Xiamen Hui Ethnic Town in Kongtong District, Pingliang

Overview

Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township (Xiamen Huizu Xiang, 峡门回族乡) is located in Kongtong District (崆峒区) of Pingliang City (平凉市), Gansu Province (甘肃省), China. It lies in the southern mountainous region of Kongtong District, bordering Shanyang Hui Ethnic Township (上杨回族乡) and Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township (大寨回族乡) to the east, Huating County (华亭县) to the south, Kongtong Town (崆峒镇) and Mawu Township (麻武乡) to the west, and Liuhu Town (柳湖镇) to the north. The township covers an area of 209 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 22,362 people.

Historical Background

  • Post-1912: After the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, Xiamen was part of the Wuan District (武安区) of Pingliang County (平凉县).
  • 1950: Xiamen Commune was established.
  • 1984: The area was renamed Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township.
  • 2004: Machuan Township (麻川乡) was merged into Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

Administrative Structure

By the end of 2011, Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township was divided into 24 village committees:

  • Ergou Village (二沟村)
  • Qiaochi Village (湫池村)
  • Maijiazhuang Village (买家庄村)
  • Guijing Village (桂井村)
  • Yangpo Village (阳坡村)
  • Baipo Village (白坡村)
  • Tangzhuang Village (唐庄村)
  • Wupo Village (吴坡村)
  • Wangshan Village (王山村)
  • Xiantai Village (贤太村)
  • Xiamen Village (峡门村)
  • Heinancun Village (黑南村)
  • Xishan Village (西山村)
  • Mashan Village (马山村)
  • Wangdian Village (王店村)
  • Yaoshuwan Village (姚树湾村)
  • Baijiashan Village (白家山村)
  • Wangchenwan Village (汪陈湾村)
  • Xieling Village (颉岭村)
  • Guanliang Village (关梁村)
  • Baiyangou Village (白杨沟村)
  • Shankouzi Village (山口子村)
  • Machuan Village (麻川村)
  • Sidaogou Village (四道沟村)

As of June 2020, Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township continues to manage these 24 administrative villages with the township government based in Xiamen Village.

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township is situated in the southern mountainous region of Kongtong District. It is 12 kilometers from the urban area and borders Shanyang Hui Ethnic Township and Dazhai Hui Ethnic Township to the east, Huating County to the south, Kongtong Town and Mawu Township to the west, and Liuhu Town to the north. The total area is 209 square kilometers.

Topography

The township is located in the Loess Plateau’s hilly and ravine area, with the terrain rising from the southwest to the northeast. Elevation ranges between 1,500 and 2,200 meters, featuring mountainous, riverine, and plateau landforms.

Climate

Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township experiences a temperate semi-arid and semi-humid continental climate. Spring is characterized by strong winds and little rain, with variable temperatures. Summer is mild and cool, with frequent thunderstorms and hail. Autumn sees decreasing temperatures, continuous rain, and fog. Winter is windy, cold, dry, and often sunny. The predominant wind direction is northwest, with ample sunshine throughout the year. The average frost-free period is about 170 days, and the average annual precipitation is 450 millimeters.

Hydrology

The township is drained by the Dacha River, a tributary of the Jing River.

Natural Resources

The area is rich in limestone resources with reserves exceeding 500 million tons, and also contains deposits of clay, iron, and magnesium.

Population

Demographics

In 1984, the total population of the township was 18,600, with nearly 17,000 Hui people, making up over 90% of the population. By the end of 2011, the total population was 20,061, including 423 urban residents, which accounts for 2.1% of the total population, and 2,282 floating residents. The gender distribution was 51% male (10,232) and 49% female (9,829). The age distribution was as follows: 18.2% under 14 years old, 71% between 15 and 64 years old, and 10.8% 65 years old and above. Among the total population, 88.2% were Hui, while 11.8% were Han. In 2011, the birth rate was 14.2‰, the death rate was 4.1‰, and the natural growth rate was 10.1‰. By the end of 2018, the registered population was 22,362.

Economy

Overview

By the end of 2011, the average net income per farmer was 3,676 yuan. In 2018, Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township had 26 industrial enterprises, including two above-scale industrial companies, and 11 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area exceeding 50 square meters.

Primary Industry

The township has 66,000 acres of arable land, averaging 3.3 acres per person. Major crops include wheat, corn, small grains, and oilseeds. In 2011, the total grain output was 13,100 tons, and the total agricultural income was 25.286 million yuan. Livestock farming is predominant, focusing on cattle, sheep, and poultry, with 25,000 beef cattle and an end-of-year stock of 10,000 heads.

Secondary Industry

The secondary sector includes enterprises specializing in building materials, leather, paper, and carbide production. In 2011, industrial revenue was 780 million yuan, accounting for 64% of the rural economy’s total income.

Tertiary Industry

By the end of 2011, Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township had one comprehensive trade market, focusing on agricultural products, small commodities, and livestock transactions.

Transportation

How to Get There

By Bus: Public buses connect Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township with Pingliang City. The bus journey typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient option for reaching Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township. The drive from Pingliang City to Xiamen takes approximately 1 hour.

By Train: The nearest major railway station is in Pingliang City. From Pingliang, you can take a bus or taxi to Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township.

By Road: Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township is accessible via Pinghua Highway (平华公路) and the transport line for the building materials industrial concentration zone. The Xiamen Passenger Transport Station was established in 2006 for local transportation.

Travel Tips

  • Local Customs: As a Hui ethnic area, it is important to respect local customs, including dress codes and dietary restrictions. Avoid carrying or consuming alcohol in public spaces.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for visiting due to favorable weather conditions.
  • Local Cuisine: Hui cuisine is notable for its distinctive flavors, featuring lamb and beef dishes. Try local specialties like Hui-style dumplings and grilled lamb.
  • Essential Services: Basic services are available within the township, including local markets and small shops. For specialized services, you may need to visit Pingliang City.

Xiamen Hui Ethnic Township offers a unique cultural experience and beautiful mountainous landscapes for visitors.