Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Town in Huailai County, Zhangjiakou
Overview
Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township is located in the northern part of Huailai County (怀来县), Zhangjiakou City (张家口市), Hebei Province (河北省). It borders Beixinbao Town (北辛堡镇) to the east, Cunrui Town (存瑞镇) to the south and west, and Chicheng County (赤城县) to the north. The township is approximately 13 kilometers from the Huailai County People’s Government, covering a total area of 132 square kilometers. By the end of 2018, the registered population of Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township was 8,418.
History
In December 1949, the area of Wangjialou was part of Huailai County’s seventh district. In May 1985, it was designated as Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township. As of June 2020, Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township administers 16 administrative villages, with the township government located in Wangjialou Village.
In 2018, Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township had five industrial enterprises and 19 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with a business area exceeding 50 square meters.
Historical Development
- 1949: Wangjialou was part of Huailai County’s seventh district.
- 1953: It was restructured into Wangjialou Ethnic Democratic United Township.
- 1956: Renamed Wangjialou Hui Autonomous Township.
- 1958: Incorporated into Cunrui Commune.
- 1961: Became part of Xinglinbao Commune.
- 1985: Established as Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township.
- 1996: The former Xinglinbao Township merged into Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township.
Administrative Division
By the end of 2011, Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township consisted of 16 administrative villages, including:
- Wangjialou (王家楼)
- Mayukou (麻峪口)
- Yanjiazhuang (宴家庄)
- Zhanjiaying (站家营)
- Cier Mountain (茨儿山)
- Dongzhuangzi (东庄子)
- Yuzhuangzi (于庄子)
- Wafang (瓦房)
- Xipo (西坡)
- Jinjiaokou (金家口)
- Chang’an Ridge (长安岭)
- Jiuzhan Fortress (旧站堡)
- Xinglinbao (杏林堡)
- Baituliang (白土梁)
- Donghongzhan (东洪站)
- Xihongzhan (西洪站)
As of June 2020, the township still comprises these 16 administrative villages.
Geographic Environment
Location
Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the northern part of Huailai County, adjacent to Beixinbao Town to the east, Cunrui Town to the south and west, and Chicheng County to the north. The total area is 132 square kilometers.
Topography
The township features a terrain that is higher in the north and lower in the south, with an average elevation of 1,105 meters, typical of hilly and mountainous regions. The primary mountain range is the Yanshan Mountains. The highest peak, Shuicungou, is located west of Chang’an Ridge Village at an elevation of 1,780 meters, while the lowest point is south of Wangjialou Village at an elevation of 800 meters.
Climate
Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township has an average annual temperature of 4°C, with a frost-free period lasting approximately 120 days each year. The average annual precipitation is 420 millimeters, and there is a significant temperature difference between day and night.
Natural Resources
The township has confirmed underground mineral resources, primarily iron ore and iron concentrate, with an estimated iron ore reserve of 6 million tons and a geological reserve of 32.7 million tons. The developed iron ore mine is located in Mayukou Village, covering an area of 5,388 square kilometers, with an exploitable quantity of 32.7 million tons and an annual output of 1.2 million tons. As of 2011, the arable land area in Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township was 17,000 acres, averaging 2 acres per person.
Population
As of the end of 2011, Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 8,187, with an urban population of 232, resulting in an urbanization rate of 2.8%. The floating population was 251. Of the total population, 4,270 were male (52%) and 3,917 were female (48%). The majority ethnic group is Han Chinese, numbering 6,276 (76.7%), followed by Hui people, totaling 1,911 (23.3%). In 2011, the birth rate was 13.5‰, the death rate was 6.3‰, and the natural growth rate was 7.2%, with a population density of 62 people per square kilometer. By the end of 2017, the permanent resident population was 5,777, and by the end of 2018, the registered population reached 8,418.
Transportation
Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township is accessible via the Jingli Expressway and National Highway G239 (formerly Baoping Road).
How to Get There
- By Car: The township is approximately a 90-minute drive from Zhangjiakou City. Take the Jingli Expressway, following signs to Huailai County. Upon exiting, follow local roads to reach Wangjialou.
- By Bus: Regular buses operate from Zhangjiakou to Huailai County. From Huailai, take a local minibus or taxi to Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn provide mild weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the scenic landscapes.
- Local Etiquette: Be respectful of local customs, particularly during Hui festivals and religious events. Engaging with the Hui community is encouraged, but be mindful of their traditions and practices.
- Cuisine Exploration: Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties in village eateries to enjoy the authentic flavors of the region.
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage is generally good, but it’s advisable to download offline maps before your visit as some areas may have limited access to the internet.
Cultural Heritage
Name Origin
Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township derives its name from its township government located in Wangjialou Village.
Historical Sites
East of Wangjialou Hui Ethnic Township, there are historical relics such as the ruins of a watchtower from the Japanese occupation and the ruins of Fenghuang City.
