Zhaoqing (肇庆)

1. Introduction

Zhaoqing, abbreviated as Zhao, historically known as Duanzhou, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China. It is located in the western part of Guangdong Province and is part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The city borders Qingyuan to the northeast, Foshan to the southeast, Yunfu to the southwest, and Wuzhou and Hezhou of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the northwest. Situated in the hilly region of the western Pearl River Delta, its terrain is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. The northern part features the Suijiang River valley, while the central and southern parts comprise the Xijiang River valley, with the Beiling Mountains stretching across the northern part of the urban area. The Suijiang River enters from the north and flows diagonally southeast through the city, while the Xijiang River flows from west to east along the southern edge of the city, passing through the urban area and converging with the Beijiang River in the southeast to form the Pearl River. The city covers a total area of 14,891 square kilometers with a total population of 4.1136 million. The municipal people's government is located in Duanzhou District. Zhaoqing is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city. From the 43rd year of the Jiajing era in the Ming Dynasty (1564) to the 11th year of the Qianlong era in the Qing Dynasty (1746), Zhaoqing served as the seat of the Viceroy of Liangguang for over 180 years. It was also the capital of the Southern Ming during the Yongli reign. In the second year of the Longwu era (1646), the Yongli Emperor ascended the throne here as the emperor of the Southern Ming.

2. Origin of the Name

Zhaoqing was anciently known as Duanzhou. The name Duanzhou originated in the ninth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (589 AD). According to the Taiping Huanyu Ji: "It was named after the Duanxi River within its boundaries." In the third year of the Yuanfu era of the Song Dynasty (1100 AD), Emperor Huizong of Song, who had been the Prince of Duan before ascending the throne and considered Duanzhou his "potential residence," believed that the auspicious energy of Duanzhou had helped him ascend to the throne. Consequently, he elevated Duanzhou to a military governorship and bestowed upon it the name Xingqing. Three years later (in the third year of the Zhenghe era, 1113 AD), it was further promoted to a prefecture. In the first year of the Chonghe era of the Song Dynasty (1118 AD), Yan Ying, then the Guangdong Transport Commissioner, proposed changing Xingqing to Zhaoqing. Emperor Huizong thus renamed Xingqing Prefecture as Zhaoqing Prefecture, personally bestowing the name "Zhaoqing," which means "beginning to bring auspiciousness and celebration."

3. History

3.1 Ancient Times

Zhaoqing is one of the birthplaces of the indigenous culture of ancient Lingnan, with a long history of human activity. Approximately 140,000 years ago, human activity was already present in the Zhaoqing area. In 1978, archaeologists discovered a fossil of a human left upper second premolar, a fossil of a right upper third molar, and traces of human habitation in the Dongzhongyan Cave in Fengkai County, Zhaoqing. Uranium-series dating indicates that the unearthed human tooth fossils are approximately 148,000 ± 13,000 years old. These humans, named the "Dongzhongyan People," have been studied and identified as late Homo sapiens, with characteristics similar to the Liujiang People and physical builds close to modern humans. They lived in caves during the Paleolithic Age.

The "Dongzhongyan People" are the earliest known humans in the western Guangdong region and even the broader Lingnan area. The two unearthed human tooth fossils are the earliest human fossils discovered in the Lingnan region to date, predating the Maba People by about 28,000 years and pushing back the prehistoric history of Lingnan by over 20,000 years.

Later, archaeologists also discovered human tooth fossils, stone artifacts, and animal tooth fossils in the Luoshayan Cave in Fengkai. Dating results indicate ages of approximately 22,400 ± 1,600 years, 48,000 ± 5,000 years, and 79,000 ± 15,000 years, respectively.

Around 10,000 years ago, polished stone tools began to appear here, marking a transition to the Neolithic Age. In 1964, archaeologists discovered human skull fossils and various chipped and polished stone tools in the Huangyandong Cave in Fengkai, dating to approximately 10,000 years ago. The chipped stone tools, shell tools, and burnt bones found in the cave indicate that the ancient inhabitants primarily relied on hunting and fishing for subsistence.

Around 5,000 years ago, the ancient inhabitants of Zhaoqing had moved out of caves, learned to construct houses, and developed hoe-based agriculture, animal husbandry, weaving, and relatively advanced pottery-making (including painted pottery). Bronze artifacts unearthed from tombs dating from the late Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States period within the region show influences from the Central Plains' Shang and Zhou cultures and the Chu-Yue cultures of the Yangtze River Basin, alongside distinct characteristics of Lingnan culture.

