Yingqiao Hui Ethnic Town in Xiangcheng County, Xuchang

Yingqiao Hui Town (Yingqiao Huizu Zhen颖桥回族镇) is located in the northern part of Xiangcheng County (襄城县), Xuchang City (许昌市), Henan Province (河南省), China. It is bordered by Yingyang Town (颍阳镇) to the east, south, and north, and connects with Fenchen Township (汾陈乡) to the west. The town covers an area of 9.5 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 9,353.

Historical Development

  • Qin Dynasty: Part of Yingchuan Commandery (颍川郡).
  • Western Han Dynasty: Belonged to Yingyang County (颍阳县).
  • Western Jin Dynasty: Yingyang County was abolished, and the area was incorporated into Xiangcheng County (襄城县).
  • Ming and Qing Dynasties: Part of Yingqiao Bao (颍桥保).
  • 1929: Incorporated into the 9th District.
  • 1932: Became part of the 5th District.
  • 1941: Known as Yingqiao Town (颍桥镇).
  • 1948: Became part of the 4th District.
  • 1949: Incorporated into Yingqiao District (颍桥区).
  • 1956: Became part of Yingqiao Town.
  • 1958: Integrated into Yingqiao Commune (颍桥公社).
  • 1961: Managed by the Yingqiao District Management Committee.
  • 1965: Reincorporated into Yingqiao Commune.
  • 1966: Renamed Dongfanghong Commune (东方红公社).
  • 1971: Restored to its original name.
  • 1984: Established as Yingqiao Hui Township (颍桥回族乡) after separating from Yingqiao Commune.
  • 1985: Upgraded to a town.

Administrative Division

By the end of 2011, Yingqiao Hui Town had five village committees: Dongjie (东街村), Xijie (西街村), Jianshejie (建设街村), Beijie (北街村), and Nanjie (南街村), with a total of 35 village groups. As of June 2020, these administrative divisions were still in place. The town government is located at No. 1 Dongjie.

Geography and Environment

Location

Yingqiao Hui Town is situated in the northern part of Xiangcheng County. It is bordered by Yingyang Town to the east, south, and north, and connects with Fenchen Township to the west. The town covers an area of 9.5 square kilometers.

Terrain and Topography

The town is located on the western edge of the Huang-Huai Plain. The terrain is low in the east and west, with a higher central region. The highest point is in Xijie with an elevation of 89.7 meters, and the lowest point is in Nanjie with an elevation of 86.7 meters.

Hydrology

The rivers within Yingqiao Hui Town are part of the Huai River Basin. The basin area is 3.2 square kilometers. The main river is the Ying River (颍河), which is 2.5 kilometers long within the town and has a basin area of 3.1 square kilometers. It enters the town from the north street and exits from the east street.

Population

By the end of 2011, the town had a total population of 9,330, with 473 residents living in urban areas, giving an urbanization rate of 5.1%. There were also 1,952 migrants. The population was 51.1% male and 48.9% female. The age distribution was 16% under 14 years, 67.3% between 15 and 64 years, and 16.7% over 65 years. The population consisted mainly of Han Chinese (68%) and Hui people (32%). In 2011, the birth rate was 9.5‰, the death rate was 4.5‰, and the natural growth rate was 5‰.

In 2017, the resident population was 5,737. By the end of 2018, the registered population was 9,353.

Transportation

Yingqiao Hui Town is served by County Road 024, which runs east-west through the town, connecting it to Yingyang Town and Fenchen Township. There is also a township-level road that is 2 kilometers long. The town has one bus station with a daily passenger flow of 230 people. In 2011, the total passenger traffic was 83,000, and the annual freight volume was 9,000 tons. By the end of 2011, the total length of roads in the town was 12.3 kilometers, with a road per capita length of 1.3 meters. The paved road area was 39 square kilometers. At the end of the year, the town had two bus routes, 208 and 203, with a daily bus service of 18 vehicles and a daily passenger volume of 500.

History and Culture

Origin of the Name

Yingqiao Hui Town is named after an ancient stone bridge over the Ying River (颍河) and its Hui ethnic community.

Historical Sites

The town contains the Yingkao Shu Tomb (颍考叔墓祠), a cultural heritage site in Xiangcheng County.

Honors and Titles

Yingqiao Hui Town has received several honors, including:

  • “Henan Provincial Health Town”
  • “Advanced Unit in Ethnic Unity and Progress Creation” by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission
  • “Chinese Ethnic Minority Characteristic Village”
  • “Four No” Town (No pollution, No pestilence, No crime, No illiteracy) by Xuchang City from 2016 to 2020
  • Xuchang City Eco Town
  • Jianshejie and Beijie have been named “Henan Provincial Forest Villages”
  • Dongjie and Beijie have been named “Henan Provincial Health Villages”
  • Nanjie, Jianshejie, and Xijie successfully created city-level forest villages.
  • Advanced Unit in Investment Promotion, Advanced Unit in Organizing Financial Revenue, and Advanced Unit in Economic and Social Development of the County.

Travel Tips

  1. Getting There: The most convenient way to reach Yingqiao Hui Town is by road. You can drive or take a bus from Xiangcheng County or other nearby cities. The town is well-connected by County Road 024.
  2. Local Transportation: Within the town, local buses and taxis are available. Ensure to check the schedules for local bus routes 208 and 203.
  3. Accommodation: Look for local guesthouses or hotels in Xiangcheng County for a comfortable stay. Yingqiao Hui Town may have limited accommodation options.
  4. Cultural Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in areas with Hui ethnic communities. Be mindful of local religious practices and dietary restrictions.
  5. Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken. Having some basic phrases in Mandarin can be helpful.