Xinjie Hui Ethnic Town in Guide County, Hainan (Qinghai)
Overview
Xinjie Hui Township (新街回族乡) is located in the southern part of Guede County (贵德县), Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (海南藏族自治州), Qinghai Province (青海省). It is bordered to the east by Changmu Township’s Lade Village (常牧乡拉德村), to the west and south by Zhihai Village (直亥村) and Juexue Village (角色村) in Guinan County (贵南县), and to the north by Wajia Village (瓦家村) in Hexi Town (河西镇). The township is approximately 40 kilometers from the county seat and covers an area of 92.7 square kilometers.
As of the end of 2018, the registered population of Xinjie Hui Township was 6,541 people. By 2019, the township was divided into nine administrative villages, with the local government based in Xinjie Village (新街村).
The local economy primarily focuses on agriculture, supplemented by animal husbandry and various other activities. As of 2018, Xinjie Hui Township had three industrial enterprises.
Historical Development
- 1934: The area was originally designated as Yeliwa Township (野里哇乡).
- 1950: The administrative division was restructured into District 2, comprising three townships.
- 1953: The area became part of District 2 Moguigou Township (莫曲沟乡).
- 1956: Renamed Xinjie Township (新街乡).
- 1959: Became part of Hexi Commune (河西公社).
- November 1961: Established as Xinjie Commune (新街公社).
- 1984: Xinjie Commune was restructured into Xinjie Hui Township (新街回族乡).
Administrative Divisions
- 2011: Xinjie Hui Township was divided into nine administrative villages: Xinjie Village (新街), Cangai Village (藏盖), Yushan Village (鱼山), Shangka Village (上卡), Xiaka Village (下卡), Laohu Kou Village (老虎口), Gamatang Village (尕么堂), Luqie Village (陆切), and Mawu Village (麻吾). It also had 35 production cooperatives.
- 2019: The township comprised the same nine administrative villages: Xinjie Village (新街), Cangai Village (藏盖), Yushan Village (鱼山), Luqie Village (陆切), Mawu Village (麻吾), Shangka Village (上卡), Xiaka Village (下卡), Laohu Kou Village (老虎口), and Gamatang Village (尕么堂). The local government was located in Xinjie Village (新街村).
Geographic Environment
Location
Xinjie Hui Township is situated in the southern part of Guede County, bordered by Changmu Township’s Lade Village to the east, Zhihai Village and Juexue Village to the west and south, and Wajia Village to the north. It is about 40 kilometers from the county seat, with a total administrative area of 92.7 square kilometers.
Topography
The topography of Xinjie Hui Township is characterized by a medium to low mountain and hill region. Most of the area consists of sandy plains, with the exception of Moguigou Valley (莫曲沟) between Cangai Valley (藏盖沟) and Mawu Gorge (麻吾峡). The terrain slopes from south to north, with elevations ranging between 2,600 and 3,680 meters above sea level.
Climate
Xinjie Hui Township has a plateau continental climate. Winters are long and cold, springs are dry and windy, and autumns are clear and cool with long sunshine hours. The average annual temperature is 3.1°C, with annual precipitation of 389 millimeters. The growing season for crops lasts 170 to 190 days, and the frost-free period is about 105 days.
Hydrology
The township is traversed by the Moguigou River (莫曲沟河), which originates from the western slopes of Zhihai Mountain (直亥山). The river flows through Yushan, Xinjie, Luqie, and Mawu villages before exiting Mawu Gorge into Hexi Town.
Natural Resources
The township’s natural resources include various mineral deposits, though specific details on resources are not provided.
Population
- 2011: Xinjie Hui Township had a total population of 6,382 people. The Hui ethnic group was the majority, comprising 47.51% of the population. Other ethnic groups included Han Chinese (24.18%), Tibetan (藏族) (2.31%), Salar (撒拉族) (4.95%), and several smaller groups, including Tu (土族) and Dongxiang (东乡), each constituting 1.05% of the population.
- 2018: The registered population was 6,541 people.
Economy
The economy of Xinjie Hui Township is predominantly agricultural, with additional activities in animal husbandry and diversified enterprises. Major crops include spring wheat, barley, canola, potatoes, peas, and broad beans. Livestock farming focuses on cattle and sheep. In 2011, the township had 11,854 acres of grain crops, producing 1,965 tons; 10,778 acres of oilseeds, yielding 1,726 tons; and 1,206 acres of vegetables, with a production of 2,864 tons. Livestock numbers at the end of the year were 10,020 head, with 7,791 sold.
In 2018, there were three industrial enterprises in Xinjie Hui Township.
Transportation and Travel Tips
Getting There
- By Road: Xinjie Hui Township is connected by an extensive network of roads. The He Xin Highway (河新公路), linking the county seat to the township, is fully paved. Most village roads are well-maintained, with many having been hardened.
- By Rail: There are no direct railway connections to Xinjie Hui Township. The nearest major railway station is in Xining (西宁), from where you can take a bus or drive to the township.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Xining Airport (西宁机场). From the airport, you can drive or take a bus to Xinjie Hui Township.
Travel Tips
- Accommodation: Accommodation options may be limited within the township. It is advisable to stay in nearby towns or Xining for better facilities and visit Xinjie Hui Township for day trips.
- Local Attractions: Experience the unique Hui culture and the natural beauty of the plateau region. The area’s distinctive landscapes and local customs offer a rich cultural experience.
- Weather: Prepare for a plateau climate with cold winters and significant temperature fluctuations. Bring warm clothing and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
- Communication: Mandarin is widely spoken, but familiarity with some basic Hui phrases may enhance your interaction with local residents.
- Local Services: Ensure you have access to necessary services such as medical facilities and shops, as these may be limited in the township. It is useful to stock up on supplies before traveling.
Xinjie Hui Township provides an opportunity to explore Qinghai’s diverse ethnic cultures and scenic highland landscapes, making it a unique destination for travelers interested in experiencing traditional Tibetan and Hui cultures.
