Wonder how Nanfaxin got its name? Let’s uncover some of its history together. Nanfaxin is both an area and a town. It sits in the western part of Shunyi District in Beijing.
Nanfaxin shares borders with several towns and subdistricts. To the north, it meets Mapo Town and Shuangfeng Subdistrict. Wangquan Subdistrict and Renhe Town lie to its east. Capital Airport Subdistrict is to its south. Houshayu and Gaoliying Towns are to its west.
In 2020, the census counted 54195 people living here. That’s a density of about 2600 people per square kilometer.
The story of Nanfaxin’s name is interesting. Long ago, the area was simply Faxin Village. Two main families lived there and their names were Fa and Xin. During the Ming dynasty, many villagers moved north. They created another Faxin Village. To avoid confusing the two, this original village became Nanfaxin. Nan means “south” in Chinese. So Nanfaxin means “South Faxin”.
Nanfaxin has seen many changes over the years. From 1937 to 1946, it was part of the 6th District of Luanchanghuai and Huaishun United County. For a short time in 1946 and 1947, it fell under the 2nd District of Shunyi County. Between 1947 and 1949, it belonged to Changshun United County. From 1949 to 1951, it was the 1st District of Shunyi County.
Between 1951 and 1961, Nanfaxin was its own township. For a few years, from 1965 to 1975, it was part of Chengguan People’s Commune. In 1983, it became Nanfaxin Township again until 1998. From 1998 to 2000, it was known as Nanfaxin Area within Shunyi District. Since 2000, it has been Nanfaxin Area which includes Nanfaxin Town.
Today, Nanfaxin is divided into 17 smaller parts. There is one community and 16 villages. Each has its own name and history.
If you are using the Beijing Subway, you might pass through Nanfaxin Station. It is on Line 15. The station opened on December 31, 2011. It has an underground island platform. There are four exits to choose from.