Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town in Sangzhi County, Zhangjiajie

Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town (走马坪白族乡) is located in the eastern part of Sangzhi County (桑植县), Zhangjiajie City (张家界市), Hunan Province (湖南省), China. The town covers a total area of 132 square kilometers (as of 2017) and is bordered by Mihu Township (汨湖乡) to the east, Kongkeshui Township (空壳树乡) to the south, Maidiping Town (麦地坪乡) to the west, and Renchaoxi Township (人潮溪乡) to the north. The town has a resident population of 15,950 (as of 2017).

The area is known for its Bai ethnic culture, with traditional customs and festivals, such as the Bai Drum Dance (仗鼓舞), and is especially famous for the market fair on the 21st of the seventh lunar month (农历七月二十一赶会).

History

The town’s name, Zoumaping, originates from an ancient salt route running from Sichuan (四川) to Dongting Lake (洞庭湖). In the past, traders and pack animals passed through the area, and the Zoumaping (走马坪) was a resting place for both animals and merchants.

Administrative History

  • Republic of China Period: Zoumaping belonged to Daqiuan Township (达泉乡).

  • 1952: Part of Yejiapu Township (叶家桥乡).

  • 1958: Villages like Xiangjiaping (向家坪), Tianhe (天合), Guizhuya (桂竹垭), and Liangchaxi (两岔溪) were transferred from Cili County (慈利县) to Sangzhi County (桑植县).

  • 1961: Established as Zoumaping Commune (走马坪公社).

  • 1983: Renamed Zoumaping Township (走马坪乡).

  • 1984: Became Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town.

  • 1995: Merged with Zhuyeping Bai Ethnic Town (竹叶坪白族乡).

  • 1998: Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town was restored.

Administrative Divisions

As of 2017, Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town governs 13 administrative villages, with a total of 86 villager groups. The town government is located in Mihu Village (汨湖村).

Geography and Climate

Location

Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town is located at longitude 110°23′27″ to 110°29′07″ and latitude 29°26′51″ to 29°33′28″. The town is in the eastern part of Sangzhi County and is characterized by a complex terrain, with a narrow strip of land surrounded by mountains. The area has a maximum elevation of 1,180 meters and a minimum elevation of 420 meters.

Climate

The town experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, with significant temperature and weather variations due to its mountainous terrain. The region follows a vertical climate pattern, meaning that the climate varies greatly depending on the altitude.

Natural Resources

Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town is home to iron ore deposits, with a proven reserve of 7.5 million tons.

Population

As of 2017, the population of Zoumaping Bai Ethnic Town was 15,950. The population is predominantly Bai, accounting for 78.4% of the total population. Other ethnic groups in the town include Tujia, Miao, Hui, Li, Dong, Yao, Manchu, and Zhuang, making up 98.5% of the total population.

Population Breakdown:

  • Male: 53%

  • Female: 47%

  • Under 18 years: 19.7%

  • 18-35 years: 26.2%

  • 35-60 years: 36.8%

  • Above 60 years: 17.3%

Cultural Heritage

Bai Drum Dance

The Bai Drum Dance (仗鼓舞) is a traditional cultural dance that was included in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2010. The dance includes 81 difficult movements, with some of the most challenging ones being the “Back Needle” (背后穿针) and “Twelve Dragons Formation” (双龙出阵). The Bai people perform this dance as part of their traditional festivities and cultural celebrations.

Festivals and Customs

Zoumaping is known for its vibrant Bai ethnic festivals, including the famous market fair on the 21st day of the seventh lunar month (农历七月二十一赶会). During this festival, locals gather to celebrate with music, dance, and traditional Bai customs.

Bai Ethnic Architecture

Bai-style architecture in Zoumaping is notable for its distinctive structures, such as the “Corner Tower” (挂耳转角楼) and “Four-Compound Courtyard” (四合开井大院), which reflect the ethnic group’s cultural identity and traditional building styles.

Economy

Zoumaping’s economy is primarily based on traditional agriculture, with rice and corn as the main crops. In 2024, a new road project is being developed to connect Baishi (白石) to Tianzi Mountain (天子山), with an investment of 1.91 billion yuan. This road is part of a plan to promote the high-altitude ecological agriculture and healthcare tourism industry in the region.

Additionally, the town will support Rain Dew Plan (雨露计划) funding for 170 people in 2025, with a total subsidy of 255,000 yuan.