Qujing (曲靖)

1. Qujing City

Qujing City, historically known as Wei County and Nanning, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the eastern part of Yunnan Province. The city borders Kunming City to the west, Zhaotong City and Bijie City of Guizhou Province to the north, Liupanshui City and Qianxinan Prefecture of Guizhou Province to the east, and Honghe Prefecture, Wenshan Prefecture, and Baise City of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the south. Situated in the Wumeng Mountain area of the central Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, it primarily features karst topography. The Xiaojiang and Niulan rivers converge into the Jinsha River in the northwest, while the Gexiang and Kedu rivers flow into the Beipan River in the northeast. The Nanpan River and its tributaries run through the central and southern parts of the city. Covering an area of 28,936 square kilometers, Qujing had a total population of 5.7658 million in 2020. The municipal government is located in Qilin District. Qujing is an early-developed region in Yunnan, the province's second-largest city, an important economic center and heavy industrial base within the province, as well as a major power supply support point and load center.

2. Etymology

The name "Qujing" for Qujing City originates from its geographical environment and historical background. According to historical records, the name Qujing can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, due to its strategic geographical location, the Qujing area became an important military stronghold and economic center. The name "Qujing" is composed of the two characters "Qu" and "Jing," symbolizing the "winding Jing River."

3. History

Traces of human activity in Qujing date back to the Stone Age. During the Bronze Age and Iron Age, it was part of the core area of the ancient Dian Kingdom. During the Qin Dynasty, the Five-Chi Road was constructed in the region. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty expanded into the Southern Region (Nanzhong), establishing Wei County. In the Three Kingdoms period, Jianning Commandery was established. During the Jin Dynasty, Ningzhou was set up and ruled by the Cuan family, later renamed Nanningzhou in the Northern Zhou Dynasty. From the Sui Dynasty to the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty, it belonged to Jiannan Circuit. After over five centuries of rule by the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms, it became Qujing Route during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. For more than five hundred years before Nanzhao conquered the Cuan, Qujing served as the political and economic center of Yunnan. Subsequently, the center shifted westward to Dali, and during the Yuan Dynasty, it moved to present-day Kunming.

3.2 Han and Tang Dynasties

In the second year of the Yuanfeng era of the Western Han Dynasty (109 BCE), Emperor Wu of Han expanded into the Southern Region, establishing Yizhou Commandery, which governed counties including Wei (Qujing), Mumu (Xundian), Tonglai (Malong), and Tonglao (Luliang). In the third year of the Jianxing era of the Shu Han Dynasty (225 CE), Zhuge Liang's southern expedition pacified the Southern Region, and Yizhou Commandery was renamed Jianning Commandery. The Kujiang Chief Command was relocated to Wei County (Qujing), overseeing the entire Southern Region, which at that time encompassed present-day Yunnan Province and parts of southern Sichuan and western Guizhou. From then until the seventh year of the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty (748 CE), when Nanzhao conquered the Cuan, Qujing served as the political, economic, and cultural center of Yunnan and parts of southern Sichuan and western Guizhou. After Nanzhao's conquest, Qujing came under the jurisdiction of the Tuodong Military Commissioner, and Yunnan's political center shifted westward to Dali, ending Qujing's over five-hundred-year status as the center of Yunnan.

3.3 Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties

Thereafter, during the Dali Kingdom, Shicheng Commandery was established in Qujing, governing over ten tribes including Mami. In the Yuan Dynasty, Nanningzhou was renamed Nanning County. Nanning County persisted through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties, serving successively as the seat of Qujing Route and Qujing Prefecture. Qujing Route, Qujing Prefecture, and Nanning County remained the political, economic, and cultural center of eastern Yunnan. Over this 600-year period, Central Plains culture was frequently introduced, soldiers and immigrants arrived in succession, vast lands were reclaimed for cultivation, villages densely populated the Nanpan River basin, the population surged, and markets flourished, laying a solid foundation for the further development of eastern Yunnan.

3.4 Post-Republic of China Era

In the early years of the Republic of China, Qujing Prefecture was abolished, and Nanning County was renamed Qujing County. In the 37th year of the Republic of China (1948), the Second District Supervision Office was established. At the end of 1949, Lu Han's uprising led to the liberation of the entire Yunnan province. Subsequently, the People's Republic of China government established the Qujing Commissioner's Office, known as the Qujing Special District. In 1954, it merged with the Yiliang Commissioner's Office to form the Qujing Administrative Commissioner's Office. During the Cultural Revolution, the Qujing Regional Revolutionary Committee was established, later replaced by the Regional Administrative Office. Following the reform and opening-up, Qujing entered an unprecedented new era of historical development, with sustained and rapid economic growth, rapid municipal construction, and an increasingly prominent role as a central city.

