Introduction
Daxing is a township situated within the jurisdiction of Ya'an City, a prefecture‑level city in the southeastern part of Sichuan Province, China. The township lies at an altitude of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level and is nestled in the foothills of the eastern Qingcheng Mountains. Covering an area of roughly 130 square kilometers, Daxing serves as a local administrative center for several surrounding villages and agricultural communities. The township's economy is predominantly agrarian, with a strong emphasis on tea cultivation, along with the production of medicinal herbs and forest products. In recent years, Daxing has begun to develop eco‑tourism initiatives that leverage its natural scenery and cultural heritage to attract visitors from both within Sichuan and neighboring provinces.
Geography and Environment
Location and Topography
Daxing Township occupies a strategic position within the Ya'an region, lying approximately 60 kilometers southeast of the city center of Ya'an. The township is bordered by Qingyan County to the north, Sanyuan County to the west, and Chengdu's outskirts to the south. Its topography is characterized by gently rolling hills, interspersed with river valleys and dense forested areas. The terrain is predominantly composed of loess soils, which support a diverse range of agricultural activities. The western portion of Daxing sits at a higher elevation, providing a cooler microclimate suitable for specialized crops, whereas the eastern lowlands receive greater rainfall and are primarily used for rice paddies and aquaculture.
Climate
The climate in Daxing Township is classified as humid subtropical, with distinct seasons that influence agricultural production cycles. Summers (June to August) are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 22°C to 30°C, and frequent afternoon showers. Winters (December to February) are relatively mild but can see temperatures dropping below 5°C during cold spells. Spring and autumn provide moderate temperatures and higher precipitation levels, fostering lush vegetation growth. The township experiences an average annual precipitation of approximately 1,500 millimeters, with the majority falling between May and August. The variation in temperature and rainfall across the year supports a diverse ecological environment that is home to numerous plant and animal species native to the Sichuan basin.
Natural Resources
Daxing Township's natural resources are largely forested, comprising both coniferous and broadleaf species such as pine, oak, and maple. The dense forest cover plays a critical role in soil conservation and watershed management, providing natural filtration for the township's water supply. Timber extraction remains regulated, with a focus on sustainable harvesting practices to preserve forest ecosystems. In addition to timber, the region is rich in medicinal herbs, including traditional Chinese medicinal plants such as *Ginseng* and *Astragalus*. The presence of these resources has historically supported local economies and continues to be a foundation for contemporary pharmaceutical production and herbal market activities.
History
Prehistoric and Ancient Period
Archaeological findings indicate that the area now known as Daxing Township was inhabited by Paleolithic hunter‑gatherer groups around 20,000 years ago. Stone tools and cave paintings discovered in nearby valleys suggest a long history of human settlement, likely due to the region's abundant natural resources and strategic location along ancient trade routes. During the Neolithic period, evidence of early agricultural practices, such as millet cultivation and animal domestication, points to a gradual transition from nomadic to settled lifestyles. The presence of early irrigation channels indicates sophisticated water management techniques developed by these prehistoric communities.
Imperial Era
With the establishment of the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), the area fell under imperial administration and was incorporated into the jurisdiction of the Shu Kingdom. During the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), the region became part of the administrative unit known as the "Jiangyang Commandery," which facilitated the spread of Chinese culture and language into the mountainous interior. Over subsequent centuries, the area was repeatedly restructured, with the Tang and Song dynasties introducing new land‑distribution systems and agricultural reforms. The 12th‑century Song administration introduced tea cultivation techniques that laid the foundation for Daxing's future reputation as a tea‑producing region.
Republican and Communist Periods
Following the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, Daxing Township was incorporated into the new administrative framework established by the Republic of China. During this era, the township experienced modest economic growth driven by tea trade, as well as the introduction of rail links that improved connectivity with larger markets. The early 1930s saw an increase in land reforms aimed at redistributing agricultural land to tenant farmers, a process that was partially interrupted by war and the Japanese invasion during World War II. After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Daxing was officially designated as a township under the administration of Ya'an City. The subsequent decades brought about collectivization and the establishment of People's Communes, followed by the gradual transition to a household‑responsibility system in the 1980s. Since the reform era, the township has focused on diversified agricultural production, environmental conservation, and the development of rural tourism as part of national rural revitalization strategies.
