Shihuiyao Hui Ethnic Town in Ping’an District, Haidong

Overview

Shihuiyao Township (海东市平安区石灰窑回族乡) is a township located in the southwestern part of Ping’an District, Haidong City, Qinghai Province. It is bordered to the east by Sanhe Town (三合镇), to the south by Huazhong County (化隆县), to the west by Danma Township (丹麻乡) in Huangzhong County, and to the north by the town of Xiaoxia (小峡镇). The township is approximately 23 kilometers from the county government seat. As of the end of 2020, Shihuiyao Township has a registered population of 11,724 people. The administrative area covers 74.27 square kilometers.

Historical Development

  • Ancient Times: Shihuiyao was historically part of Qiang territory.
  • Western Han Dynasty: It belonged to Anyi County (now Ping’an County).
  • Yuan Dynasty: The area was under the jurisdiction of Pingrong Post Station.
  • Ming Dynasty: It was part of Pingrong City.
  • Qing Dynasty: When Ping’an County was renamed Ping’an Town, Shihuiyao was also included in Xining County.
  • Republic of China: Known as Tanglongtai Township and under the administration of Xining County.
  • 1946: Reverted to Huangzhong County.
  • Early PRC: Became part of the 2nd and 11th Administrative Districts of Huangzhong County.
  • 1958: Became Red Star Commune (later changed to Sanhe Commune).
  • 1960: Was incorporated into Xining City.
  • 1961: Established as Shihuiyao Commune.
  • 1962: Returned to Huangzhong County.
  • 1978: Assigned to Ping’an County.
  • 1984: Renamed Shihuiyao Township and designated as a Hui ethnic township in August of the same year.

Administrative Division

As of October 2019, Shihuiyao Township administers 14 administrative villages:

  • Xiahe Tan Village (下河滩村)
  • Shihuiyao Village (石灰窑村)
  • Yelong Village (业隆村)
  • Tanglongtai Village (唐隆台村)
  • Liming Village (黎明村)
  • Shangfa Tai Village (上法台村)
  • Shang Tanglong Village (上唐隆台村)
  • Yaozhuang Village (窑庄村)
  • Xiaofa Tai Village (下法台村)
  • Yangposhan Village (阳坡山村)
  • Shiguasi Village (石挂寺村)
  • Yima Village (宜麻村)
  • Chuchu’er Gou Village (处处尔沟村)
  • Hongya Village (红崖村)

As of October 2021, the administrative division remains the same.

Geography and Climate

Location

Shihuiyao Township is situated in the southwestern part of Ping’an District, bordered by Sanhe Town to the east, Huazhong County to the south, Danma Township to the west, and Xiaoxia Town to the north. The distance to the county government seat is 23 kilometers. The area is 74.27 square kilometers.

Terrain and Topography

The township features a predominantly mountainous terrain with complex and interlaced valleys. The elevation ranges from 2066 to 2300 meters, with high mountains such as Amijili Mountain (阿米吉利山) and Niqie Mountain (泥且山) extending from the southwest to the northeast, with altitudes between 2395 and 3922 meters. Key valleys include Xianghe Gorge (响河峡) and Dongxia Gorge (东峡), which contribute to the region’s rugged and fragmented landscape.

Climate

Shihuiyao Township experiences a continental plateau climate with long sunshine hours and strong solar radiation. The spring is dry and windy, summer is cool, and winter is cold with indistinct seasons. The average annual sunshine is 2864 hours, with daily averages of 7.7 hours. The annual solar radiation ranges from 140.3 to 152.2 kcal/cm². The average annual temperature is 7.3°C, with the hottest month averaging 18.2°C and the coldest month averaging -4.6°C. Extreme temperatures can reach up to 31.5°C in July and as low as -17.7°C in January. Rainfall is unevenly distributed, with an annual average of 310.1 mm, and evaporation is significantly higher at 1836.3 mm.

Hydrology

The region features the Xianghe Gorge (响河峡), which extends about 4 kilometers south of Shang Tanglongtai Village (上唐隆台村). The major tributaries include Shitou Gorge (石头沟), Jiala Gorge (加拉沟), and Yue Long Gorge (月隆沟), contributing to a watershed area of 1111 square kilometers. The average flow is 0.952 cubic meters per second, with an annual water volume of 10.055 million cubic meters.

Natural Disasters

Shihuiyao Township faces various natural disasters, including hail, frost, heavy rainfall, mountain floods, earthquakes, storms, pests, and rodent damage. Hail is a recurrent issue, with severe damage recorded in 1983. Early frost begins in mid-October, and there is typically no frost for over 150 days. Late frost ends in mid-June for the Naoshan area, with early frost starting in early September. Rainfall extremes occur mainly in July and August, with August being the most damaging. In August 1983, heavy rain led to mountain floods and landslides, affecting seven communes and causing significant agricultural and infrastructure damage.

Natural Resources

Shihuiyao Township has confirmed deposits of 18 types of mineral resources, including mineral water, gypsum, calcium magnesium sulfate, granite, diopside, black mica, and phosphorous iron ore.

Population

  • End of 2011: The total population was 8,269, with 212 engaged in non-agricultural activities. The population included Han, Hui, Tibetan, Tu, and Mongol ethnic groups, with 4,277 minorities, accounting for 51.5%. Hui people numbered 3,660, constituting 44.5% of the population, and Tibetan people numbered 617, constituting 7.4%.
  • End of 2018: The registered population was 9,020.
  • End of 2020: The registered population reached 11,724.

Transportation

Shihuiyao Township is accessible via a main road running north-south, connecting the area with the surrounding regions. The road infrastructure includes four village roads and two rural sand-gravel roads, facilitating transportation within the township.

How to Get There

  • By Car: From Xining (西宁), take National Road G214 southbound to Ping’an District (平安区), then follow local roads to Shihuiyao Township.
  • By Public Transport: Take a bus from Xining to Ping’an District and transfer to a local bus or taxi heading towards Shihuiyao Township.

Travel Tips

  • Weather: Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially if traveling in winter or during the rainy season. Pack warm clothing and rain gear.
  • Road Conditions: Some rural roads may be unpaved and can be challenging, so a vehicle suitable for rough terrain is recommended.
  • Local Attractions: Visit the Hongya Village (红崖村), known for its historical significance as a stopover for the Fifth Dalai Lama on his way to Beijing.