Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town in Huize County, Qujing
Chinese Name: 会泽新街回族乡
English Name: Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town in Huize County, Qujing
Overview of Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town
Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town is located in the northeastern part of Huize County, Qujing City, 45 kilometers from the county seat. Situated between 103°32′E and 26°23′N, the town is bordered by Yulu Township to the east, Daibu Town to the south, Jinzhong Town to the west, and Zhehai Town to the north. It spans 48 kilometers from east to west and 63 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 263 square kilometers.
Geographical Features
Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town is characterized by its narrow and elongated terrain. The eastern side features a long mountain ridge running from south to north, while the western side consists of misty, undulating hills. The Che River runs through the middle, flowing 19 kilometers within Xinjie, and connects two reservoirs: Huayu Reservoir and Maojia Village. This unique landscape has earned Xinjie the nickname “Two Mountains Flanking a River, A River Connecting Two Reservoirs.” The overall topography slopes from west to east, with complex terrain, steep mountains, deep valleys, and a clear vertical climate. The highest elevation in the area is Xiaoxue Mountain Ridge at 3,247 meters, and the lowest is Huazhu at 2,212 meters. The town center sits at an altitude of 2,230 meters.
Climate and Population
The climate in Xinjie varies significantly due to the elevation. The western part is higher, more cloud-covered, and cooler, with an average annual temperature of about 11°C and annual rainfall of 950 mm. The town governs 16 village committees, including Huayu, Lianhe, Madian, Xinjie, Haka, Longtan, and Fenghuang, with 148 natural villages. It has 9,671 households and a population of 40,365, of which 38,120 are agricultural. About 14,000 people from Xinjie work outside the town.
Cultural Significance
Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town is the only Hui town in Qujing City, Yunnan Province. The local Muslim community has a history spanning hundreds of years. Like other Islamic communities, they celebrate several significant festivals, the most prominent being Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid al-Nabi.
Mosques in Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town
Xinjie is home to 17 mosques, including Nanping Mosque, Xinjie Mosque, and Guijia Yard Mosque. Each mosque has a history of several decades, with 8,000-9,000 adherents frequently participating in religious activities. During major festivals like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Mawlid al-Nabi, the number of attendees surges, creating a lively atmosphere. Even Muslims living elsewhere return to participate in these celebrations.
Eid al-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr, known in Arabic as “Eid al-Fitr,” is the most significant festival for Muslims in Xinjie. Muslims fast for a month during Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the first day of Shawwal. The fasting period involves two meals daily, before dawn and after sunset, and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual activity during daylight hours. On Eid al-Fitr, people gather in mosques for special prayers, give “fitrah” donations to the needy, and decorate their homes and mosques.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah. On this day, Muslims perform special prayers at the mosque, followed by the sacrifice of animals. The day begins with a ritual bath and wearing clean clothes. Attendees recite prayers en route to the mosque and participate in a communal prayer led by an imam, who delivers a sermon (khutbah). After the prayers, they visit gravesites, recite prayers for the deceased, and honor their ancestors.
Mawlid al-Nabi
Mawlid al-Nabi, also known as the Prophet’s Birthday, commemorates the birth and death of the Prophet Muhammad on the 12th day of Rabi’ al-Awwal. Muslims gather at mosques to remember the Prophet’s life and teachings through prayers and sermons.
Muslim Travel Tips
For Muslim travelers visiting Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town, here are some helpful tips:
- Prayer Facilities: With 17 mosques in the town, travelers can easily find places for daily prayers and join the local community for major festivals.
- Halal Food: The town offers numerous halal food options, ensuring that dietary needs are met.
- Respect and Etiquette: Visitors should dress modestly, respect local customs, and participate in mosque activities with sensitivity and understanding.
Xinjie Hui Autonomous Town offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and religious significance, making it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in exploring the rich traditions of the Hui Muslim community.