Demographics
As of the latest census conducted in 2020, Daxing Township has a population of approximately 34,000 residents. The population is predominantly Han Chinese, accounting for around 95% of the total, with minority ethnic groups such as the Yi and Tujia making up the remaining 5%. The township exhibits a balanced age distribution, with roughly 18% of residents under 15 years of age, 65% between 15 and 64 years, and 17% over 65. The average household size is 3.2 persons, slightly below the national rural average, reflecting demographic trends such as urban migration and declining birth rates. Literacy rates in Daxing Township are high, exceeding 90%, due in part to government investment in rural education infrastructure during the post‑Cultural Revolution period.
Administration
Daxing Township is administered under the jurisdiction of Ya'an City within Sichuan Province. The township government is structured into several departments, including the Office of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Planning and Construction Bureau, and the Cultural and Tourism Department. The township comprises eight village committees and two residential communities, each responsible for local governance, public service delivery, and community development. The local government operates under a dual system, wherein elected village representatives collaborate with appointed township officials to implement national and provincial policies. Recent administrative reforms have emphasized transparency, community participation, and the integration of digital governance tools to improve public service delivery and resource management.
Economy
Agriculture
Tea cultivation is the cornerstone of Daxing Township's agricultural sector, with over 70% of arable land dedicated to tea plantations. The township specializes in producing high‑quality green tea varieties such as “Jiangyou Green Tea,” renowned for its aromatic profile and smooth finish. Tea cultivation practices in Daxing emphasize organic and eco‑friendly methods, with farmers employing traditional pruning techniques and avoiding synthetic pesticides. In addition to tea, Daxing farmers cultivate a range of crops including corn, wheat, and various medicinal herbs. The township also engages in rice paddies in the lower valleys, supported by a complex irrigation system that channels water from the Yalong River basin. Livestock farming, particularly poultry and goat herding, complements crop production and provides additional income streams for local households.
Industry
Industrial activity in Daxing Township is relatively modest, focusing primarily on processing agricultural products. Small‑scale tea factories, herbal medicine processing plants, and bamboo furniture workshops are common. The township has attracted investment from local cooperatives seeking to upgrade production capabilities and meet national standards for organic certification. Light manufacturing, such as the production of household goods from bamboo and other locally sourced materials, provides employment opportunities for residents with technical skills. In recent years, there has been a push to develop eco‑friendly packaging and distribution centers, reflecting broader sustainability goals and the increasing demand for green products in domestic and international markets.
Services
The service sector in Daxing Township has expanded in tandem with tourism development. Small hotels, guesthouses, and catering establishments have emerged to accommodate visitors attracted by the township's natural scenery and cultural festivals. Retail trade includes local markets that sell fresh produce, teas, and traditional handicrafts. Public services such as education, healthcare, and municipal administration also constitute a significant portion of the township’s service economy. The local government has invested in improving digital infrastructure, allowing residents to access e‑commerce platforms and online payment systems, thereby integrating the township into the broader digital economy.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Daxing Township is accessible via a network of county‑level roads that connect to the national highway system. The primary thoroughfare, County Road 314, links the township to the main artery of the Yulin–Jiangyou Expressway, facilitating the movement of goods to larger urban centers. Public transportation includes a small bus depot that offers regular routes to Ya'an City and nearby villages. In 2018, a feeder rail line was constructed to support freight transport, particularly for tea shipments. The township has invested in road maintenance programs to improve safety during the rainy season and to support agricultural logistics. In addition, bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways have been developed to promote eco‑friendly mobility within the township’s central area.
Utilities
Water supply for Daxing Township is managed through a combination of surface water treatment plants and groundwater wells. The Yalong River provides a primary source of potable water, while local wells supplement supply during dry periods. Electricity distribution is handled by the provincial utility company, with power lines running through all villages. The township has embraced renewable energy projects, including small hydroelectric plants on tributaries and solar farms that supply a portion of the local grid. Waste management initiatives focus on segregation, recycling, and composting to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Public Services
The township government operates a network of primary and secondary schools that provide education from kindergarten through junior high levels. The nearest senior high school is located in the neighboring town of Qingyan, and students travel daily via school bus. Healthcare facilities include a township hospital equipped with general medicine, maternal care, and basic diagnostic services. The township has also established community health centers in each major village to address preventive care and public health outreach. Public safety services, including a local police detachment and volunteer fire brigades, maintain security and emergency response capabilities across the township.
