Shuili Shui Ethnic Town in Libo County, Qiannan
Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township黔南布依族苗族自治州荔波县水利水族乡, formerly under Libo County in Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, was located in the northern part of Libo County. It was bordered by Yuping Town to the east, Chaoyang Town to the south, Fangcun Township and Boyao Town to the west, and Jialiang Town and Sandu Shui Autonomous County to the north. The township covered a total area of 126.28 square kilometers. By the end of 2011, the township had a population of 6,511.
In 1984, the area was designated as Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township. As of August 2013, the township comprised 5 administrative villages, with the township government located in Shui Li Village. In April 2014, Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township was disbanded, and its administrative region was incorporated into Yuping Subdistrict.
Historical Development
- 1736 – 1936: The area was part of Yaotai Li.
- 1937: It was known as Yaotai Li and Shui Li Township.
- 1953: It was divided into Fengping, Shui Li, and Dongjia Townships.
- 1958: Shui Li Township was merged with Shilai Township and Chengguan Town to form Chaomei Commune, which was under Chengguan District.
- 1961: The commune was renamed Shui Li Commune and was part of Chengguan District.
- 1984: Shui Li Commune was upgraded to Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township.
- April 2014: Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township was disbanded, and its administrative region was incorporated into Yuping Subdistrict.
Administrative Division
By the end of 2011, Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township was divided into 5 village committees: Shui Li, Shui Yan, Shui Feng, Yao Bang, and Dong Tuo, with 49 village groups. As of August 2013, the township comprised these 5 administrative villages, with the township government located in Shui Li Village.
Geographical Environment
Location and Boundaries
Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township was located in the northern part of Libo County. It was bordered by Yuping Town to the east, Chaoyang Town to the south, Fangcun Township and Boyao Town to the west, and Jialiang Town and Sandu Shui Autonomous County to the north. The total area covered 126.28 square kilometers.
Topography and Landforms
The township is situated in the transitional zone between the Guizhou Plateau and the Eastern Guangxi Hills. The terrain is characterized by high mountains in the north and lower areas in the south, with a mix of mountains and valleys arranged from west to east. The area has numerous small rivers flowing along anticlines or faults, with fewer flat areas and more mountainous terrain. The landforms primarily include karst peak forests, valleys, and depressions.
Climate
Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, with mild temperatures and abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature is 16.3°C, and the annual precipitation averages 1,300 mm, with most rainfall occurring between April and September. The frost-free period averages 277 days per year.
Natural Disasters
The main natural disasters in Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township include droughts, windstorms, hailstorms, floods, pests, autumn rains, and frost.
Natural Resources
In 2011, the township had 4,339 acres of arable land.
Population
By the end of 2011, Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township had a total population of 6,511. Among them, 4,883 were Shui people, accounting for 75% of the population. The birth rate was 7.25‰, the death rate was 3.93‰, and the natural population growth rate was 3.32‰. The population density was 52 people per square kilometer.
Transportation
The township was traversed by National Highway 552, providing access to other regions.
Historical and Cultural Background
Origin of the Name
In 1931, the name Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township was formed by combining one character from Shui Feng and Shui Li.
How to Get There
To visit the former Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township:
- By Car: Drive to Libo County, then follow local roads to reach the former Shui Li Shui Ethnic Township area.
- Public Transportation: Utilize National Highway 552, which passes through the region, and connect with local transportation services to reach the specific areas within the former township.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from April to September, avoiding the peak of the rainy season and taking advantage of the mild temperatures.
- Clothing: Prepare for variable weather conditions, and bring both warm clothing and rain gear.
- Local Attractions: Explore the region’s diverse karst landscapes and cultural heritage, including the Shui ethnic culture.
- Accommodations: Accommodations in rural areas may be limited, so plan ahead and book in advance if necessary.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic communities or participating in cultural events.
