What if a village decided the fate of a town? Today, we are standing in Shangzhuang. This area on the northern end of Haidian District in Beijing is both an area and a town.
Shangzhuang’s history is closely tied to its geography and administrative changes. The name “Shangzhuang” means “Upper Villa”. This name came from the village where the town’s government is located. It is a simple origin story.
Let us take a quick trip back in time. In 1956, this place was known as Baishuiwa Township. Just two years later, it became part of the Changping District Pioneer People’s Commune. A few years later, in 1961, it established its own commune. This shows a period of shifting administrative control.
In 1984, Shangzhuang underwent another transformation and became a township. Then, in 1998, Xijiao Farm separated from the township. The back-and-forth continues. By 2003, it transitioned into a town. Since 2011, Shangzhuang has been designated as an area. It still retains the status of a town.
In 2021, Shangzhuang comprised 32 subdivisions. These include 6 communities and 26 villages. Each community and village has its own unique name and identity.
Shangzhuang Jiayuan is one of the communities. Xinrui Jiayuan is another. Sanjia Xinyuan and Cuibei Jiayuan are also here. Xinyue Jiayuan and Xinyi Jiayuan round out the list of communities.
The villages include Dongmafang and Shangzhuang itself. Qianzhangcun and Baishuiwa are present. Ximafang and Changle add to the variety. Dongxiaoying and Luojiafen contribute to the area. Zhaojiatun and Lijiafen dot the landscape. Nanyuhe and Beiyuhe show a geographical distinction. Yongtaizhuang and Meisuotun offer their own character. Shuangta and Xizha are among the final villages. Hebeicun and Bajia offer unique identities. Houzhangcun and Xixinlitun complete the list.
As of 2020, the area had a population of 71,554. The population density is about 1,900 people per square kilometer. This gives you an idea of how many people call Shangzhuang home.
Shangzhuang borders several other towns. Machikou Town lies to the north. Shahe Town is to the east. Xibeiwang Town is in the southeast. Sujiatuo and Yangfang Town are to the west. It is a meeting point of different areas.
In 2017, Shangzhuang had a population of 63,973. It had jurisdiction over one community and 20 administrative villages. The area hosted the Ming Zhu Tomb of the Qing Dynasty. It held the Tomb of Nalanxingde. The ruins of Shuangta ancient city stood here. Iron ox relics of Liao and Jin Dynasties were also in the territory. Shangzhuang is an area rich in history.
Today, Shangzhuang is a vibrant part of Beijing. It balances its historical roots with modern life. It is a testament to the ever-changing administrative landscape of China. As we conclude our tour, remember Shangzhuang. Remember its many layers. Remember its people.