Zhabu Hui Ethnic Town in Taojiang County, Yiyang

Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township (益阳市桃江县鲊埠回族乡) is located in Taojiang County, Yiyang City, Hunan Province, China. It is situated in the western part of Taojiang, north of the Zi River. It borders Dali Port Town (大栗港镇) to the east and south, Wutan Town (武潭镇) to the west and northwest, and Fengjiapu Township (丰家铺乡) in Hanshou County, Changde City, to the north. To the northeast, it connects with Santang Street (三堂街). Covering a total area of 581.88 square kilometers, the township had a registered population of 21,780 by the end of 2019.

History

During the Qing Dynasty, it was part of the “Wuli” area of Yiyang County.
In 1938, Zha Bu Township was established under Yiyang County.
From 1946 to 1950, it belonged to Biluoxiang Township.
In 1959, Zha Bu was incorporated into the Wutan People’s Commune, and in 1961, the Zha Bu People’s Commune was founded.
In 1984, Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township was officially established, reflecting its significant Muslim Hui population.

Administrative Divisions

As of June 2020, Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township governs 1 community and 8 administrative villages. The local government is located in Chemuanduan Village (车门塅村). The major administrative villages include:

Zha Bu Community (鲊埠社区)
Chemuanduan Village (车门塅村)
Huayuantai Village (花园台村)
Jungongzui Village (军功嘴村)
Dashuitian Village (大水田村)
Jiangjiaba Village (江家坝村)
Nanjingwan Village (南京湾村)
Yanxi Village (颜溪村)
Taogongmiao Village (陶公庙村)

Geography and Environment

Location and Topography

Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township is located in a hilly region with a unique landscape featuring three mountains and two basins. The terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. The highest peak, Jiangjiazhai (蒋家寨), is situated in the northwest with an elevation of 320 meters, while the lowest point is at the Zha Bu Ferry (鲊埠渡口), at 195 meters above sea level.

Climate

The township enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. Winters are mild, and summers are cool. The average temperature in January is 4.7°C, and in July, it reaches 26.8°C. Annual rainfall is around 1,000 mm, with the rainy season occurring between May and July.

Water System

Zha Bu lies within the Zi River (资江) system, which is part of the Yangtze River basin. The township has 38 square kilometers of river basins, including primary rivers like the Zi River, which flows 8.4 kilometers through the area. Secondary rivers like Yanxi River (颜溪) and Biluo Port (碧螺港) also run through the township.

Population

As of the end of 2019, Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township had a registered population of 21,780. The population is composed of 54.8% Han Chinese and 45.2% Hui Muslims. In 2011, the birth rate was 13.5‰, and the death rate was 3.7‰, resulting in a natural population growth rate of 9.8‰.

Economy

In 2019, Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township had 27 industrial enterprises, 6 of which were larger-scale businesses. The township also had 93 comprehensive stores or supermarkets, each with an area of more than 50 square meters, contributing to the local economy.

Transportation

Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township is well-connected by roads, including the S205 provincial highway and the Zibei Road, which has a total length of 15.4 kilometers. Additionally, there are 4 county and township roads that stretch over 22.1 kilometers. Public transport in the area includes 20 passenger buses, serving over 100,000 passengers annually, and 42 freight trucks with an annual cargo capacity of 1.5 million tons.

Cultural and Historical Sites

The township is home to several important cultural and historical landmarks, including:

A Qing Dynasty-era mosque that reflects the deep-rooted Muslim heritage of the Hui people.
The Li Chaobai Tomb and Zhan Family Ancestral Hall, both recognized as county-level cultural heritage sites.

Name Origin

The township’s name, Zha Bu, is derived from the area’s historical significance as a center for fish processing. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, many fishmongers settled on the banks of the Zi River, giving rise to a fish market and the name Zha Bu, meaning “Fish Wharf.”

Travel Tips and How to Get There

How to Get There

By Road: The most convenient way to reach Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township is by car via the S205 highway or Zibei Road. It’s approximately 2.5 hours from Changsha and around 1 hour from Yiyang City.
By Bus: Public buses frequently travel between Taojiang County and Zha Bu. There are also long-distance buses from Yiyang City that serve the township.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Cultural Sensitivity: As a Hui ethnic area, Zha Bu observes Muslim customs. Visitors should respect local traditions, particularly around dress and dietary restrictions. Pork is not consumed in this region.
Accommodations: While the township is primarily rural, there are a few guesthouses and inns available for visitors. However, for more upscale lodging, it is recommended to stay in Taojiang or Yiyang.

Recognitions

In November 2021, Zha Bu Hui Ethnic Township was listed as a model township for rural governance by the Hunan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.