3.2 From Pre-Qin to the Tang Dynasty

Before the Qin Dynasty, Zhaoqing was inhabited by the Baiyue people.

In 214 BC, after Emperor Qin Shi Huang conquered the Baiyue, Zhaoqing was divided between the Guilin Commandery and the Nanhai Commandery.

After Emperor Wu of Han pacified Nanyue (Southern Yue), Gaoyao County was established in the areas corresponding to present-day Gaoyao, the urban area of Zhaoqing, the western part of Gaoming and Sanshui, and the eastern part of Yunfu. It belonged to Cangwu Commandery. The county's name derived from the Gaoyao Gorge within its territory, which was named for its high, steep mountains and waist-like narrow waters.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty, Gaoyao County was separated from Nanhai Commandery to establish Gaoyao Commandery, and the Guangzhou Dudufu (Military Governor's Office) was stationed in Gaoyao Commandery.

In the 9th year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (589 AD), Duan Prefecture was established for the first time, administering nine counties including Gaoyao and Duanxi. In the 3rd year of the Daye era (607 AD), the prefecture was abolished and replaced by a commandery, with Duan Prefecture becoming Xin'an Commandery. During the Wude period of the Tang Dynasty, it was restored as Duan Prefecture. In the 1st year of the Tianbao era (742 AD), it was renamed Gaoyao Commandery, and in the 1st year of the Qianyuan era (758 AD), it was restored again as Duan Prefecture.

3.3 Song Dynasty to Qing Dynasty

In the 3rd year of the Yuanfu era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1101 AD), Emperor Huizong, who had been the Prince of Duan before ascending the throne and for whom Duan Prefecture was his "princely fief," established the Xingqing Army Jiedushi in Duan Prefecture. In the 3rd year of the Zhenghe era (1113 AD), Duan Prefecture was changed to Xingqing Prefecture. In the 1st year of the Chonghe era (1118 AD), the emperor personally bestowed the imperial inscription "Zhaoqing Prefecture," and it has been known as Zhaoqing since then.

In the 17th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1280 AD), Zhaoqing Prefecture was changed to Zhaoqing Route, with a Chief Administrator's Office established, subordinate to Guangxi Circuit. In the 29th year, it was transferred to Guangdong Circuit.

In the 1st year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD), it was restored as Zhaoqing Prefecture, subordinate to the Guangdong Provincial Administration Commission. In the 43rd year of the Jiajing era (1564 AD), the Viceroy's Office of Liangguang (Two Guangs) moved from Wuzhou, Guangxi, to Zhaoqing. For the 182 years until it returned to Guangzhou in 1746 (the 11th year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty), Zhaoqing, being near Wuzhou, developed into a political center of Lingnan.

3.4 Republic of China Period

On November 9, 1911 (the 19th day of the 9th lunar month in the 3rd year of the Xuantong era of the Qing Dynasty), Long Shichu, the commander of the Zhaoyangluo Circuit Patrol Battalion stationed in Zhaoqing, and Li Yaohan, the battalion commander, among others, were persuaded by the local Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) and declared Zhaoqing's independence.

In 1912 (the 1st year of the Republic of China), Guangdong abolished prefectures and established Pacification Offices. The Zhaoqing area was called the Zhaoluo Pacification Office. In 1920, Zhaoqing belonged to the Western District Pacification Superintendent Office (with unchanged jurisdiction, same below). In 1923, it was changed to a Pacification Office, and Zhaoqing was called the Western District Pacification Office. In 1925, Zhaoqing was part of the Xijiang Administrative District. In the spring of 1932, the Northwestern District Pacification Committee Office was established, headquartered in Qujiang County, with a branch office in Gaoyao County. In the spring of 1936, it was changed to the Guangdong Province Third District Administrative Inspector's Office, stationed in Gaoyao County, with unchanged jurisdiction. In October 1938, the Xijiang Administrative Office was established, overseeing the original First and Third Administrative Inspector Districts, stationed in Guangning County, with unchanged jurisdiction.

After the outbreak of the War of Resistance Against Japan and the occupation of Guangzhou by Japanese forces, Zhaoqing frequently suffered Japanese air raids. On September 10, 1944, under the command of Tanaka Hisakazu, the Japanese 23rd Army's 104th Division, 22nd Division, Independent Mixed 22nd Brigade:117, etc., divided into four routes and launched an offensive along the Xijiang River towards Zhaoqing and other places (Battle of Guiliu, part of the Battle of Henan-Hunan-Guangxi). On the afternoon of September 16, Japanese forces occupied Zhaoqing and held it until Japan's surrender in August the following year.

