, clear water.
- Local Villages: Explore traditional Hui villages and experience local customs and lifestyles.
Be sure to prepare for varying weather conditions and check transportation options in advance to ensure a smooth trip.
