Taoyuan Hui Ethnic Town in Ludian County, Zhaotong

Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township (桃源回族乡, Taoyuan Huizu Yizu Xiang) is located in the eastern part of Ludian County (鲁甸县), Zhaotong City (昭通市), Yunnan Province (云南省). It borders Yongfeng Town (永丰镇) in the Zhaoyang District (昭阳区) to the east, Jiangdi Town (江底镇) to the south, Wenping Town (文屏镇) to the west, and Ciyuan Hui Township (茨院回族乡) to the north. The area covers 58.02 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, the registered population was 44,386 people.

Historical Background

During the Republic of China period, the area was part of the Dong District (东区) and the Southern Yan Township (南岩乡), where Taoyuan Township (桃源乡) and Taoyuan Town (桃源镇) were established. In 1958, it became part of the Tuanjie Commune (团结公社), and in 1962, it was designated as Wenping District (文屏区). It was renamed Wenping Commune (文屏公社) in 1969. In 1983, the Wenping Brigade (文屏大队) was transferred to Wenping Town, and the area was restored as Taoyuan District (桃源区). In 1988, Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township was formally established.

Administrative Division

By the end of 2011, Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township governed five village committees: Taoyuan, Jingmen, Tuogu, Tiejiabang, and Dashuitang, with a total of 109 village groups. As of June 2020, the township included two communities and five administrative villages, with the township government based in Taoyuan Street (桃源街).

Village Names

• Yazi Tang Community (鸭子塘社区)
• Taoyuan Community (桃源社区)
• Qingmen Village (箐门村)
• Tuogu Village (拖姑村)
• Tiejiabang Village (铁家湾村)
• Dashuitang Village (大水塘村)
• Chachong Village (岔冲村)

Geography and Environment

Location and Area

Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township is situated in the eastern part of Ludian County, neighboring Yongfeng Town to the east, Jiangdi Town to the south, Wenping Town to the west, and Ciyuan Hui Township to the north. The total area is 58.02 square kilometers.

Terrain and Topography

The highest point in Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township is located on Little Black Mountain (小黑山) in the southeast, with an elevation of 2,475 meters. The lowest point is where the Taoyuan River (桃源河) exits into the Zhaoyang District, at an elevation of 1,900 meters.

Climate

In areas below 2,000 meters in elevation, the average annual temperature is 12.2°C with an average frost-free period of 230 days and an average annual precipitation of 877 mm. Above 2,000 meters, the average annual temperature is 11.7°C with an average frost-free period of 200 days and an average annual precipitation of 900 mm.

Hydrology

The largest river in the township is the Taoyuan River, originating from the mountainous area at the edge of Yandong Village (岩洞村) in Wenping Town. It flows for 19.8 kilometers through the township, with a runoff area of 12 square kilometers, an average slope of 1.5%, a riverbed width of 4 to 7 meters, and an average annual flow rate of 0.5 cubic meters per second.

Population

By the end of 2011, the total population of Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township was 39,393 people. Among them, 19,877 were male (50.46%) and 19,516 were female (49.54%). The 6th National Census showed that 10,497 people were under 14 years old (31.3%), 20,903 were between 15 and 64 years old (62.3%), and 2,103 were over 65 years old (6.2%). The Hui ethnic group predominates, with 37,107 people (94.2%). In 2011, the birth rate was 7.5‰, the death rate was 2.2‰, and the natural population growth rate was 5.3‰. By the end of 2017, the resident population was 35,186, and by the end of 2019, the registered population was 44,386.

Economy

Overview

In 2019, Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township had 21 industrial enterprises, of which 3 were large-scale. There were also 2 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area exceeding 50 square meters.

Agriculture

The agricultural land area in Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township is 34,125 mu, including 4,140 mu of rice paddies. In 2011, the township produced 9,915 tons of grain, including 2,238 tons of rice. The main cash crops are flue-cured tobacco and vegetables, with 4,393 tons of tobacco and 2,136 tons of vegetables produced in 2011. Fruit cultivation covered 690 mu in 2011.

Industry

In 2011, the total industrial output value of Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township reached 2.45 million yuan. There is one provincial-level industrial park in the area.

Transportation

As of 2011, Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township had five villages connected by roads. There are nine rural roads totaling 42.7 kilometers. Daily rural passenger buses operate from the county seat to various villages, with irregular departures.

How to Get There

• By Car: From Zhaotong City, take the S312 road to Ludian County. From there, follow local roads to reach Taoyuan Township.
• By Bus: Buses from Zhaotong City and other major towns in Ludian County frequently run to Taoyuan Township, though schedules may vary.

Travel Tips

• Weather: Be prepared for varying temperatures depending on the altitude and season. Bring layers and check the weather forecast before traveling.
• Local Cuisine: Enjoy local Hui cuisine, known for its rich flavors and diverse dishes.
• Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or local festivals.

History and Culture

Name Origin

During the early Qing Dynasty, the region was opened to Han and Hui ethnic groups. Due to the presence of a peach orchard, it was named Taoyuan, which later evolved into Taoyuan.

Historical Sites

Tuogu Mosque (拖姑清真寺, Tuogu Qingzhen Si) is located about 10 kilometers east of Ludian County’s urban area, in Tuogu Village (拖姑村), Taoyuan Hui and Yi Autonomous Township. Established in the 8th year of the Yongzheng reign (1730), it is surrounded by fertile fields, winding riverbanks, and shaded trees. The mosque is one of the five ancient temples in Yunnan Province and is considered a major historical and cultural site, protected by the provincial government.