Introduction
Daxing (大兴镇) is a town located within the jurisdiction of Ya'an, a prefecture-level city in Sichuan Province, China. It occupies an area of approximately 70 square kilometers and is situated at an altitude of around 1,200 meters above sea level. The town serves as a local administrative center for the surrounding rural communities and is known for its agricultural production, especially the cultivation of Sichuan pepper and medicinal herbs.
The name “Daxing” translates to “Great Prosperity,” reflecting the aspirations of its founders for a flourishing settlement. Historically, the town has been a nexus of trade and culture in the upper reaches of the Min River valley, linking the highland plateau with the Sichuan basin.
Location and Geography
Geographic Setting
Daxing is positioned in the northwestern part of Ya'an, lying at the intersection of the eastern foothills of the Qionglai Mountains and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River basin. Its coordinates are approximately 30° 52′ N latitude and 101° 38′ E longitude. The town is encircled by a range of low hills, with the most prominent peak reaching 1,800 meters.
Rivers play a significant role in the town's geography. The Daxing River, a tributary of the Min River, flows through the central valley, providing irrigation and a natural corridor for transportation. The river's basin is characterized by alluvial deposits that support fertile soils, conducive to diverse crop cultivation.
Topography and Landscape
The terrain of Daxing is predominantly rolling hills interspersed with valleys and river terraces. Elevation varies from 1,050 meters at the lowest point along the riverbanks to 1,900 meters at the hilltops. The slope gradient influences microclimates within the town, leading to variations in temperature and rainfall across different zones.
Vegetation is primarily composed of mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests. The lower elevations host subtropical evergreen forests, while higher altitudes support temperate deciduous woods. Deforestation has occurred in some peripheral areas due to agricultural expansion, but conservation efforts have been implemented to preserve key ecological zones.
Climate
Daxing experiences a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa). The region has four distinct seasons: cool, dry winters; warm, wet springs; hot, humid summers; and mild, damp autumns. Average annual temperature ranges between 12°C and 15°C. The town receives an average annual precipitation of about 1,200 millimeters, most of which falls between June and September during the monsoon period.
Temperature extremes are relatively moderate. The highest recorded temperature was 35.5°C during a summer heatwave, while the lowest was -5.3°C in a winter storm. The combination of sufficient rainfall and moderate temperatures supports lush vegetation and robust agricultural output.
History
Early Settlement
Archaeological evidence indicates that the area around Daxing has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Stone tools and pottery fragments discovered in nearby sites suggest early agrarian communities engaged in millet cultivation and animal husbandry.
During the Han Dynasty, the region fell under the administration of the Yunnan-Guangxi commandery. Records from the period mention Daxing as a small hamlet that served as a waypoint for traders traveling between the Sichuan basin and the Yunnan highlands.
Imperial Periods
In the Tang Dynasty, the area was incorporated into the Ba Province, and the name “Daxing” appeared in official documents as a minor administrative unit. The Song and Yuan dynasties saw modest growth, largely due to the development of terraced agriculture that maximized arable land on the hillsides.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Daxing’s population increased as people migrated from surrounding valleys. The town became an agricultural hub for cultivating rice, maize, and medicinal herbs. Local folklore from this era includes tales of the “Peach Blossom Mountain,” a mythical peak believed to be the dwelling of a benevolent spirit that protected the town.
Republican and Communist Eras
Following the fall of the Qing Dynasty, Daxing fell under the jurisdiction of the Republic of China’s Yunnan–Sichuan Administrative Region. The early 20th century brought infrastructural developments such as the construction of a narrow-gauge railway line connecting Ya'an to Chengdu, which facilitated the transport of agricultural produce.
In 1949, after the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Daxing was reclassified as a township. The government implemented land reforms that redistributed farmland to peasants, leading to increased productivity. The 1950s and 1960s also saw the establishment of communal kitchens and agricultural cooperatives, aligning with national policies.
During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), Daxing experienced social upheaval. Traditional cultural sites were vandalized, and educational institutions were temporarily closed. Nevertheless, the local community maintained agricultural production, which was critical for food security during this period.
Reform and Opening Up
From the late 1970s onward, Daxing benefited from China’s Reform and Opening-Up policy. The government introduced market-oriented agricultural practices, encouraging farmers to diversify crops and engage in contract farming. As a result, Daxing emerged as a significant producer of Sichuan pepper, medicinal herbs, and specialty teas.
Infrastructure improvements continued into the 21st century, with the construction of paved roads and the expansion of the national highway network. These developments enhanced connectivity to major urban centers and stimulated local economic growth.
Demographics
Population
According to the latest census data, Daxing has a population of approximately 35,000 residents. The demographic composition is predominantly Han Chinese, accounting for 92% of the population, while ethnic minorities such as the Yi and Tibetan communities make up the remaining 8%.
Population growth has been relatively steady, with an annual growth rate of 1.2%. However, rural-to-urban migration has been a significant trend, as younger residents move to Ya'an or Chengdu in search of employment opportunities.
Age Structure
The age distribution of Daxing is as follows:
- 0–14 years: 18%
- 15–64 years: 65%
- 65 years and over: 17%
The median age of the population is 33 years. The relatively high proportion of elderly residents reflects an aging trend common in many rural Chinese communities.
Household Composition
Average household size in Daxing is 3.4 persons. Extended families are common, especially in rural villages where agricultural labor demands familial cooperation. Single-person households account for 4% of the total, primarily composed of elderly individuals or migrant workers who have moved away for employment.