On May 6, 1997, with the approval of the State Council of China, Qujing transitioned from a prefecture to a city. In mid-to-late October, the first Party Congress, People's Congress, and Political Consultative Conference of Qujing City were successively held. On November 7, Qujing officially inaugurated its status as a city, administering 8 counties, 1 county-level city, and 1 district, comprising 139 townships and towns.

4. Geography

The main mountains within the city include the Wumeng Mountains and Liangzi Mountain, and the major rivers are the Nanpan River (the upper reaches of the Pearl River) and the Niulan River, among others. Since ancient times, it has been a land fortress for entering Yunnan, historically known as the "Key to Entering Yunnan."

The highest point in the city is at an elevation of 4,017.3 meters; the lowest point is at 695 meters, resulting in a relative height difference of 3,322.3 meters; the average elevation is 1,881 meters.

Meteorological Data of Qujing City (1981–2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------| | Record high °C (°F) | 24.1 | 26.1 | 29.3 | 31.1 | 33 | 31.9 | 30.9 | 30.2 | 30.9 | 27.3 | 25.4 | 24.4 | 33 | | | (75.4) | (79.0) | (84.7) | (88.0) | (91.4) | (89.4) | (87.6) | (86.4) | (87.6) | (81.1) | (77.7) | (75.9) | (91.4) | | Average high °C (°F) | 14.8 | 17.1 | 21 | 23.9 | 24.8 | 24.8 | 24.9 | 24.9 | 23 | 20.2 | 17.5 | 14.7 | 21 | | | (58.6) | (62.8) | (69.8) | (75.0) | (76.6) | (76.6) | (76.8) | (76.8) | (73.4) | (68.4) | (63.5) | (58.5) | (69.7) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 8.2 | 10.3 | 13.9 | 17.1 | 18.8 | 19.9 | 20.2 | 19.8 | 17.9 | 15.2 | 11.7 | 8.5 | 15.1 | | | (46.8) | (50.5) | (57.0) | (62.8) | (65.8) | (67.8) | (68.4) | (67.6) | (64.2) | (59.4) | (53.1) | (47.3) | (59.2) | | Average low °C (°F) | 3.8 | 5.3 | 8.5 | 11.8 | 14.5 | 16.5 | 17.1 | 16.6 | 14.7 | 12.1 | 7.9 | 4.3 | 11.1 | | | (38.8) | (41.5) | (47.3) | (53.2) | (58.1) | (61.7) | (62.8) | (61.9) | (58.5) | (53.8) | (46.2) | (39.7) | (52.0) | | Record low °C (°F) | −4.5 | −3.8 | −5.7 | 1.5 | 4.8 | 9.3 | 10.2 | 11.7 | 5.8 | 3.5 | −2.4 | −8.6 | −8.6 | | | (23.9) | (25.2) | (21.7) | (34.7) | (40.6) | (48.7) | (50.4) | (53.1) | (42.4) | (38.3) | (27.7) | (16.5) | (16.5) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 22.7 | 20.3 | 24.5 | 34.6 | 102 | 187.8 | 163.4 | 153 | 96.9 | 84 | 38.6 | 16.8 | 944.6 | | | (0.89) | (0.80) | (0.96) | (1.36) | (4.02) | (7.39) | (6.43) | (6.02) | (3.81) | (3.31) | (1.52) | (0.66) | (37.17) | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.4 | 8.3 | 14.2 | 18 | 17.8 | 17.7 | 14.3 | 13.5 | 8.8 | 5.5 | 137.9 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 66 | 60 | 54 | 55 | 65 | 76 | 79 | 78 | 77 | 79 | 74 | 70 | 69 |

Source 1: China Meteorological Data Network

Source 2: China Weather Network (precipitation days for 1971–2000)

5. Administrative Divisions

Qujing City administers 3 municipal districts, 5 counties, and has jurisdiction over 1 county-level city.

