Shendu Shui Ethnic Township in Shixing County, Shaoguan
Overview
Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township is located in Shixing County (始兴县), Shaoguan City (韶关市), Guangdong Province (广东省). Situated in the central part of Shixing County, it borders Liu Zhangjia Mountain Forest Farm (刘张家山林场) to the east, Sijian Town (司前镇) and Aizi Town (隘子镇) to the south, Qujiang District (曲江区) to the west, and Dungang Town (顿岗镇) and Shensuo Town (沈所镇) to the north. The township covers an area of 153 square kilometers and administers 4 administrative villages. By the end of 2019, the registered population was 7,900.
Historical Development
After the Xianfeng period of the Qing Dynasty (清朝), Shen Dushui was part of the Shouwang Township (守望乡).
- 1949: Became part of the Third District.
- 1956: Incorporated into Liangkou Township (良口乡).
- 1958: Became part of Hongqi Commune (红旗公社), which included Shen Dushui, Dungang, Chengjiang, and Luoba.
- December 1958: Shixing County merged with Nanyong County, belonging to Shixing Commune.
- 1960: Renamed to Dungang Commune.
- September 1977: Separated from Dungang Commune to establish Shen Dushui Commune.
- 1984: Changed to Shen Dushui District.
- January 15, 1987: Renamed to Shen Dushui Township.
- December 14, 1987: Became Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township.
Administrative Division
As of October 2021, Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township administers 4 administrative villages:
- Hengling Village (横岭村)
- Shen Dushui Village (深渡水村)
- Pingtian Village (坪田村)
- Changmei Village (长梅村)
The township government is located in Shen Dushui Township (深渡水圩).
Geography
Location
Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township is situated in the central part of Shixing County, bordered by Liu Zhangjia Mountain Forest Farm, Qujiang District, Sijian Town, Aizi Town, Dungang Town, and Shensuo Town. The total area is 153 square kilometers.
Terrain and Climate
The terrain of Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township is characterized by higher elevations in the south and lower elevations in the north, with complex mountain ranges creating steep and rugged landscapes often forming canyons.
Climate
The township experiences a subtropical monsoon climate with mountain climate characteristics, featuring large temperature variations between day and night. The average annual precipitation is 1,615 millimeters, and the average annual temperature is 19.7°C, with the highest temperature reaching 38.4°C and the lowest dropping to -3°C.
Water Resources
The Qinghua River (清化河) runs through the township, with major tributaries including Huangshui River (黄水河), Changmei River (长梅河), and Shirenzhang River (石人嶂河).
Natural Resources
Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township has significant natural resources, including tungsten mines. Other resources include abundant water and forest resources. The area is home to 1,505 species of animals across 49 families and 253 genera, and 1,928 species of plants across 290 families and 925 genera, with 14 species of nationally and provincially protected wild plants and 32 rare and endangered animal species.
Population
By the end of 2017, the permanent population of Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township was 4,762. By the end of 2018, the registered population was 7,923, and by the end of 2019, it was 7,900.
Transportation
Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township is accessible via the Ganshao Expressway (赣韶高速公路) and National Highway G220 (国道G220线).
How to Get There
To reach Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township, you can take a bus from Shaoguan City to Shixing County. Taxis and local transportation options are available to travel within the township.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its best.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on trying traditional Yao cuisine, which often features local ingredients and unique flavors.
- Cultural Engagement: Engage with the local Yao community to learn about their unique customs and traditions, including marriage, funerals, and festivals.
- Explore Nature: Take advantage of the natural beauty in the area, including local parks and scenic spots.
Cultural Heritage
Origin of the Name
The name “Shen Dushui” originates from its location by the river, where the Xinning Pavilion (咸宁阁墟) was once built, serving as a crucial ferry crossing with deep waters, hence the name “Shen Dushui.”
Ethnic Customs
Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township has distinct Yao cultural customs, including traditional marriage ceremonies, funerals, festivals, and unique folk tales. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Yao-style houses and home-cooked meals.
Scenic Attractions
The township is home to several natural attractions, including:
- Jiangjun Dong Nature Reserve (将军栋自然保护区)
- Mizhu Wang Scenic Area (米椎王景区)
- Ancient Camphor Forest at Huangtuling (黄土岭古樟树林)
- Tianju Iron Cable Bridge (天菊铁索桥)
Honors
On December 11, 2019, Shen Dushui Yao Ethnic Township was recognized as a national model for ethnic unity and progress. On January 6, 2021, it was designated as one of the second batch of Guangdong Provincial Tourism Character Towns by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.
