Shanhuo Hui Ethnic Township in Yuzhou City, Xuchang

Location and Administrative Division

Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township (山货回族乡, Shanhua Huizu Minzu Xiang) is situated in the northeastern part of Yuzhou City (禹州市), Xuchang City (许昌市), Henan Province (河南省), China. The township is bordered by Changge City (长葛市) to the east, separated from Guolian Town (郭连镇) to the south by the Shiliang River (石梁河), adjoins Guolian Town to the west, and connects with Gucheng Town (古城镇) to the north. The area spans 12 square kilometers. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 13,124.

Historical Background

  • Ming Dynasty: Part of Junzhou (钧州), which includes Yuzhou and Junping Prefecture (禹州、钧平府), under Xie Village (谢村).
  • Qing Dynasty: Under Yuzhou’s Zijin Li (紫金里).
  • 1912 (Republic of China): Became part of Yuxian’s Guolian Town (禹县郭连镇).
  • 1948: After liberation, it was part of Yuxian’s District 7 (Guolian) (禹县七区郭连).
  • 1953: Established as Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township.
  • 1956: Township was dissolved and became part of Guolian District (郭连区).
  • 1958: Integrated into the Satellite Commune (卫星公社) of Guolian.
  • 1961: Reestablished as a small commune under Guolian District.
  • 1968: Incorporated into Guolian Commune (郭连公社).
  • November 1984: Re-separated from Guolian Township and restored as Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2011, Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township was administratively divided into 6 villages:

  • Tala Village (塔拉村)
  • Dazhuangzi Village (大庄子村)
  • Dalaoba Village (大涝坝村)
  • Shaliangwan Village (沙梁湾村)
  • Xiaojingzi Village (硝井子村)
  • Zegeden Huduge Village (则格德恩呼都格村)
  • Shajingzi Village (沙井子村)
  • Zeste Village (泽斯特村)

By June 2020, the township comprised 6 administrative villages. The township government is located at No. 60, Shanqian Road, Shanhua Village (山货村山浅路60号).

Geography and Climate

Location and Terrain

Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township is located in the northeastern part of Yuzhou City. The township features flat terrain and is part of a plain. The highest point is in Shanhua Village (山货村) with an elevation of 165 meters, and the lowest point is in Leizhuang Village (雷庄村) at 130 meters.

Hydrology

The area is part of the Huai River Basin (淮河流域), with a basin area of 12 square kilometers. The primary river is the Shiliang River (石梁河), which flows through Shanhua Village, Guodian Village, and Leizhuang Village before exiting the township. The river spans 5.2 kilometers within the township.

Climate

The township experiences a temperate continental climate. The area has flat terrain with an average annual temperature of 14°C. It enjoys sufficient sunlight with an average of 2,800 hours per year. Annual precipitation is about 600 millimeters, mainly occurring during the summer months.

Population

As of the end of 2011, the permanent population of Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township was 12,520. The demographic distribution was as follows:

  • Under 14 years old: 2,224 (17.8%)
  • Aged 15–64: 9,107 (72.7%)
  • Over 65 years old: 1,189 (9.5%)

Ethnic composition:

  • Han Chinese: 6,510 (52%)
  • Hui: 6,010 (48%)

By 2017, the resident population was 12,448. As of the end of 2018, the registered population was 13,124.

Economy

Revenue and Retail

In 2018, Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township had 54 industrial enterprises, including 8 large-scale enterprises. There were 19 comprehensive stores or supermarkets with an area of over 50 square meters.

Transportation

How to Get There

  • By Car: The township is accessible via Zhengshi Expressway (郑石高速公路), which runs through the area for 2.9 kilometers with a four-lane road. The drive from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (郑州新郑国际机场) is approximately 40 kilometers, and from the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway (京广线和京珠高速) is about 30 kilometers.
  • By Bus: Regular bus services connect Zhengzhou and other nearby cities to Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township. Travel time from Zhengzhou is around 1 hour.
  • By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Zhengzhou and other major cities. From these stations, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Shanhua.

Travel Tips

Local Customs

Respect local Hui ethnic customs and traditions. Hui cuisine, known for its lamb and beef dishes, is prevalent in the area.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is more moderate and conducive to travel.

Local Cuisine

Try local Hui specialties such as lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles. Xinjiang-style bread and pilaf are also highly recommended.

Essential Services

Basic services including markets and small shops are available within the township. For specialized services or medical care, larger cities like Xuchang may be needed.

Attractions

  • Shiliang River (石梁河): A key river in the township providing scenic views.
  • Local Villages: Explore traditional Hui villages to experience local culture and lifestyle.

Ensure to check transportation options and weather conditions before traveling to make the most of your visit to Shanhua Hui Ethnic Township.