Municipal Districts: Qilin District, Zhanyi District, Malong District County-level City: Xuanwei City Counties: Luliang County, Shizong County, Luoping County, Fuyuan County, Huize County

Administrative Division Map of Qujing City

| Division Code | Division Name | Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Ethnic Townships | |--------|------|--------------|----------|---------------|------|--------|----|----|----|-----| | 530300 | Qujing City | Qūjìng Shì | 28,936 | 5,765,775 | Qilin District | 655000 | 46 | 51 | 40 | 8 | | 530302 | Qilin District | Qílín Qū | 1,544 | 996,279 | Nanning Subdistrict | 655000 | 13 | 3 | | | | 530303 | Zhanyi District | Zhānyì Qū | 2,815 | 405,305 | Xiping Subdistrict | 655500 | 4 | 2 | 5 | | | 530304 | Malong District | Mǎlóng Qū | 1,599 | 193,137 | Tongquan Subdistrict | 655100 | 5 | 2 | 3 | | | 530322 | Luliang County | Lùliáng Xiàn | 1,989 | 599,266 | Zhongshu Subdistrict | 655600 | 2 | 7 | 2 | | | 530323 | Shizong County | Shīzōng Xiàn | 2,784 | 376,902 | Danfeng Subdistrict | 655700 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | | 530324 | Luoping County | Luópíng Xiàn | 3,015 | 535,565 | Luoxiong Subdistrict | 655800 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 3 | | 530325 | Fuyuan County | Fùyuán Xiàn | 3,251 | 675,229 | Zhong'an Subdistrict | 655500 | 2 | 9 | 1 | 1 | | 530326 | Huize County | Huìzé Xiàn | 5,886 | 794,279 | Gucheng Subdistrict | 654200 | 5 | 7 | 13 | 1 | | 530381 | Xuanwei City | Xuānwēi Shì | 6,053 | 1,189,813 | Wanshui Subdistrict | 655400 | 9 | 13 | 7 | |

6. Economy

In 2022, the GDP of Qujing City reached 380.22 billion yuan, ranking second in the province, only after Kunming City. Calculated at comparable prices, it increased by 8.1% compared to the previous year. Among this, the added value of the primary industry was 55.502 billion yuan, up by 5.0%; the added value of the secondary industry was 159.505 billion yuan, up by 10.9%; and the added value of the tertiary industry was 165.213 billion yuan, up by 6.9%. The industrial structure of the three sectors was 14.6:42:43.4. The per capita GDP was 66,373 yuan. The per capita disposable income of urban and rural permanent residents was 43,612 yuan and 17,502 yuan, respectively. The average annual wage of employees was 100,843 yuan. The local general public budget revenue was 15.114 billion yuan, with a per capita amount of 2,638 yuan. The local general public budget expenditure was 50.752 billion yuan, with a per capita amount of 8,860 yuan.

7. Transportation

7.1 Highways

In terms of expressways, Qujing City has established an expressway network that reaches all its districts and counties, and the Qujing main urban area ring expressway has also been completed. Within Qujing, there are three main national expressway routes: G56 Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway, G60 Shanghai–Kunming Expressway, and G85 Yinchuan–Kunming Expressway, as well as multiple routes of the Yunnan provincial expressway network. Regarding national highways, National Highways 320, 324, and 326 pass through the area.

7.2 Railways

China State Railway Group's Shanghai–Kunming High-Speed Railway passes through the area, with stations at Qujing North and Fuyuan North.

China State Railway Group's Shanghai–Kunming Railway has passenger stations within Qujing City at Qujing Station and Xuanwei Station, and provides intercity train services to Kunming via the Kunming–Qujing–Xuanwei intercity trains. China State Railway Group's Panxi Railway has a passenger station at Fuyuan Station.

8. Education

8.1. Overview of Education

Qujing City, located in eastern Yunnan Province, is an important prefecture-level city in the province. Its education system encompasses preschool education, basic education, vocational education, and higher education, all dedicated to improving educational quality and promoting equity in education.

8.2. Education System

• Preschool Education: Qujing City actively develops kindergartens to ensure that children of appropriate age receive high-quality preschool education.
• Basic Education: This includes primary and secondary schools, focusing on the holistic development of students and advancing quality-oriented education and curriculum reform.
• Vocational Education: It provides various vocational training programs to cultivate skilled talents and support local economic development.
• Higher Education: Institutions such as Qujing Normal University offer higher education resources for the local and surrounding areas.

8.3. Educational Resources

• Number of Schools: Qujing City has numerous primary and secondary schools, vocational schools, and higher education institutions.
• Teaching Staff: The quality of the teaching workforce is enhanced through training and recruitment.
• Educational Facilities: Modern teaching equipment and laboratories are gradually becoming widespread, improving the teaching environment.

