Shanjie Hui Ethnic Town in Longhui County, Shaoyang

Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township (邵阳市隆回县山界回族乡) is located in Longhui County, Shaoyang City, Hunan Province, in the southwestern part of Longhui County. It is bordered by Changle Township (长乐乡) of Shaoyang County to the east, Shuangpai Town (双牌镇) of Wugang City to the south, Sanggesi Town (三阁司镇) to the west, and Taohong Town (桃洪镇) to the north. The township covers a total area of 47.1 square kilometers. According to the seventh national census, as of November 1, 2020, the permanent population of Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township was 16,996.

In 1947, during the Republic of China period, Longhui County was established by splitting off from Shaoyang County, and Shanjie was under the jurisdiction of Ziyang Township (紫阳乡) of Wugang County. In June 1995, after administrative reorganization, Luobai Township (罗白乡) was merged into Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township. As of October 31, 2022, Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township governs 16 administrative villages, with the township government located in Minzu Village (民族村).

By the end of 2019, Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township had 12 industrial enterprises, including one above a designated size, and 35 general stores or supermarkets with an area exceeding 50 square meters.

Historical Development

  • 1947 (Republic of China Period): Longhui County was formed by splitting from Shaoyang County, and Shanjie belonged to Ziyang Township of Wugang County.
  • 1950: Ziyang Township of Wugang County was incorporated into Longhui County, becoming part of the 10th District.
  • 1956: Shanjie, Xinlong, and Jinlong Townships were merged to establish Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township.
  • 1958: The ethnic township was abolished and merged into Hongqi Commune (红旗公社).
  • 1961: It became part of Ziyang District’s Ethnic Commune.
  • 1978: Tianfu Commune (天福公社) merged into Ziyang District’s Ethnic Commune.
  • 1982: Shanjie Hui Ethnic Commune was re-established.
  • 1984: The commune was converted into a township.
  • 1995: Luobai Township was merged into Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of the end of 2022, Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township is composed of 16 administrative villages, including:

  • 坳头村 (Aotou Village)
  • 架枧村 (Jiajian Village)
  • 樟石村 (Zhangshi Village)
  • 红旗村 (Hongqi Village)
  • 罗白村 (Luobai Village)
  • 四方井村 (Sifangjing Village)
  • 民族村 (Minzu Village)
  • 金龙村 (Jinlong Village)
  • 陈栗村 (Chenli Village)
  • 红星村 (Hongxing Village)
  • 老屋村 (Laowu Village)
  • 大坪村 (Daping Village)
  • 槎江村 (Chajian Village)
  • 落马井村 (Luomajing Village)
  • 南寺村 (Nansi Village)
  • 崇江村 (Chongjiang Village)

Geography and Environment

Location and Boundaries

Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the southwestern part of Longhui County, Shaoyang City. To the east, it connects with Changle Township of Shaoyang County, to the south with Shuangpai Town of Wugang City, to the west with Sanggesi Town, and to the north with Taohong Town. The township has a total area of 47.1 square kilometers.

Topography and Landforms

The terrain of Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township is predominantly hilly, with the land generally sloping from west to east and from south to north. The highest point is Wufeng Ridge (五峰岭), with an elevation of 469 meters, while the lowest point is along the banks of the Nan River (赧水河), at 260 meters above sea level.

Water Resources

The Nan River (赧水) enters the township from the east at Xinshi Village (新栗村) and flows south to north through the township, passing through villages like Cuanying (篡英村) and Xianghua (香花村) before exiting. The river runs for a total of 3 kilometers within the township.

Natural Resources

As of 2011, Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township had 16,000 mu (approximately 1,067 hectares) of arable land, with an average of 0.64 mu per person. Among this, 11,000 mu were rice paddies, and 5,000 mu were dryland.

Origin of the Name

Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township is named because it is surrounded by mountains on three sides. To the east, it is bordered by Shixian Ridge (石仙岭), and to the southwest, it is bordered by Wufeng Ridge, which also forms the boundary with Wugang County and Sanggesi Town.

How to Get There

To reach Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township, visitors can take a bus or car from Shaoyang City. The township is about 60 kilometers from the city center, and the journey typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours by car. Alternatively, buses depart regularly from the Shaoyang Long-Distance Bus Station, heading towards Longhui County. From there, local transport services can take you to Shanjie Hui Ethnic Township.

Travel Tips

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit due to the mild weather and scenic rural landscapes.
  • Transportation: Local buses or taxis are available for getting around, but renting a car can provide more flexibility, especially for visiting surrounding villages.
  • Cultural Insight: As a Hui ethnic area, Shanjie is home to a Muslim community, and visitors should be mindful of local customs, such as dressing modestly and respecting dietary practices (halal food).
  • Hiking: The hilly terrain offers opportunities for hiking and enjoying panoramic views from Wufeng Ridge.