Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Town of Tongzhou District, Beijing
Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township (Yujiawu Huizu Xiang, 于家务回族乡) is located in the southern part of Tongzhou District, Beijing. Its geographical coordinates range between 116°39′37″E to 116°45′44″E longitude and 39°38′12″N to 39°45′15″N latitude. It covers an area of 65.7 square kilometers. The township borders Yongledian Town (永乐店镇) to the east, Caiyu Town (采育镇) in Daxing District to the south, Majuqiao Town (马驹桥镇) to the west, and Zhangjiawan Town (张家湾镇) to the north.
Historical Background
- Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States: The area was part of the Yan State.
- Qin and Han Dynasties: Yujiawu belonged to Quanzhou County in the Yuyang Commandery.
- Northern Wei Dynasty: In the 7th year of Taiping Zhenjun, Quanzhou County was abolished, and Yujiawu was incorporated into Yongnu County.
- Tang Dynasty: Yujiawu was part of Wu Qing County under Youzhou.
- Liao Dynasty: Yujiawu became part of Huoying County under the jurisdiction of Nanjing Road.
- Jin Dynasty: It was governed by the Zhongdu Road and later by Huoying County.
- Ming Dynasty: Yujiawu was under Huoxian County.
- Qing Dynasty: The area was merged into Tongzhou.
- Modern Era: In 1953, Yujiawu became part of the 5th district of Tongxian County. In 1983, it was established as Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township. By 2000, Quetou Township (渠头乡) was merged into Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township.
Population and Administrative Divisions
As of the end of 2018, Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township had a registered population of 26,066 people. As of June 2020, it governed 2 communities and 23 administrative villages. The township government is based in Yujiawu Village (于家务村).
Communities and Villages
Communities:
- Yujiawu Xili Community (于家务西里社区)
- Yongji Community (永济社区)
Administrative Villages:
- Yujiawu Village (于家务村)
- Nanyige Village (南仪阁村)
- Beixindian Village (北辛店村)
- Dagengfa Village (大耕垡村)
- Dongmaqiazhuang Village (东马各庄村)
- Ximafang Village (西马坊村)
- Shenxian Village (神仙村)
- Guo Village (果村)
- Quetou Village (渠头村)
- Fugezhuang Village (富各庄村)
- Manzhuang Village (满庄村)
- Wanggezhuang Village (王各庄村)
- Cuigezhuang Village (崔各庄村)
- Nansanjianfang Village (南三间房村)
- Xiaohaizi Village (小海字村)
- Zaolin Village (枣林村)
- Wusi Village (吴寺村)
- Qiuzhuang Village (仇庄村)
- Nanliuzhuang Village (南刘庄村)
- Dongfa Village (东垡村)
- Xifa Village (西垡村)
- Houfu Village (后伏村)
- Qianfu Village (前伏村)
Economic Growth
In 2011, Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township achieved an industrial gross output of 2 billion yuan, a 28% increase from the previous year. Profits amounted to 55.41 million yuan, marking a 288% increase, while total sales income reached 2.02 billion yuan, up by 32%. The township’s industrial added value was 350 million yuan, a 14% growth, and local fiscal revenue was 44.16 million yuan, a 68.7% increase. The total tax revenue amounted to 276.88 million yuan, of which local taxes contributed 171.75 million yuan, an increase of 82.3%.
Geography and Hydrology
Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township lies along the Fenggangjian River, which spans 4.8 kilometers within the township, flowing from Dongmaqiazhuang Village (东马各庄村) to Nanyige Village (南仪阁村). This river is part of the North Canal Basin.
Cultural Heritage
The name “Yujiawu” dates back to the Liao Dynasty when Hui and Han people began settling in the area. It was originally called “Yujiali” or “Yufu” and was renamed “Yujiawu” during the Qing Dynasty.
In February 2021, Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township was commended as an “Advanced Collective” for the 2019-2020 “Respond Immediately to Complaints” reform initiative in Beijing.
Transportation and How to Get There
Yujiawu Hui Ethnic Township is accessible from central Beijing by public transportation, making it a convenient visit for travelers. You can take the Beijing Subway Line 7 or Line 1 to Sihui Station (四惠站) and then transfer to bus line 808 or 938, which will take you directly to Yujiawu. For self-driving, the township is easily accessible from downtown Beijing by taking the Jingjintang Expressway (京津塘高速) and exiting at Yongledian Town.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal seasons to explore Yujiawu as the weather is mild and the scenery is vibrant.
- Cultural Etiquette: Since Yujiawu is a Hui ethnic area, it’s important to respect local customs, especially those related to food. Many restaurants serve halal meals, and visitors should refrain from bringing pork into the area.
- Nearby Attractions: While visiting, you can explore nearby cultural and natural sites in Tongzhou, such as the Grand Canal Cultural Park (大运河文化公园) and the Zhangjiawan Ancient Town (张家湾古镇).
- Transportation: If you’re using public transport, buses from downtown Beijing are frequent. However, renting a car can offer more flexibility, especially for visiting nearby rural areas.