8.4. Education Policies

• Educational Equity: Policies are implemented to ensure balanced development of compulsory education and guarantee educational resources in rural and remote areas.
• Quality-Oriented Education: Curriculum reforms are promoted, emphasizing the cultivation of students' comprehensive qualities.
• Vocational Education Development: Increased investment in vocational education aims to cultivate more skilled talents.

8.5. Educational Achievements

• Enrollment Rates: The enrollment rates for basic education have steadily increased, with college entrance examination results ranking among the top in the province.
• Vocational Education Outcomes: Graduates from vocational schools have high employment rates, contributing to the local economy.
• Higher Education Development: Local universities have made significant progress in scientific research and teaching.

9. Population

The Yunnan Provincial Bureau of Statistics released the main data bulletin on the resident population of Yunnan Province in 2022. The resident population of Qujing City was 5.756 million, with an urbanization rate of 50.56%.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's resident population was 5,765,775. Compared with the 5,855,055 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a total decrease of 89,280 people over the ten years, a decline of 1.52%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.15%. Among them, the male population was 2,988,585, accounting for 51.83% of the total population; the female population was 2,777,190, accounting for 48.17% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 107.61. The population aged 0–14 was 1,287,060, accounting for 22.32% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 3,618,313, accounting for 62.76% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 860,402, accounting for 14.92% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 625,892, accounting for 10.86% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 2,827,160, accounting for 49.03% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 2,938,615, accounting for 50.97% of the total population.

9.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the city's resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 5,329,637, accounting for 92.44%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 436,138, accounting for 7.56%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic group population decreased by 112,377, a decline of 2.06%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.51 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 23,097, a growth of 5.59%, and their proportion of the total population increased by 0.51 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Qujing City (Seventh National Population Census, 2020)

| Ethnic Group | Han | Yi | Hui | Miao | Zhuang | Bouyei | Bai | Shui | Hani | Dai | Other Ethnic Groups | |------------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|-------------------------| | Population | 5,329,637 | 228,416 | 68,170 | 36,803 | 32,246 | 30,320 | 8,006 | 7,104 | 5,651 | 3,045 | 16,377 | | Percentage of Total Population (%) | 92.44 | 3.96 | 1.18 | 0.64 | 0.56 | 0.53 | 0.14 | 0.12 | 0.1 | 0.05 | 0.28 | | Percentage of Minority Population (%) | — | 52.37 | 15.63 | 8.44 | 7.39 | 6.95 | 1.84 | 1.63 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 3.76 |

10. Religion

10.1. Overview of Religion

Qujing City, located in eastern Yunnan Province, is a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, featuring a diverse religious culture. The main religions include Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and Catholicism, among others. These religions coexist harmoniously, and believers carry out religious activities in accordance with the law.

10.2. Major Religions

• Buddhism: Buddhism has a long history in Qujing City with a relatively large number of followers. There are several Buddhist temples in the city, such as Yuantong Temple, which serve as important venues for worship.
• Taoism: Taoism also holds a certain influence in Qujing. Some Taoist temples are well-preserved, and followers regularly participate in religious activities.
• Islam: Ethnic minorities such as the Hui people in Qujing City practice Islam. Mosques are the primary venues for Muslim religious activities.
• Christianity: Christianity has a certain number of followers in Qujing City. Churches are distributed across various counties and districts, holding regular worship services.
• Catholicism: Catholicism also has a small number of followers in Qujing City, with churches providing religious services to believers.

10.3. Religious Sites

Qujing City boasts numerous religious sites, including Buddhist temples, Taoist temples, mosques, Christian churches, and Catholic churches. These venues not only serve as centers for believers' religious activities but also act as important platforms for religious and cultural exchange.

10.4. Religious Policies

Qujing City strictly implements national religious policies, safeguarding citizens' freedom of religious belief, managing religious affairs in accordance with the law, and maintaining religious harmony and social stability. The government supports religious groups in carrying out activities lawfully and promotes the adaptation of religion to socialist society.

10.5. Religious Culture

The religious culture in Qujing City is rich and diverse. Over their long development, various religions have formed unique cultural traditions. Religious festivals, temple fairs, and other activities have become an important part of local culture, attracting numerous tourists and believers.

10.6. Religious Harmony

In Qujing City, various religions coexist harmoniously, with believers showing mutual respect. Religious groups actively participate in social welfare initiatives, making positive contributions to promoting social harmony and economic development.