In 1947, it was the Fourth Administrative Inspector District, with its seat in Gaoyao County. In May 1949, Guangdong Province re-divided its administrative districts; the Eleventh District was stationed in Gaoyao County, and the Twelfth District was stationed in Ducheng, Yunan.

3.5 People's Republic of China Period

On October 18, 1949, the Chinese People's Liberation Army entered and stationed in Zhaoqing. In November, the Xijiang Administrative Inspector's Office was established, administering 11 counties including Gaoyao, Sihui, Guangning, Fengchuan, Kaijian, Deqing, Yunan, Luoding, Yunfu, Xinxing, and Gaoming, as well as Zhaoqing City (county-level). In March 1950, it was renamed the Guangdong Province Xijiang District Administrative Inspector's Office. In September, it was renamed the Guangdong Provincial People's Government Xijiang District Commissioner's Office. In December 1952, the Xijiang District Commissioner's Office was abolished, and the Central Guangdong District Administrative Inspector's Office was established, administering 9 counties including Gaoyao, Guangsi, Fengchuan Kaijian, Deqing, Yunan, Luoding, Yunfu, Xinxing, and Gaoming, as well as Zhaoqing City.

In February 1956, the Gaoyao Special District Administrative Inspector's Office was established. In April 1958, Zhaoqing was separated from Gaoyao County, changing from a town to a city (county-level). In December, the Gaoyao Special District was renamed the Jiangmen Special District, incorporating Xinhui, Taishan, Kaiping (including Enping), and Gaohe counties and Jiangmen City from the Foshan Special District. In December 1959, Zhaoqing was changed from a city back to a town and merged into Gaoyao County. In March 1961, the county-level Zhaoqing City was restored. In April, the Jiangmen Special District was renamed the Zhaoqing Special District. In May 1963, Xinhui, Taishan, Kaiping, Enping, and Gaohe counties and Jiangmen City were transferred back to the Foshan Special District.

In March 1968, the Zhaoqing Special District Revolutionary Committee was established. In October 1970, the Zhaoqing Special District was renamed Zhaoqing Prefecture. In April 1979, the Zhaoqing Prefecture Administrative Office was established.

In 1982, the "82.5" North River Great Flood severely affected Zhaoqing.

On January 7, 1988, the State Council approved the abolition of Zhaoqing Prefecture and the establishment of Zhaoqing as a prefecture-level city, administering Duanzhou and Dinghu districts and 10 counties: Gaoyao, Sihui, Guangning, Huaiji, Fengkai, Deqing, Yunan, Luoding, Yunfu, and Xinxing. From September 1992 to the end of 1993, Gaoyao, Sihui, Yunfu, and Luoding counties were successively abolished and established as county-level cities, administered by Zhaoqing City on behalf of the province. In April 1994, Yunfu City was separated from Zhaoqing and upgraded to a prefecture-level city, also administering Luoding City on behalf of the province. Since then, Zhaoqing City has administered Duanzhou and Dinghu districts and four counties: Guangning, Deqing, Fengkai, and Huaiji, and administers Gaoyao and Sihui cities on behalf of the province.

In April 1998, the provincial-level Zhaoqing High-tech Industrial Development Zone was established. In December 2008, the State Council approved the "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta Region (2008-2020)," incorporating the entire Zhaoqing City into the Pearl River Delta region.

On April 28, 2015, the State Council approved the abolition of Gaoyao City and the establishment of the Gaoyao District of Zhaoqing City.