Economy
Agriculture
Agriculture remains the backbone of Daxing’s economy, employing roughly 60% of the workforce. The town’s fertile valleys support a variety of crops, including rice, maize, wheat, and vegetables. Specialization in Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum armatum) has positioned Daxing as a leading producer in the region.
Medicinal herb cultivation has also expanded, with local farmers growing ginseng, rehmannia, and various herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. These products are marketed both domestically and in international export markets, generating substantial revenue for the community.
Industry
Light industry, particularly agro-processing, has developed alongside traditional agriculture. Small factories process pepper, produce medicinal decoction powders, and manufacture packaged teas. These enterprises provide employment for approximately 15% of the local population.
Additionally, Daxing hosts a few artisanal workshops specializing in wood carving, pottery, and bamboo weaving. These crafts are deeply rooted in local cultural traditions and contribute to the town’s tourism appeal.
Services and Commerce
The service sector has grown in recent years, with retail shops, restaurants, and financial institutions catering to both local residents and visitors. The town’s central market is a hub for agricultural produce, offering a wide range of fresh goods.
Tourism, though modest compared to major Chinese destinations, is an emerging source of income. Visitors are drawn to the town’s natural scenery, historic temples, and traditional festivals. Small hotels and guesthouses accommodate travelers, while local guides provide cultural tours.
Culture
Religious Sites
One of the most significant religious landmarks in Daxing is the Daxing Temple, a Buddhist complex founded in the 14th century. The temple features a main hall, a pagoda, and several smaller shrines dedicated to Bodhidharma and the Bodhisattva Guanyin. It remains an active place of worship and a cultural heritage site.
There is also a small Taoist shrine located near the town’s water source, which locals believe offers protection against floods and natural disasters. The shrine is often visited during the annual spring festival.
Festivals and Traditions
Daxing hosts several annual festivals that reflect its agrarian lifestyle. The Spring Festival, aligned with the Lunar New Year, involves communal feasts, dragon dances, and the exchange of symbolic gifts.
Another important event is the Pepper Harvest Festival, which takes place in late September. The festival features processions, folk music, and the display of pepper processing techniques. Local artisans showcase their crafts, and the festival serves as a platform for promoting Daxing’s agricultural products.
The town also observes the Yi people's Torch Festival, celebrating the arrival of spring and the renewal of crops. Participants light torches, dance around fire pits, and perform traditional music.
Language and Literature
Mandarin Chinese is the official language and is spoken by the majority of residents. In rural areas, the Yi language is also used among minority groups, preserving linguistic diversity.
Literary traditions in Daxing include oral storytelling, particularly in the form of “peach blossom ballads,” which recount local legends and moral tales. These ballads are performed during festivals and community gatherings.
Infrastructure
Transportation
Roads: Daxing is connected to Ya'an via a 45-kilometer provincial highway that passes through scenic valleys. Local roads link villages and agricultural zones to the town center.
Rail: The Daxing station on the Chengdu–Ya'an railway line offers passenger and freight services. The railway facilitates the transport of agricultural products to larger markets.
Air: The nearest airport is Ya'an Tianma Airport, located approximately 70 kilometers away. It provides domestic flights to major Chinese cities.
Utilities
Electricity: The town is served by the Sichuan Power Grid. A 220 kV transmission line supplies electricity to Daxing and surrounding areas.
Water: The Daxing River is the primary source of potable water. A modern water treatment facility, established in 2010, ensures water quality for residential and agricultural use.
Sanitation: A combined sewer system collects wastewater, which is treated at a municipal treatment plant before discharge into the river.
Telecommunications: Mobile coverage is available from all major Chinese carriers. Broadband internet services are provided by local ISPs, with coverage extending to most residential areas.
Healthcare
Daxing hosts a township health center that offers primary care, maternal and child health services, and basic emergency treatment. For specialized medical care, residents travel to hospitals in Ya'an or Chengdu.
Traditional Chinese medicine is widely practiced, with a local clinic offering herbal treatments, acupuncture, and cupping therapy.
Education
Primary Education: There are six primary schools in Daxing, each serving approximately 300 students. The curriculum includes Chinese, mathematics, science, and physical education.
Secondary Education: Daxing Middle School provides education for grades 7–12. The school offers a range of subjects, including literature, history, and biology, and has a vocational training program for agriculture and agro-processing.
Tertiary Education: While no higher education institution is located within Daxing, nearby universities in Ya'an and Chengdu provide access to undergraduate and graduate programs. Many students from Daxing attend these institutions and return to contribute to local development.
Administrative Divisions
Daxing is organized into several administrative units. The town itself consists of a central urban area and 12 surrounding villages. Each village is governed by a village committee responsible for local affairs such as land management, community events, and dispute resolution.
The town is part of the Ya'an Prefecture-level City, which oversees multiple towns and counties. Local governance follows the Chinese system of party committees overseeing governmental departments at the township level.
Notable People
Li Wei (李伟), born 1958, is a prominent agricultural scientist who developed drought-resistant Sichuan pepper varieties. His research contributed to increased yields during the 1990s.
Xu Ling (徐玲), born 1983, is a celebrated traditional dancer known for her performances during the Pepper Harvest Festival. She has received national recognition for preserving local folk arts.
Qin Bo (秦波), born 1970, served as the town’s mayor from 2005 to 2015 and led infrastructure modernization projects that improved connectivity and economic growth.
See Also
- Ya'an
- Min River
- Sichuan pepper
- Qionglai Mountains
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