Yuqiwen Hui Ethnic Township in Yining City, Ili

Location and Administrative Division

Uyghur Yuchiwen Township (Uyghur Yuchiwen Xiang, 维吾尔玉其温乡) is located in Yining County (伊宁县), Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture (伊犁哈萨克自治州), Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (新疆维吾尔自治区), China. It is situated in the eastern part of Yining County, bordering Samu Yuz Township (萨木于孜乡) to the east, Yingtamu Township (英塔木乡) to the south, Wanyar Township (温亚尔乡) to the west, and Dunmazha Town (墩麻扎镇) to the north. The total administrative area of Uyghur Yuchiwen Township is 66.51 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 20,365 people.

Historical Background

  • Pre-1950s: Originally part of the Qing Dynasty’s “Hui Village” area, with over 200 years of settled village history. It was also known by names such as Yuchiwen (玉其温) and Yili Yuz (伊力于孜).
  • 1950: The area was part of the Ninth District, Second Township.
  • 1952: Reorganized into the Third District, Second Township.
  • 1954: Became part of the Fourth District, Seventh Township.
  • 1958: Reorganized into the Tuanjie Commune, Fifth Brigade.
  • 1959: Changed to the Sixth Brigade.
  • 1972: Renamed to Keshilakta Township, later changed to Uyghur Yuchiwen Brigade.
  • 1975: Transferred from Tuanjie Commune to Dongfeng Commune.
  • 1978: Transferred from Dongfeng Commune to Dunmazha Commune.
  • 1984: Established as Uyghur Yuchiwen Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2011, Uyghur Yuchiwen Township is divided into 7 administrative villages:

  • Uyghur Yuchiwen Village (维吾尔玉其温村)
  • Shang Ashan Yuz Village (上阿山于孜村)
  • Ashan Yuz Village (阿山于孜村)
  • Atong Village (阿同村)
  • Keshilakta Village (克什拉克塔木村)
  • Yinga Yati Village (英阿亚提村)
  • Xia Atong Village (下阿同村)

By 2019, the township continued to consist of these 7 administrative villages.

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Uyghur Yuchiwen Township is located in the eastern part of Yining County. It is situated upstream of the Renmin Canal (人民渠) and Qingnian Canal (青年渠). The terrain is flat with an elevation ranging from 750 to 810 meters above sea level.

Climate

Uyghur Yuchiwen Township experiences a temperate continental climate. The average annual temperature is 8.5°C, with a frost-free period averaging 164 days per year. The average annual precipitation is 340 millimeters.

Hydrology

The largest river in Uyghur Yuchiwen Township is the Kashgar River (喀什河), which flows from the north, entering the area from Keshilakta Village (克什拉克塔木村) and running south into the Ili River (伊犁河). It has a length of 28 kilometers within the township.

Natural Disasters

The primary natural disasters affecting Uyghur Yuchiwen Township include hail, drought, flooding, rain and snow, low temperatures, and frost. The most severe hailstorm occurred on June 10, 2001, impacting Yingtamu Village (英塔木乡) and Yinga Yati Village (英阿亚提村), damaging 1,000 acres of crops. On November 1, 2011, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the border between Yining County and Gongliu County, affecting 1,414 households and 6,365 people, with Keshilakta Village (克什拉克塔木村) and Yuchiwen Village (维吾尔玉其温村) experiencing significant damage.

Population

Demographics

By the end of 2011, Uyghur Yuchiwen Township had a total population of 20,537 people, with:

  • 1,677 people living in urban areas (urbanization rate of 8.2%).
  • 2,454 people classified as floating population.

The population breakdown was as follows:

  • Males: 10,583 (52%)
  • Females: 9,954 (48%)
  • Under 18 years old: 5,558 (27.1%)
  • Aged 18–60: 16,570 (81.7%)
  • Over 60 years old: 1,591 (8.8%)

Ethnic composition included:

  • Han Chinese: 4,159 people (20.3%)
  • Uyghur, Hui, Kazakh, Mongol, and other minority groups: 16,378 people (79.7%)

The birth rate was 11.15‰, the death rate was 0.9‰, and the natural population growth rate was 10.25‰. The population density was 3.56 people per square kilometer.

As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 20,365.

Economy

Agriculture

Uyghur Yuchiwen Township’s primary crops include wheat and corn. Livestock farming focuses on sheep, cattle, pigs, and poultry.

Industry

By 2018, the township had 10 industrial enterprises, including 2 large-scale enterprises. There were also 2 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of more than 50 square meters.

Transportation

How to Get There

  • By Bus: Public buses connect Uyghur Yuchiwen Township with major cities in Xinjiang, including Urumqi (乌鲁木齐) and Ili City (伊宁市). The journey may require transfers and can take several hours.
  • By Car: Renting a car or hiring a taxi is a convenient way to travel to Uyghur Yuchiwen Township from Urumqi or Ili City. The drive from Urumqi takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, and from Ili City, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • By Train: The nearest major railway stations are in Urumqi and Ili City. From these stations, you can take a bus or taxi to Uyghur Yuchiwen Township.
  • By Road: The township is accessible via local roads from neighboring regions. The road network is generally well-maintained, but it’s advisable to check road conditions, especially in winter.

Travel Tips

Local Customs

Uyghur Yuchiwen Township is home to a diverse population including Uyghur, Han, Hui, and Kazakh communities. Respecting local customs and traditions is important, particularly regarding dietary restrictions and cultural practices.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Uyghur Yuchiwen Township are in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is more favorable for travel.

Local Cuisine

Enjoy local Uyghur dishes, which include lamb kebabs, pilaf, and naan bread. The region’s cuisine features a rich blend of spices and flavors.

Essential Services

Basic services such as local markets and small shops are available within the township. For specialized services or medical care, larger cities like Ili City may be needed.

Attractions

Uyghur Yuchiwen Township offers several points of interest:

  • Kashgar River (喀什河): Known for its scenic beauty and importance as a major water source.
  • Local Villages: Explore traditional Uyghur villages and experience the local culture and lifestyle.

Prepare for varying weather conditions and check transportation options in advance to ensure a smooth visit.