“Ever wonder how a town gets its name?” That’s the question Wanzhuang poses. We are standing at the heart of Wanzhuang Town in Beijing. It is a place whose very name echoes its central village.
Wanzhuang is located in western Pinggu District. It sits comfortably nestled among several other towns. Dahuashan Town and Xiong’erzhai Township border it to the north. Shandongzhuang Town and Xinggu Subdistrict lie to the east. Pinggu and Daxingzhuang Towns mark its southern edge. Yukou Town defines its western boundary.
Let’s delve a bit into the history of Wanzhuang. The area now known as Wanzhuang has seen many changes. From 1956 to 1958, it existed as Wangxinzhuang Township and Yuezhengwu Township. These were then part of Pinggu County in Hebei. Between 1958 and 1961, Wangxinzhuang became part of Chengguan People’s Commune. Yuezhengwu was integrated into Yukou People’s Commune. Both remained within Pinggu County but now under Beijing’s administration.
From 1961 to 1984, Wangxinzhuang and Yuezhengwu were again recognized as People’s Communes. They transitioned to townships between 1984 and 2000. Finally, in 2000, Wangxinzhuang became a town. Since 2002, it has been part of Pinggu District Beijing.
Wanzhuang today is more than just its history. It is a vibrant community. In 2020, the population was 30586. This gives it a population density of about 490 people per square kilometer. The town spans an area of 62.58 square kilometers. That is about 24.16 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 31 meters. That is roughly 102 feet above sea level.
Administratively, Wanzhuang is divided into 23 villages. These include Taihou, Beishangying, and Zhong Hujiawu. Also Xiong’erying, Dong Gucun, and Xi Gucun. Not to mention Taipingzhuang, Da Xinzhai, and Xiao Xinzhai. The list continues with Jiagezhuang, Qigezhuang, and of course Wangxinzhuang. Other villages are Houluozhuang, Xujiawu, and Lianhuatan. Fangguangzhuang, Yangjiahui, and Jing’eryu are also included. As well as Beixinzhuang, Zhaigezhuang, and Xi Xingyuan. Finally Dong Xingyuan and Yuezhengwu round out the divisions.
So as we stand here in Wanzhuang take a moment. Appreciate the layers of history and community that define this place. It is a town rooted in its past. Yet it is also looking forward to the future. A blend of tradition and progress that makes Wanzhuang what it is today.