Tongwei County (Chinese: 通渭县; pinyin: Tōngwèi Xiàn) is an administrative county in the eastern part of Gansu Province, People's Republic of China. It is situated under the jurisdiction of the prefecture-level city of Dingxi.
Geography
- Location: The county lies on the Loess Plateau, bordering Shaanxi Province to the east.
- Area: Approximately 2,455 km² (≈947 sq mi).
- Topography: Characterized by hilly terrain and loess soils, with the Yellow River flowing nearby.
Administrative Divisions
- The county is subdivided into several towns and townships. As of the latest administrative adjustment, it comprises 8 towns and 6 townships.
- County seat: The town of Tongwei (通渭镇) serves as the political and economic center.
History
- Historical records trace the region back to the Han dynasty, when it formed part of ancient commanderies.
- The modern county-level unit was formally established in 1950 after the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Population
- According to the 2020 national census, Tongwei County had a population of roughly 350,000 residents.
- Ethnic composition: Predominantly Han Chinese, with small numbers of Hui and other minority groups.
Economy
- Agriculture: The county’s economy is primarily agrarian, focusing on wheat, corn, potatoes, and beans.
- Forestry and animal husbandry also contribute to local livelihoods.
- Recent development initiatives have promoted renewable energy (wind and solar) projects due to the region’s favorable climatic conditions.
Transportation
- Road: The G212 national highway traverses the county, linking it to neighboring prefectures.
- Rail: The Lanzhou–Zhangye railway passes through the western part of Tongwei, providing freight and limited passenger services.
- The county is also served by a network of provincial and county roads facilitating intra‑regional travel.
Education and Public Services
- The county administers a number of primary and secondary schools, as well as vocational training centers.
- Healthcare facilities include a county-level public hospital and several township health clinics.
Cultural and Natural Sites
- The region contains typical Loess Plateau landscapes, including eroded gullies and historic earthen structures.
- Local festivals often celebrate agricultural cycles and traditional folk customs.
References
- National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2020 Census Data.
- Gansu Provincial Government publications on administrative divisions.
- Historical Gazetteers of Gansu Province.