Culture and Society
Ethnic Composition
While the Han population forms the majority in Daxing Township, the presence of Yi and Tujia ethnic minorities contributes to the township’s cultural diversity. These minority groups maintain distinct traditions, including unique clothing styles, musical instruments, and traditional culinary practices. Cultural exchanges between Han and minority communities are common, particularly during festivals and communal harvest celebrations. The local government has implemented policies to preserve minority languages and cultural heritage, such as bilingual signage and support for cultural preservation projects.
Festivals and Traditions
Annual festivals in Daxing Township reflect a blend of agricultural cycles and ethnic customs. The most prominent event is the “Tea Harvest Festival,” held each September to celebrate the completion of the tea picking season. The festival features tea‑tasting ceremonies, traditional folk dances, and local craft markets. Another significant celebration is the “Yi New Year,” observed by the Yi community in late January or early February, featuring lion dances, drum performances, and communal feasting. The township also observes national holidays, such as the Chinese New Year, with large-scale fireworks displays and temple fairs that attract visitors from surrounding areas.
Religion
Religious practice in Daxing Township is predominantly secular, with the majority of residents identifying as non‑religious or practicing Chinese folk religion. There are a number of Buddhist temples scattered across the township, the most notable being the “Guanghua Temple” in the central village, which serves as a place of worship and community gathering. In addition, a small number of residents practice Taoism, and there are several Taoist shrines dedicated to local deities. The Yi community maintains ancestral worship rituals and respects local spirits through shrines located within village boundaries.
Education
Educational infrastructure in Daxing Township is organized into primary, middle, and specialized vocational schools. The township’s eight primary schools serve a combined student population of approximately 1,200, offering a curriculum aligned with national educational standards. The secondary education system is supported by a junior high school that offers both general academic tracks and agricultural science courses, reflecting the township’s economic focus. Vocational training centers provide courses in tea processing, herbal medicine extraction, and eco‑tourism management, enabling residents to acquire skills that enhance local employment opportunities. In partnership with universities in Sichuan Province, the township participates in educational outreach programs that bring research experts to conduct seminars on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
Healthcare
The township’s healthcare facilities include a township hospital staffed with general practitioners, nurses, and a basic diagnostic laboratory. The hospital provides services such as outpatient care, maternity services, and emergency treatment. For specialized care, residents typically travel to the district hospital in Ya'an City. Public health initiatives focus on vaccination campaigns, maternal and child health education, and disease prevention programs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is integrated into local healthcare practices, with herbal clinics offering treatments for common ailments. The township government has invested in health information systems to track patient data, improve disease surveillance, and optimize resource allocation.
Tourism and Attractions
Natural Attractions
Daxing Township is renowned for its lush landscapes and scenic hiking trails that traverse the foothills of the Qingcheng Mountains. The “Misty Valley” trail offers panoramic views of terraced tea plantations and mist‑shrouded hills, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The township’s river valleys host a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species of amphibians and birds. Conservation efforts in the area have been undertaken to protect these ecosystems and promote eco‑tourism that emphasizes low‑impact visitation and environmental education.
Man‑Made Attractions
Key man‑made attractions include the “Guanghua Temple,” a Buddhist temple dating back to the Ming Dynasty that showcases traditional architecture and stone carvings. Another cultural attraction is the “Yi Heritage Museum,” a small exhibit that displays Yi clothing, pottery, and historical artifacts, offering visitors insight into the township’s ethnic history. The “Tea Processing Center” provides guided tours that illustrate the entire tea production process from leaf to cup, allowing tourists to experience the region’s agricultural heritage first‑hand. Local festivals and traditional performances further enrich the cultural tourism experience.
See Also
- Ya'an City
- Sichuan Province
- Yalong River
- Qingcheng Mountains
- Green Tea Production in China
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