4. Geography

Zhaoqing is entirely located between 22°47′ and 24°24′ north latitude, and 111°21′ and 112°52′ east longitude. The total administrative area of the city is 14,891 square kilometers. It features a subtropical monsoon climate. | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------| | Record high °C | 28.3 | 31.4 | 32.4 | 34.4 | 34.9 | 37.9 | 38.5 | 38.1 | 36.9 | 35.8 | 33.1 | 30 | 38.5 | | Record high °F | 82.9 | 88.5 | 90.3 | 93.9 | 94.8 | 100.2 | 101.3 | 100.6 | 98.4 | 96.4 | 91.6 | 86 | 101.3 | | Average high °C | 18.2 | 20.4 | 22.3 | 26.3 | 30 | 31.9 | 33.4 | 33.3 | 31.7 | 29.2 | 24.6 | 20.2 | 26.8 | | Average high °F | 64.8 | 68.7 | 72.1 | 79.3 | 86 | 89.4 | 92.1 | 91.9 | 89.1 | 84.6 | 76.3 | 68.4 | 80.2 | | Daily mean °C | 14.2 | 16.4 | 18.6 | 22.6 | 26 | 27.8 | 29 | 28.9 | 27.7 | 25.1 | 20.2 | 15.8 | 22.7 | | Daily mean °F | 57.6 | 61.5 | 65.5 | 72.7 | 78.8 | 82 | 84.2 | 84 | 81.9 | 77.2 | 68.4 | 60.4 | 72.9 | | Average low °C | 11.3 | 13.6 | 15.9 | 20 | 23.2 | 25 | 25.8 | 25.8 | 24.6 | 21.8 | 16.7 | 12.5 | 19.7 | |Average low °F | 52.3 | 56.5 | 60.6 | 68 | 73.8 | 77 | 78.4 | 78.4 | 76.3 | 71.2 | 62.1 | 54.5 | 67.4 | | Record low °C | 3.1 | 3.9 | 6.1 | 10.7 | 16.8 | 20.4 | 22.9 | 22.6 | 18.8 | 13.4 | 5.3 | 1.7 | 1.7 | | Record low °F | 37.6 | 39 | 43 | 51.3 | 62.2 | 68.7 | 73.2 | 72.7 | 65.8 | 56.1 | 41.5 | 35.1 | 35.1 | | Average precipitation mm | 44.8 | 63.6 | 88.5 | 181.9 | 258.8 | 274.7 | 229.1 | 209.2 | 153.6 | 61 | 38.9 | 28.9 | 1633 | |Average precipitation inches | 1.76 | 2.5 | 3.48 | 7.16 | 10.19 | 10.81 | 9.02 | 8.24 | 6.05 | 2.4 | 1.53 | 1.14 | 64.28 | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 8.2 | 12.3 | 15.9 | 17.4 | 19.9 | 18.9 | 17.2 | 17.4 | 12.4 | 6.7 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 157.1 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 71 | 76 | 80 | 82 | 79 | 82 | 79 | 79 | 75 | 69 | 67 | 66 | 75 |

5. Administrative Divisions

Zhaoqing City administers 3 municipal districts, 4 counties, and manages 1 county-level city on behalf of the higher-level government.

• Municipal Districts: Duanzhou District, Dinghu District, Gaoyao District
• County-level City: Sihui City
• Counties: Guangning County, Huaiji County, Fengkai County, Deqing County

Additionally, the Zhaoqing High-tech Industrial Development Zone is a national-level high-tech industrial development zone established by Zhaoqing City.

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------------|----------------|-------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|----------------------| | 441200 | Zhaoqing City | Zhàoqìng Shì | 14,891.23 | 4,113,594 | Duanzhou District | 526000 | 16 | 87 | 1 | | 441202 | Duanzhou District | Duānzhōu Qū | 153.99 | 602,402 | Chengdong Subdistrict | 526000 | 4 | | | | 441203 | Dinghu District | Dǐnghú Qū | 552.39 | 209,116 | Kengkou Subdistrict | 526000 | 3 | 4 | | | 441204 | Gaoyao District | Gāoyāo Qū | 2,185.62 | 741,591 | Nan'an Subdistrict | 526100 | 1 | 16 | | | 441223 | Guangning County | Guǎngníng Xiàn | 2,455.46 | 408,112 | Nanjie Subdistrict | 526300 | 1 | 14 | | | 441224 | Huaiji County | Huáijí Xiàn | 3,554.07 | 805,177 | Huaicheng Subdistrict | 526400 | 2 | 16 | 1 | | 441225 | Fengkai County | Fēngkāi Xiàn | 2,723.93 | 374,848 | Jiangkou Subdistrict | 526500 | 1 | 15 | | | 441226 | Deqing County | Déqìng Xiàn | 2,002.80 | 331,438 | Decheng Subdistrict | 526600 | 1 | 12 | | | 441284 | Sihui City | Sìhuì Shì | 1,262.96 | 640,910 | Dongcheng Subdistrict | 526200 | 3 | 10 | |

6. Economy

Zhaoqing City is located in the Pearl River Delta, with its Duanzhou District, Dinghu District, Gaoyao District, and Sihui City belonging to the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone; the entire city is part of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

In 2020, the city's gross regional product reached 231.165 billion yuan, an increase of 3.0% over the previous year. Specifically, the added value of the primary industry was 43.727 billion yuan, up by 5.3%, contributing 28.7% to the growth of the gross regional product; the added value of the secondary industry was 90.219 billion yuan, up by 2.4%, contributing 34.7%; and the added value of the tertiary industry was 97.219 billion yuan, up by 2.6%, contributing 36.6%. The industrial structure ratio of the three sectors was 18.9:39.0:42.1.

