Wuqingyuan Hui Ethnic Town in Zhengning County, Qingyang
Overview
Wuqingyuan Hui Township (五顷塬回族乡) is a township under Zhengning County (正宁县) in Qingyang City (庆阳市), Gansu Province (甘肃省), China. It is located in the southeastern part of Zhengning County, on the edge of the Ziwuling Mountains (子午岭) forest area. It borders Shaanxi Province (陕西省) to the east, Sanjia Township (三嘉乡) to the south, Qiutou Township (湫头乡) to the west, and Shanhhe Town (山河镇) to the north. The total administrative area of the township is 144.8 square kilometers.
As of the end of 2018, the registered population of Wuqingyuan Hui Township was 6,730 people. In June 2020, the township was divided into five administrative villages and three village-level units.
Historical Development
- July 1934: The Soviet government of Wuqingyuan Township was established, becoming the first township-level Soviet authority in Zhengning County.
- May 1935: The name was changed to Nanyi Township Revolutionary Committee.
- October 1949: The area was part of Qiutou District.
- March 1958: Wuqingyuan Township was established but was merged into Qiutou Commune in September of the same year.
- February 1980: Wuqingyuan Commune was re-established.
- September 1983: Renamed Wuqingyuan Township.
- April 1984: Renamed Wuqingyuan Hui Township.
Administrative Divisions
As of the end of 2011, Wuqingyuan Hui Township comprised five administrative villages: Nanyi (南邑), Xitou (西头), Longzui (龙咀子), Menghe (孟河), and Xiqu (西渠). The township had 31 village committees.
By June 2020, Wuqingyuan Hui Township was still divided into five administrative villages: Xitou Village, Nanyi Village, Longzui Village, Menghe Village, and Xiqu Village. Additionally, it governed three village-level units: Nanyi Bridge Timber Inspection Station Residential Area, Linzong Forest Scientific Research Institute Residential Area, and Zhongwan Forest Farm Residential Area. The township government is located in Nanyi Village.
Geographic Environment
Location
Wuqingyuan Hui Township is situated in the southeastern part of Zhengning County, in the forested foothills of the Ziwuling Mountains. It is adjacent to Shaanxi Province to the east, Sanjia Township to the south, Qiutou Township to the west, and Shanhhe Town to the north. The total administrative area is 144.8 square kilometers.
Topography
The township features typical Loess Plateau (黄土高原) terrain with a high-eastern and low-western elevation profile. The area includes mountains, valleys, and plateaus. The highest point in the township is at Wuqingyuan with an elevation of 1,575.5 meters, while the lowest point is in Xiqu Village at 1,228.4 meters. The average elevation is 1,402 meters.
Climate
Wuqingyuan Hui Township has an average annual temperature of 8.5°C. The frost-free period lasts about 160 days each year, with an average annual precipitation of 630 millimeters.
Hydrology
The township is traversed by the Zhidang River (支党河), a first-level river, which is 7.7 kilometers long.
Population
As of the end of 2011, Wuqingyuan Hui Township had a total population of 6,648 people. Of these, 294 were permanent urban residents, giving an urbanization rate of 4.4%. There were also 83 mobile residents. The population breakdown was as follows: 3,579 males (53.8%) and 3,069 females (46.2%). The age distribution was 1,384 people (20.8%) under 18 years old, 2,056 people (30.9%) between 18 and 35 years old, 2,356 people (35.4%) between 35 and 60 years old, and 852 people (12.8%) over 60 years old. The majority ethnic group was Han Chinese, with 4,827 individuals (72.6%), while the Hui ethnic group comprised 1,821 people (27.4%). In 2011, the birth rate was 12.37‰, the death rate was 6.79‰, and the natural population growth rate was 5.58‰. The population density was 48 people per square kilometer.
By the end of 2018, the registered population was 6,730.
Transportation and Travel Tips
Getting There
- By Road: The township is accessible by road from Zhengning County. You can drive or take a bus from Qingyang City to Zhengning County, then proceed towards Wuqingyuan Hui Township. Local roads connect the township to nearby areas such as Sanjia and Qiutou.
- By Rail: The nearest railway stations are in Zhengning County or Qingyang City. From these stations, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the township.
- By Air: The closest major airport is in Qingyang City. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Zhengning County and then travel to Wuqingyuan Hui Township by road.
Travel Tips
- Accommodation: Accommodation options directly in Wuqingyuan Hui Township are limited. It is recommended to stay in Zhengning County or Qingyang City and make day trips to the township.
- Local Attractions: Explore the historical significance of Wuqingyuan, including its Soviet-era heritage and Hui cultural sites. Visit local markets and enjoy traditional Hui cuisine.
- Weather: Prepare for a temperate climate with cool temperatures, especially during winter. Bring appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions.
- Communication: While Mandarin is widely spoken, knowing a few basic phrases in the Hui dialect might enhance interactions with local residents.
- Local Services: Check for local amenities and services such as medical facilities and shops in Zhengning County or Qingyang City before traveling to the township.
Wuqingyuan Hui Township offers a unique blend of historical significance and cultural heritage, along with the scenic beauty of the Loess Plateau region.
