Shanzhai Hui Ethnic Town in Huating City, Pingliang
Overview
Shanzhai Township (Shanzhai Xiang, 山寨回族乡) is located in Huating City (华亭市), part of Pingliang City (平凉市) in Gansu Province (甘肃省), China. It is situated at the foot of the Guanshan Mountains in the northwest part of Huating City. The township borders Hexi Township (河西乡) to the east, Moxia Town (马峡镇) to the south, Zhuanglang County (庄浪县) to the west, and Jingyuan County (泾源县) in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (宁夏回族自治区) to the north. The total administrative area is 81.70 square kilometers, and as of the end of 2018, the registered population was 14,348 people.
Historical Background
Shanzhai Township derives its name from its location in the remote Guanshan mountain forest area. From 1912, the first year of the Republic of China, until 1957, it was designated as Shanzhai District, which included parts of the current area. In 1958, during the commune period, Shanzhai Commune was established. In 1984, it was restructured as Shanzhai Hui Ethnic Township.
Administrative Divisions
Administrative Structure
As of the end of 2011, Shanzhai Township was divided into eight village committees:
- Xijie Village (西街村)
- Ganhe Village (甘河村)
- Xinzhuang Village (新庄村)
- Nanyangwa Village (南阳洼村)
- Xia Tan Village (峡滩村)
- Dongjie Village (东街村)
- Liuhe Village (刘河村)
- Beiyangwa Village (北阳洼村)
These villages are further divided into 51 village groups. By June 2020, the township managed eight administrative villages with the township government located at Xijie Village.
Geography and Climate
Location and Terrain
Shanzhai Township is located in the northwest of Huating City at the foot of the Guanshan Mountains. It borders Hexi Township to the east, Moxia Town to the south, Zhuanglang County to the west, and Jingyuan County to the north. The total area is 81.70 square kilometers.
Topography
The terrain of Shanzhai Township is characterized by loess hills and ravines, with the western part being higher than the eastern. The landscape features a mix of mountains and valleys.
Climate
Shanzhai Township experiences a temperate humid climate with an average annual temperature of 8.09°C. The average annual precipitation is 547.2 millimeters, and the average annual sunshine duration is 2,148.3 hours.
Hydrology
The township is traversed by the Shanzhai River and the Caichuan River, which flow from north to south. The region benefits from abundant water resources, with annual precipitation ranging from 500 to 700 millimeters.
Natural Disasters
Shanzhai Township is prone to natural disasters such as hail, frost, low temperatures, strong winds, and lightning. Hail is particularly severe, with the most serious incident occurring on May 22, 2010, which affected 21,000 acres of crops and reduced production by 4.613 million kilograms.
Natural Resources
The township has rich deposits of sand, gravel, and limestone. The Guanshan Mountains feature 3,960 acres of natural forest, and the forest edge areas in Ganhe and Xinzhuang villages have 7,863 acres of usable grassland.
Population
Demographics
By the end of 2011, Shanzhai Township had a total population of 13,993 people, including 314 urban residents, making up 2.2% of the population. The floating population was 340. The gender distribution was 50.8% male (7,112) and 49.2% female (6,891). Among the population, there were two Hui ethnic villages with 4,053 Hui people, representing 29% of the total population. The birth rate was 10.6‰, the death rate was 6.2‰, and the natural growth rate was 4.4‰. The population density was 168.6 people per square kilometer.
By the end of 2017, the resident population was 14,228, and by the end of 2018, the registered population was 14,348.
Transportation
How to Get There
By Bus: Public buses connect Shanzhai Township with Huating City and Pingliang City. The bus journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient option for reaching Shanzhai Township. The drive from Huating City to Shanzhai takes approximately 50 minutes.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is in Pingliang City. From Pingliang, you can continue your journey by bus or car to Shanzhai Township.
By Road: Shanzhai Township is accessible via Provincial Route 101 (G101) which runs from Ningxia Guyuan City to Huating County, and Ce Hong Road (策红路) connecting Ce Di Town to Shanzhai Township.
Travel Tips
- Local Customs: Shanzhai Township has a Hui Muslim population, so it’s important to respect local customs. Dress modestly, avoid carrying or consuming alcohol in public, and be mindful of local dietary practices.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant weather conditions.
- Local Cuisine: Hui cuisine features distinctive flavors, including dishes made from lamb and beef. Try local specialties such as Hui-style noodles and dumplings.
- Essential Services: Basic services, including grocery stores and markets, are available in the township. For more specialized services, you may need to visit Huating City or Pingliang City.
Shanzhai Township provides a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Hui people and offers beautiful natural landscapes for exploration.
