Wushitala Hui Ethnic Township in Hoxud County, Bayingolin

Location and Administrative Division

Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township (Wushitara Huizu Minzu Xiang, 乌什塔拉回族民族乡) is located in the eastern part of Shuo County (和硕县), Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (巴音郭楞蒙古自治州), Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), China. It is bordered by Kumul Town (库米什镇) in Turpan City (吐鲁番市) to the east, Lake Bosten (博斯腾湖) to the south, Qu Hui Town (曲惠镇) to the west, and Nairen Ke’er Township (乃仁克尔乡) to the north. The township is situated 36 kilometers from the county seat of Shuo, and covers a total area of 431.02 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 10,665.

Historical Background

  • 1945: The area was known as Wushitara Town.
  • 1948: It was renamed Xinzhen.
  • April 1950: Wushitara was established as District 1.
  • 1953: It was renamed Wushitara Hui Autonomous District.
  • 1956: It became Wushitara Hui Autonomous Township.
  • 1958: It was reorganized into the Satellite Commune.
  • 1962: The Satellite Commune was renamed Wushitara Commune.
  • 1984: It was re-established as Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2011, Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township is divided into 8 administrative villages:

  • Tala Village (塔拉村)
  • Dazhuangzi Village (大庄子村)
  • Dalaoba Village (大涝坝村)
  • Shaliangwan Village (沙梁湾村)
  • Xiaojingzi Village (硝井子村)
  • Zegeden Huduge Village (则格德恩呼都格村)
  • Shajingzi Village (沙井子村)
  • Zeste Village (泽斯特村)

By 2019, the township included:

  • 1 Community: Wushitara Township Armed Forces Community (乌什塔拉乡拥军社区)
  • 8 Administrative Villages: Tala Village, Dazhuangzi Village, Shaliangwan Village, Dalaoba Village, Xiaojingzi Village, Zegeden Huduge Village, Shajingzi Village, and Zeste Village.

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township is located in the eastern part of Shuo County. It borders Kumul Town to the east, Lake Bosten to the south, Qu Hui Town to the west, and Nairen Ke’er Township to the north. The total area is 431.02 square kilometers. The average elevation is 1,082 meters. The highest peak in the township is Tashkan (塔什汗) at 2,800 meters, and the lowest point is Shajingzi Second Field (沙井子二场) at 1,800 meters.

Climate

The township experiences a temperate continental arid climate with distinct seasons. The climate features moderate temperatures, ample sunlight, low precipitation, high evaporation, and dry air. The average annual temperature is 8.87°C, with an average frost-free period of 172 days per year. It enjoys 3,136.6 hours of sunshine annually and receives an average of 78.67 millimeters of precipitation.

Hydrology

The township includes Lake Bosten (博斯腾湖), an inland freshwater lake located 22 kilometers southwest of Wushitara. The primary surface water sources are the Wushitara River and atmospheric precipitation, with an average annual runoff of 46.7 million cubic meters.

Population

Demographics

As of 2010, the permanent population of Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township was 10,576 people, with the following distribution:

  • Under 14 years old: 2,208 (20.9%)
  • Aged 15–64: 6,582 (62.2%)
  • Over 65 years old: 1,786 (16.9%)

The ethnic composition included:

  • Han Chinese: 4,146 (39.2%)
  • Hui: 3,803 (35.9%)
  • Uyghur: 2,005 (19%)
  • Mongol: 556 (5.3%)
  • Other ethnic minorities: 66 (0.6%)

The population density was 29.2 people per square kilometer.

By 2011, the total population was 11,975, with a permanent population of 10,908 and a floating population of 1,067. The gender distribution was:

  • Males: 6,203 (51.8%)
  • Females: 5,772 (48.2%)

The birth rate in 2011 was 13.1‰, the death rate was 5.4‰, and the natural population growth rate was 7.7‰.

As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 10,665.

Economy

Revenue and Retail

In 2018, Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township had 23 industrial enterprises, with 3 classified as large-scale. There were 11 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of over 50 square meters.

Transportation

How to Get There

  • By Bus: You can reach Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township from Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) by bus. The journey takes approximately 8 to 9 hours. From Kumul City (库尔勒市), it takes about 2 to 3 hours.
  • By Car: Renting a car or taking a taxi is a convenient option for reaching Wushitara from Urumqi or Kumul. The drive from Urumqi is approximately 8 to 9 hours, while from Kumul City it is about 2 to 3 hours.
  • By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Urumqi and Kumul City. You can take a bus or taxi from these stations to Wushitara.
  • By Road: The township is accessible by well-maintained local roads. Checking road conditions before traveling is advisable, particularly in winter.

Travel Tips

Local Customs

Respect the diverse ethnic cultures, including Hui, Uyghur, and Mongol traditions. Hui cuisine, which features lamb and beef, is prevalent in the area.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township are in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is more moderate and suitable for travel.

Local Cuisine

Try local Hui dishes, including lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles. Xinjiang’s bread and pilaf are also highly recommended.

Essential Services

Basic services, including markets and small shops, are available in the township. For specialized services or medical care, larger cities like Kumul City may be needed.

Attractions

  • Lake Bosten (博斯腾湖): A major inland freshwater lake providing scenic views and recreational opportunities.
  • Local Villages: Explore the traditional Hui villages to experience local culture and lifestyle.

Prepare for varying weather conditions and ensure your transportation is well-planned to make the most of your visit to Wushitara Hui Ethnic Township.