11. Culture

National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Stele of Cuàn Bǎozi
• Stele of Cuàn Lóngyán
• Alliance Stele of the Duàn Clan and the Thirty-Seven Tribes
• Batatai Tomb Complex
• Huize Guild Hall
• Dahe Site
• Luohanshan Ancient Tomb Complex
• Kedu Pass Ancient Post Road
• Dajue Temple in Luliang

Attractions

Qujing boasts diverse and abundant natural landscapes and numerous historical relics, including one national-level historical and cultural city, one national-level geological park, four national-level forest parks, and nine national-level key cultural relics protection units.

Natural Landscapes

• Zhujiangyuan National Forest Park: Covers an area of 12 square kilometers and has been designated as a National Forest Park, National Water Conservancy Scenic Area, and National 4A-level Tourist Attraction.

Zhujiangyuan Scenic Area

• Shibalian Mountain National Forest Park
• Lubuge National Forest Park
• Wufeng Mountain National Forest Park
• Black-necked Crane National Nature Reserve, Da Hai Cao Shan
• Luoping Biota National Geological Park, Jinji Peak Cluster, Duoyi River, Little Three Gorges, Jiulong Waterfall

Lubuge Little Three Gorges

Cultural Landscapes

• Stele of Cuàn Lóngyán

• Stele of Cuàn Bǎozi

• Alliance Stele of the Dali Kingdom’s Duàn Clan and the Thirty-Seven Tribes

• Qujing Ming Dynasty City Wall

• Batatai Ancient Tomb Complex, Luohanshan Ancient Tomb Complex

• Huize National Historical and Cultural City

• Huize Ancient Town District

• Baiwu Village in Nagu Town

• Kedu Ancient Post Road

• Dajue Temple

• Shengjing Pass

• Dongshan Temple

Cuisine

Qujing offers common Yunnan delicacies such as Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles and Steam Pot Chicken, as well as many local specialties. Qujing cuisine is rich in variety, with diverse ingredients and cooking methods.

• Wild Mushrooms: Qujing has a variety of edible wild mushrooms that can be stir-fried, deep-fried, or used in soups, offering a uniquely delicious flavor.
• Potatoes: Known locally as yángyù, potatoes are one of the favorite vegetables among locals. They can be prepared in many ways, including roasting, pan-frying, deep-frying, boiling, and stir-frying. Roasted potatoes, in particular, paired with various seasonings, are so irresistible that people often eat many at once.
• Steamed Rice Noodles: A specialty of Yunnan, a bowl of finely steamed rice noodles served with minced meat sauce, chopped scallions, and cilantro is incredibly delicious and leaves a lasting impression.
• Zhanyi Spicy Chicken: Unlike spicy chicken from other regions, this dish combines glutinous rice cake chili with chicken for a unique flavor. It is highly praised by spice lovers. Equally famous is Braised Chicken in Brown Sauce, which is also popular among diners. This dish typically does not include chili peppers but is braised with various seasonings, preserving the chicken’s freshness and tender texture.
• Xuanwei Ham: Produced in Xuanwei City, it is well-shaped, large with small bones, and has tender meat. It offers a lingering fragrance and has won multiple international awards, making it popular overseas.
• Xuanwei Pork Feast: In the past, every rural household raised pigs. When a pig was slaughtered, aside from preserving the hind legs for ham, the remaining meat was used to prepare dishes like stir-fried pork, stewed pork, blood chili, and fried pork cracklings with fermented black beans, cabbage, or green peppers. These dishes are diverse and rich, often featuring rustic characteristics.
• Luliang Rice Noodles: A local specialty, these rice noodles are served with a rich broth made from pork bones, topped with generous amounts of seasonings and minced meat, creating a highly flavorful dish.
• Luliang Sesame-Coated Fried Dough Twists: A specialty of Luliang, made from wheat flour and deep-fried to achieve a crispy, sweet, and fragrant texture.
• Luoping Honey: Produced in Luoping, this specialty is sweet, prone to crystallization, and is believed to nourish the blood, reduce swelling, and dissipate nodules.
• Five-Colored Glutinous Rice: A traditional dish of the Buyi ethnic group in Luoping, its preparation is quite complex. Glutinous rice is soaked in juices from various flowers to achieve vibrant colors. Once steamed, it emits a fragrant aroma and presents a visually pleasing array of colors.

12. Sister Cities

United States, Tyler (November 21, 2006) China, Shenzhen (November 3, 2016) Thailand, Nakhon Pathom (January 11, 2019) Russia, Volgograd (November 1, 2020)

nix

nix

nix

nix

No. 78 Wenchang Street, Qilin District

Xuanwei City

nix

nix

nix