Shaoyang City
2022-05-25
Shaoyang City, a significant gateway in central and southern China, is close to Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province in the west, Guangxi Province and Guangdong Province in the south, and Hubei Province in the north. Its advantageous geological location makes it a place of vital importance during wars. In the Qing Dynasty, as Baoqing was surrounded by Zi River and impregnable fortresses, and run through by Shao River, it was hard to break through the defense lines with such a complex terrain, thus known as “an indestructible city”. It is also an intermediary center of trade and transport. Because of its unique geographical position and convenient waterway, Shaoyang City provides a channel for the transport of various products from western Hunan, Yunnan and Guizhou to Guangxi, Guangdong, Hubei and the other areas in Hunan.
Shaoyang City, located in the transition zone from hilly forest area in the South of Yangzi River to Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, is rich in natural resources like plants and rare trees. Four provincial-level nature reserves and a number of county-level nature reserves have been established. Now, Shaoyang City has become one of the largest navel orange production bases in China, whose Wugang navel orange has been regarded as an important gift for foreign exchanges by the International Department of Central Committee of CPC. It is also one of the largest producers of high-quality pepper and the first seedless watermelon plantation base in China. Shaoyang City also witnesses the rapid development of Chinese herbal medicine.
Shaoyang City is known for picturesque landscape, rich cultural heritage and talented people. There is a confluence of Zi River and Shao River in the city. The eight scenic spots of Baoqing has enjoyed a good reputation throughout the history. It is also renowned for enchanting scenery endowed by nature like the Mount Langshan Scenic Area which is a world natural heritage site, a national geological park and a national 5A scenic spot. In addition, there is some natural scenery such as Nanshan National Park, Huangsang National Nature Reserve and Luoxi Forest Park, and cultural heritages such as the Former Residence of Wei Yuan in Longhui County.
With a time-honored civilization, Shaoyang City not only advocates both literature and martial arts, but also cultivates simple folkway and a great number of talents. Wei Yuan and Cai E, who had played a unique role in modern history of China, were worshiped and commemorated by the local people.