In 2020, the local general public budget revenue was 12.450 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.0%; of this, tax revenue was 7.808 billion yuan, a decrease of 8.5%. The annual general public budget expenditure was 43.057 billion yuan, an increase of 22.4%. This included education expenditure of 7.853 billion yuan, up by 10.2%; health expenditure of 5.133 billion yuan, up by 30.3%; and social security and employment expenditure of 5.702 billion yuan, up by 17.5%. Expenditure on people's livelihoods increased by 27.0%, accounting for 73.4% of the general public budget expenditure.

In 2020, the per capita disposable income of residents in the city was 27,496 yuan, an increase of 5.3% over the previous year. By permanent residence, the per capita disposable income of urban permanent residents was 34,752 yuan, up by 4.5%; while that of rural permanent residents was 20,628 yuan, up by 7.3%.

7. Transportation

7.1 Public Transportation

7.2 External Highway Transportation

• National Highways: G321, G324, G355, G358, G234
• Expressways: G55 Er-Guang Expressway, G78 Shan-Kun Expressway, G80 Guang-Kun Expressway, G94 Pearl River Delta Ring Expressway, S8 Guang-Fo-Zhao Expressway, S14 Shan-Zhan Expressway, S51 Luo-Yang Expressway, S59 Huai-Yang Expressway

7.3 Railway Transportation

• Railways: Guangzhou–Maoming Railway, Nanning–Guangzhou Railway, Guiyang–Guangzhou Passenger Dedicated Line, Guangzhou–Zhaoqing Intercity Railway
• Major Stations: Zhaoqing Station, Zhaoqing East Station, Duanzhou Station, Dinghushan Station, Dinghu East Station, Sihui Station, Dawang Station, Guangning Station, Huaiji Station

7.4 Shipping

• Ports: Xijiang Sanrong Port, Gaoyao Port, Zhaoqing New Port, Beijiang Mafang Port

8. Education

8.1 Development Status

As of December 20, 2019, Zhaoqing City had a total of 498 kindergartens, 286 primary schools, 178 secondary schools, and 5 institutions of higher education.

8.2 Schools

8.2.1 Universities

The only municipal comprehensive undergraduate university in Zhaoqing City is Zhaoqing University. Other higher education institutions include the Zhaoqing Campus of Guangdong University of Finance, the Open University of Hong Kong (Zhaoqing) (under construction), Guangdong Technology College, the Zhaoqing Campus of Guangzhou University of Applied Science and Technology, Guangdong Business and Technology University, Zhaoqing Medical College, Guangdong Information Engineering Vocational College, and Guangdong Zhaoqing Aviation Vocational College.

8.2.2 Secondary Schools

Major secondary schools in Zhaoqing include Guangdong Zhaoqing Middle School, Zhaoqing No. 6 Middle School (Tian Jiabing Middle School), Zhaoqing No. 1 Middle School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Changtian Experimental School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou Middle School, Zhaoqing No. 12 Middle School, Zhaoqing Geological Middle School, Zhaoqing No. 2 Middle School, Zhaoqing No. 5 Middle School, Zhaoqing No. 1 Middle School Experimental School, Zhaoqing Baihua Middle School, Zhaoqing Songde School, Zhaoqing No. 4 Middle School, Zhaoqing University Affiliated Middle School, Zhaoqing Railway School, Zhaoqing Jiamei School, Dinghu District Experimental Middle School, Zhaoqing Dinghu Middle School, etc.

8.2.3 Primary Schools

Well-known primary schools in Zhaoqing City include: Zhaoqing Duancheng Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 13 Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 9 Primary School, Zhaoqing Longxi Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 1 Primary School, Zhaoqing Experimental Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 6 Primary School, Zhaoqing Baihuayuan Primary School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Liren Experimental Primary School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Xiayao Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 8 Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 7 Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 15 Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 4 Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 16 Primary School, Zhaoqing No. 11 Primary School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Chutou Primary School, Zhaoqing Aoweisi Experimental Primary School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Heyuan Primary School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Huanggang Primary School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Shahu Primary School, Zhaoqing Duanzhou District Mugang Primary School (now the Mugang Campus of Zhaoqing No. 16 Primary School), etc.

9. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 4,113,594. Compared with the 3,916,467 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 197,127 people over the past ten years, representing a growth of 5.03%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.49%. Among them, the male population was 2,141,295, accounting for 52.05% of the total population; the female population was 1,972,299, accounting for 47.95% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 108.57. The population aged 0–14 was 911,433, accounting for 22.16% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 2,527,192, accounting for 61.44% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 674,969, accounting for 16.41% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 485,764, accounting for 11.81% of the total population. The urban population was 2,098,614, accounting for 51.02% of the total population; the rural population was 2,014,980, accounting for 48.98% of the total population.

By the end of 2021, the permanent resident population of Zhaoqing City was 4.1297 million, an increase of 12,800 from the end of the previous year, of which the urban permanent resident population was 2.1437 million.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 4,044,131, accounting for 98.31%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 69,463, accounting for 1.69%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic group population increased by 166,152, a growth of 4.28%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.71 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 30,975, a growth of 80.48%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.71 percentage points.

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10. Culture

As a famous historical and cultural city in China, Zhaoqing has achieved remarkable progress in cultural development in recent years, covering multiple fields such as cultural heritage protection, cultural industry innovation, cultural event organization, and cultural tourism.

Zhaoqing has demonstrated outstanding performance in the protection of cultural heritage. The city boasts abundant historical and cultural resources, such as Duanzhou Ancient City and Seven Star Crags, which have been effectively preserved and utilized. In recent years, Zhaoqing has intensified its efforts to protect cultural heritage by restoring historical buildings and promoting traditional culture through various cultural activities. For example, the city successfully hosted the "Inkstone Culture of Integrity and Zhaoqing Historical Celebrities' Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition," which showcased inkstones and artworks to pass down the excellent traditional Chinese culture.

Zhaoqing actively promotes the development of the cultural industry. By organizing large-scale events such as "Classic Singing, Setting Sail—Chinese and Foreign Classical Vocal Music Concert" and the "Music Moves the Bay Area: Zhaoqing Theater" performance season brand activities, the city has enriched the spiritual and cultural lives of its residents. Additionally, Zhaoqing has guided social capital into the cultural industry to unleash market vitality, focusing on cultivating four major sectors, including cultural tourism, film and television, and performing arts.

In terms of cultural tourism, Zhaoqing leverages its rich natural and cultural resources to actively develop the cultural tourism industry. In 2021, the city hosted the Guangdong Tourism and Culture Festival, showcasing the unique natural landscapes and profound historical and cultural heritage of Lingnan. At the same time, Zhaoqing has vigorously developed nighttime tourism by integrating tourism resources and cultural characteristics to create nighttime tourism products with local characteristics.

Zhaoqing also places emphasis on organizing cultural activities to enhance residents' sense of cultural participation and happiness. For instance, annual events such as the Guangfu Cultural Temple Fair and the Xinghu Gathering Literary and Art Salon have attracted a large number of participants. Furthermore, through initiatives like the "Three Rural Activities" and public cultural events, Zhaoqing delivers cultural services to grassroots communities, enabling more residents to enjoy cultural benefits.

Zhaoqing has made significant strides in cultural development, achieving results not only in cultural heritage protection and cultural industry innovation but also in enhancing the quality of residents' cultural lives and the city's appeal through diverse cultural activities and tourism projects. These efforts have gradually transformed Zhaoqing from a historical and cultural city into a modern cultural tourism destination.

11. Sister Cities

As of October 30, 2019, Zhaoqing City has a total of 5 sister cities overseas. | No. | Chinese Party | Overseas Sister Province (State), City, District | Country | Signing Date | |----|--------|-------------------------------------------------|-------|------------| | 1 | Zhaoqing City | Coon Rapids (English: Coon Rapids, Minnesota) | USA | 2000/11/12 | | | | Coon Rapids | | | | 2 | Zhaoqing City | Bolton | UK | 2005/10/8 | | 3 | Zhaoqing City | Dmitrovsky District (English: Dmitrovsky District, Moscow Oblast) | Russia | 2015/5/15 | | | | Dmitrovsky District | | | | 4 | Guangning County, Zhaoqing City | Sibu | Malaysia | 2013/6/28 | | 5 | Zhaoqing City | Macerata | Italy | 2019/10/30 |

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Duanzhou District

Huaiji County

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Magnolia tree

Lotus flower, Frangipani