Wengtai Shui Ethnic Town in Dushan County, Qiannan

Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township黔南布依族苗族自治州独山县翁台水族乡, formerly part of Dushan County in Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, was located in the northeastern part of Dushan County. It was bordered by Dahe Town of Sandu Shui Autonomous County to the east, Tuchang Town and Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township to the west and south, and Fenghe Shui Ethnic Township of Duyun City to the north. The township’s administrative center was 45 kilometers from the county seat, and the total area was 45 square kilometers. As of the end of 2011, the township had a population of 3,100.

In 1984, Wengtai Commune was upgraded to township status. On June 28, 2013, Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township, along with Tuchang Town and Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, was dissolved and merged into Yingshan Town. The new administrative area of Yingshan Town included the former regions of Tuchang Town, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township.

Historical Development

1932: The county was divided into 5 districts and 62 townships (or towns), with Dingtai Township falling under the 2nd district.
1941: Dingtai Township was directly administered by the county.
Pre-1956: It was part of Wengqi District.
December 1956: Dingtai Township was assigned to Sandu County.
1961: It was reassigned to Dushan County.
1961: Dingtai Commune was established, later divided into Jiadong Commune and Wengtai Commune, both under Wengqi District.
1984: Wengtai Commune was upgraded to township status.
June 28, 2013: Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township, along with Tuchang Town and Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, was dissolved, and Yingshan Town was established with the administrative area including the former regions of Tuchang Town, Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township, and Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township.

Administrative Division

1984: Included 5 administrative villages and 29 village groups.
2007: The 5 administrative villages were consolidated into 3.
End of 2011: The township was divided into 3 administrative villages: Bantai, Miao Weng, and Jia Yi, with 29 village groups.

As of October 31, 2012, Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township included these 3 administrative villages, with the township government located in Miao Weng Village.

Geographical Environment

Location and Boundaries

Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township was located in the northeastern part of Dushan County. It was bordered by Dahe Town of Sandu Shui Autonomous County to the east, Tuchang Town and Jiadong Shui Ethnic Township to the west and south, and Fenghe Shui Ethnic Township of Duyun City to the north. The township’s administrative center was 45 kilometers from the county seat, and the area covered 45 square kilometers.

Topography and Landforms

The township is situated on a sloping transition zone from the Guizhou Plateau to the Guangxi Hills, characterized by high mountains and deep valleys. The average elevation is 1,120 meters. The landform features a mesa-like low and medium mountain topography with developed karst landforms.

Climate

Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township has a subtropical monsoon climate. The characteristics include dry and not cold springs, rainy and cool summers, clear and crisp autumns, and mild and less rainy winters. The average annual temperature is 14.4°C, with an average annual precipitation of 1,568 mm. The frost-free period averages 260 days per year.

Natural Disasters

The main natural disasters in Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township include late spring cold snaps, spring droughts, summer droughts, and hailstorms.

Natural Resources

Natural resources in Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township are limited. The area has original forests and is known for timber production. It is also a concentrated production area for tung oil seeds.

In 2011, the township had 2,566 acres of arable land.

Population

As of the end of 2011, Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township had a total population of 3,100, including 60 urban residents, resulting in an urbanization rate of 1.9%. The population was composed of 1,785 males (57.58%) and 1,315 females (42.42%). The population mainly consisted of Shui, Han, and Miao ethnic groups, with minorities making up over 90% of the total population. The birth rate was 6.23‰, the death rate was 9.5‰, and the natural population growth rate was -3.27‰. The population density was 69 people per square kilometer.

Transportation

As of the end of 2011, the township government seat was accessible by an asphalt road with 2 daily bus departures, each bus seating 32 passengers. Villages and most natural settlements were connected by simple roads, with some village roads paved.

Historical and Cultural Background

Origin of the Name

Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township was named by combining characters from the names of Miao Weng and Bantai villages.

How to Get There

To reach the former Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township:

By Car: Drive to Dushan County, and from there take local roads to the former Wengtai Shui Ethnic Township area.
Public Transportation: You can use the daily bus service that connects the township to nearby regions.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from April to October, avoiding the coldest and wettest periods.
Clothing: Prepare for variable weather with layered clothing and rain gear.
Local Attractions: Explore the natural landscapes, including high mountains and deep valleys, and learn about the Shui ethnic culture.
Accommodations: Accommodations in rural areas may be limited, so plan ahead.
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic communities or participating in cultural events.