“Cui family Villa”, that’s what Qigezhuang means. But the name doesn’t tell its whole story. Let’s dive into the heart of this area in Beijing.
Qigezhuang is an area and township in the northern part of Chaoyang District. It sits among other townships and subdistricts. Sunhe Township is to its north. Dongba and Jinzhan Townships lie to the west. Jiuxianqiao Subdistrict and Jiangtai Township are to the north. Wangjing, Donghu Subdistrict and Laiguangying Township border it on the east.
In 2020, Qigezhuang was home to 107,029 people. That’s a density of about 3,400 people per square kilometer. It is a vibrant community with a rich history.
How did Qigezhuang become what it is today? Its story is one of changes and growth.
Back in 1948, Qigezhuang was part of Changshun County in Hebei. It also belonged to Beijing’s 13th District. By 1949, it was part of Tong County, Hebei. In 1956, it became part of Sunhe Township, Beijing.
A reorganization in 1961 turned villages into production teams. In 1965, it became a management district overseeing eight production teams. Then in 1974, it was just one production team.
In 1984, Qigezhuang was reorganized as a township. Nangao Township joined it in 2004. That’s when it became an area, but kept its township status.
Today, Qigezhuang is divided into communities and villages. There are seven communities. Mananli is one. Jingwan Jiayuan Diyi Community is another. You’ll also find Jingwan Jiayuan Di’er Community and Yanbao Maquanying Jiayuan Community. Dongzhou Jiayuan Community is there too. And Guangshan Diyi Community and Xinjin Community round out the list.
There are 15 villages in Qigezhuang. Cuigezhuang Village itself is one. Shangezhuang Village is another. You’ll also find Hegezhuang Village and Maquanying Village. Naidong Village and Naixi Village are part of the area. Suojia Village and Feijia Village add to the mix. Nangao Village and Wanjing Village are also present. Don’t forget Caochangdi Village, Dongxindian Village, and Beigao Village. Dongying Village and Heiqiao Village complete the list.
Qigezhuang covers 31.7 square kilometers. That’s 12.2 square miles. It’s a place where history and modern life come together. It continues to evolve. It continues to be a vital part of Beijing. So, as you explore Qigezhuang, remember its past. Think about its present. Imagine its future.