Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Town in Kongtong District, Pingliang
Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township (Zhaihe Huizu Xiang, 寨河回族乡) is part of Kongtong District (崆峒区) in Pingliang City (平凉市), Gansu Province (甘肃省). The township derives its name from the presence of two rivers, Xiaolu River (小芦河) and Dalu River (大芦河), as well as the villages of Gaozhai (高寨) and Zhaizi (寨子), from which the name Zhaihe is formed by combining characters. Zhaihe Township is located in the northern part of Kongtong District, bordering Xianglian Township (香莲乡) to the east, Bai Temple Hui Township (Baimao Huizu Xiang, 白庙回族乡) and Daqin Hui Township (大秦回族乡) to the south, Xiyang Hui Township (西阳回族乡) to the west, and Pengyang County in Ningxia (宁夏彭阳县) to the north.
The total area of Zhaihe Township is 84 square kilometers. Established during the Spring and Autumn period as part of Qin territory, Zhaihe has a long historical background. In 1958, the township was established as the Sanhe People’s Commune, and in 1984, it was reformed into Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township.
As of 2018, the registered population of the township is 16,280, with the majority being Hui people, accounting for 75% of the total population. The township is divided into 12 administrative villages, and the People’s Government of Zhaihe is located in Wazhao Village (瓦赵村).
Transportation: How to Get There
To reach Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township, travelers can access it from Pingliang City (平凉市), the nearest major urban center. The most common ways to get there include:
- By Car: Zhaihe Township is accessible via local roads from Pingliang City. The distance from the city center to Zhaihe is approximately 40 kilometers, which takes around 1 hour by car.
- By Bus: Public buses or minivans run regularly between Pingliang City and the neighboring townships, including Zhaihe. These buses often pass through key local roads, providing convenient transport options for visitors.
- By Train and Taxi: Visitors can first take a train to Pingliang Train Station and then hire a taxi or private car to reach Zhaihe Township.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for visiting Zhaihe Township, with mild weather and scenic landscapes. The summer can be hot, while the winter months bring cold temperatures.
- Local Cuisine: Since Zhaihe is a Hui ethnic township, visitors can enjoy authentic halal Hui cuisine, featuring lamb dishes, flatbreads, and traditional snacks.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Given the Hui Muslim population, it is important to respect local customs, especially regarding food and religious practices. Ensure that any food brought into the area is halal.
- Exploring Nature: The local landscape consists of loess plateaus and river valleys, making it an interesting destination for nature enthusiasts. However, be mindful of weather conditions when exploring.
History and Development
Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township has a long history dating back to the Spring and Autumn period, when it was part of the Qin territory. During the Northern Zhou Dynasty, it was under the administration of Pingliang County. After the Republic of China was established in 1912, Zhaihe came under the administration of the Second Administrative Inspectorate Office of Gansu Province. The area was officially named Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township in 1984, after having been previously organized as the Sanhe People’s Commune in 1958.
Administrative Divisions
By the end of 2011, Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township governed 12 administrative villages, which included Wazhao, Dalu, Tianhe, Goushang, Jishan, Zhaizi Yanzhai, Zhaoge, Guoge, Yanpu, Shangtang, and Gaozhai villages. Within these villages, there were 75 village groups in total.
As of 2020, the township still consists of the same 12 administrative villages, with the township government seated in Wazhao Village.
List of Villages
- Dalu Village (大路村)
- Wazhao Village (瓦赵村)
- Zhaizi Village (寨子村)
- Guoge Village (郭河村)
- Gaozhai Village (高寨村)
- Goushang Village (沟上村)
- Yanzhai Village (闫湾村)
- Yanpu Village (鄢铺村)
- Tianhe Village (田河村)
- Jishan Village (姬山村)
- Zhaoge Village (赵河村)
- Shangtang Village (上滩村)
Geography and Environment
Location and Area
Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township is located in the northern part of Kongtong District, with neighboring areas that include Xianglian Township (香莲乡) to the east, Bai Temple Hui Township (白庙回族乡) and Daqin Hui Township (大秦回族乡) to the south, Xiyang Hui Township (西阳回族乡) to the west, and Ningxia’s Pengyang County (宁夏彭阳县) to the north. The total area of Zhaihe Township is 84 square kilometers.
Topography and Landform
The township lies in the loess plateau region of eastern Gansu. Its terrain consists of deep valleys and plateaus, with an elevation ranging from 1,400 to 1,700 meters above sea level. The average elevation is approximately 1,580 meters.
Climate
Zhaihe Township experiences a temperate semi-arid to semi-humid climate, with an average annual temperature of 8.5°C. Summers see a maximum temperature of 30.5°C, while winters can drop to a low of -16.7°C. The township receives 420-600 millimeters of rainfall annually, with a frost-free period of 156-188 days.
Water Systems
Zhaihe Township falls under the Jing River (泾河) water system. The Xiaolu River (小芦河) enters the township from the southwest and flows eastward through Dalu Village, while the Dalu River (大芦河) flows into the area from Shangtang Village and exits through Yanwan Village.
Natural Resources
Zhaihe Township is rich in natural resources, including mineral deposits such as clay and ceramics. The region also holds substantial water resources, with 40 million cubic meters of surface water and 400 million cubic meters of groundwater. The area is home to more than 1,300 plant species and 50 animal species.
Population
By the end of 2011, Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township had a total population of 14,938 people, with males accounting for 52% (7,792 individuals) and females making up 48% (7,146 individuals). The population breakdown includes 2,931 children under 14 years old (20%), 10,573 people aged 15-64 (71%), and 1,434 individuals over 65 years old (9%). Of the total population, 75% were Hui, numbering 10,896 people.
By the end of 2018, the registered population of Zhaihe Hui Ethnic Township had increased to 16,280 residents.
