Fancheng Hui Ethnic Town in Linying County, Luohe
Fan Cheng Huizu Town (繁城回族镇) is located in Linying County (临颍县), Luohe City (漯河市), Henan Province (河南省), China. It lies on the southern bank of the Lao Ying River (老颍河), at the junction of Linying, Xuchang (许昌), and Xiangcheng (襄城) counties. The town is approximately 10 kilometers east of National Route 107 and 15 kilometers north of Xuchang’s urban area. The total area of the town is 65 square kilometers.
The town is divided into three main topographical regions: the South Plain, Central Hill, and North Mountain areas. It features a significant amount of forest and grassland, with a total forest area exceeding 3,000 hectares. Originally known as Chengguan Commune (城关公社) in 1978, it was renamed Chengguan Town (城关镇) in October 1984, which administered 24 administrative villages. In 2002, after the merger of Gao Sheng Zhai Township (高升寨乡) with Chengguan Town, the town was renamed Fan Cheng (繁城) and now administers 30 administrative villages and 18 natural villages. As of the end of 2018, after several adjustments and relocations, the town has 30 administrative villages with a total of 11,050 households and a population of 28,550 people.
Historical Development
Fan Cheng Huizu Town has a rich historical and cultural heritage with records dating back nearly 4,000 years. During the Spring and Autumn period, it was known as “Wolf Abyss” (狼渊), referenced in the “Zuo Zhuan” (左传). In the Han Dynasty, it was called “Qu Li” (曲蠡) as mentioned in “Records of the Three Kingdoms” (三国志), and “Fan Yang Pavilion” (繁阳亭) in historical documents.
In AD 220, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, Fan Cheng became a significant cultural site as the location where Cao Wei (曹魏) succeeded the Han Dynasty, marking it as a cultural origin of the Three Kingdoms period. The town is home to nationally protected cultural relics such as the “Han Wei Succession Stele” (汉魏受禅碑) and “Han Wei Succession Platform” (汉魏受禅台), which witness the historical transition between Han and Wei dynasties.
In 1958, Fan Cheng Commune was established, which became a district in 1961. In 1984, it was designated as a township, and in November of the same year, the town’s five streets were separated to form Fan Cheng Huizu Town. It was officially named Fan Cheng Huizu Town in 1987 after merging with Gao Sheng Zhai Township. Over the past two decades, under the guidance of the party’s reform and opening-up policies, the town has seen significant improvements in urbanization, economic development, and new rural construction, rejuvenating its ancient heritage. By 2006, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 1.0152 billion yuan, with a per capita net income of 3,583 yuan.
Administrative Overview
Fan Cheng Huizu Town’s administrative code is 411122101. It administers 32 administrative villages, including Ying Wang (营王), Da Yang (大杨), Mi Wan (米湾), Du Zhuang (杜庄), Sun Zhu (孙朱), Guo Yong Kou (锅永口), Xia Zhuang (夏庄), Ni Zhuang (尼庄), Wan Song (湾宋), Xu Zhuang (徐庄), Si Ma (司马), Bian Dan Yang (扁担杨), Shuang Lu Yao (双路姚), Jin Zhuang (靳庄), Xin Zhuang (辛庄), Wu Liu (吴刘), Ma Jing (马井), Da Du (大杜), Da Wei (大韦), Qian Yang (前杨), Jia Liu (贾刘), Fu Yang (付杨), Mian Fang (面坊), Mu Xian Yang (木掀杨), Wei Si (韦寺), Guan Miao (关庙), Luo Zhuang (罗庄), Nan Jie (南街), Xian Jie (献街), Qing Jie (清街), Xi Jie (西街), and Dong Jie (东街), totaling 82 natural villages.
Transportation
Fan Cheng Huizu Town is accessible by several transportation routes:
- Railway: The Jingguang Railway (京广铁路) passes through the eastern part of the town.
- Highway: Provincial Road Xu Bi Road (许泌路) runs north-south through the town.
How to Get There
- By Train: Take a train on the Jingguang Railway line to Luohe City and then proceed by local transportation to Fan Cheng Huizu Town.
- By Car: Drive from Xuchang or Luohe City along National Route 107 and Provincial Road Xu Bi Road to reach Fan Cheng Huizu Town.
- By Bus: Local buses from nearby cities like Luohe and Xuchang provide access to the town.
Historical Sites
Ni Zhuang Ancient Cultural Site
Located 2 kilometers southeast of the town in Ni Zhuang Village (尼庄村), this Neolithic site was discovered in the 1960s and has yielded various artifacts from the Neolithic and Warring States periods. It is a county-level cultural heritage site.
Song Zhuang Ancient Cultural Site
Situated 7 kilometers southwest of the town in Wei Si Administrative Village (韦寺行政村), this site was also discovered in the 1960s and has artifacts from the Neolithic period. It is listed as a county-level cultural heritage site.
Spring and Autumn Beacon Tower
Located 2 kilometers east of the town in Ni Zhuang Village, this large earthen mound, covering about 700 square meters, served as a beacon tower during the Warring States period for transmitting military information.
Tomb of King Huai of Chu
Situated 3 kilometers west of the town in Ma Jing Village (马井村), this large earthen mound marks the burial site of King Huai of Chu, who was sent back to Chu after his death in Qin captivity. The tomb has been looted multiple times and is now a county-level cultural heritage site.
Han Wei Succession Stele
The Han Wei Succession Stele, also known as the “Three Wonders Stele” (三绝碑), consists of two stelae: “Succession Table” (受禅表) and “Report of the Title of Respect for the Emperor and Generals” (公卿将军上尊号奏). These stelae record the historical transition of power from Han to Wei. They are known for their unique stone quality and historical significance.
Han Wei Succession Platform
Located in the southeastern part of the town in Nan Jie Village (南街村), this platform was built for Cao Pi’s succession ceremony. It originally stood 10 zhang (approximately 33 meters) high with 81 steps but has since been reduced to 9.5 meters high due to natural erosion and human activity.
Han Xian Di Temple
Originally built as a palace for Emperor Xian of Han’s succession to Cao Pi, the temple is now a Hui ethnic primary school. The site includes the nationally protected “Three Wonders Stele.”
Pan Long Zhai (Fire God Platform)
Located 500 meters southeast of the town in Xumi Road (许泌路) and near the Succession Platform, Pan Long Zhai was built by Cao Pi between AD 210 and 220. It was used as a military site and later transformed into a temple with a Fire God statue. The original site was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, but remnants were found.
Fan Cheng Mosque
Fan Cheng Mosque (繁城清真寺) is situated 15 kilometers northwest of Linying County in Qing Jie Village (清街村). Built in the 5th year of the Ming Jiajing era (1526) and renovated in the 5th year of the Qing Jiaqing era (1798), it served as an important religious site for Muslims. The mosque was rebuilt in 1998, losing its original architectural style but retaining historical significance.
Travel Tips
- Accommodation: Check local hotels or guesthouses in Linying County for lodging options. Fan Cheng Huizu Town itself may have limited accommodation.
- Local Cuisine: Try local Hui ethnic dishes and specialties in nearby restaurants or markets.
- Language: Mandarin is widely spoken. Learning some basic Chinese phrases or having a translation app can be helpful.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before traveling and dress accordingly, as the area experiences distinct seasons.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting religious or cultural sites, dress modestly and follow local customs and guidelines.
Fan Cheng Huizu Town offers a rich blend of historical sites, cultural heritage, and scenic beauty, making it a unique destination in Henan Province.
