Lishui (丽水)

1. Introduction

Lishui City, historically known as Chuzhou, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Zhejiang Province, People's Republic of China. It is located in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province and was incorporated into the Yangtze River Delta integration plan in 2019. The city borders Quzhou City to the northwest, Jinhua City to the north, Taizhou City to the northeast, Wenzhou City to the east, Ningde City of Fujian Province to the south, and Nanping City of Fujian Province to the southwest. Situated in the mountainous and hilly region of southern Zhejiang, its terrain is higher in the southwest and lower in the northeast. The Xianxia Ridge lies to the northwest, the Donggong Mountain to the south, and the Kuocang Mountain to the northeast. Major rivers include the Daxi, Xiaoxi, and Longquanxi, which are upstream tributaries of the Ou River. The city also features large reservoirs such as Jinshuitan and Tankeng. The People's Government of Lishui City is located at No. 1 Huayuan Road, Liandu District.

Lishui City is recognized as a National Civilized City, a National Ecological Demonstration Zone, a National Ecological Protection and Construction Demonstration Zone, an Excellent Tourism City of China, an Excellent Ecological Tourism City of China, a Forest City of Zhejiang Province, and one of the first pilot zones for the high-quality development and construction of a common prosperity demonstration area in Zhejiang Province.

2. Etymology

In Mandarin, the "丽" in Lishui is pronounced "lí" (second tone), not "lì" (fourth tone); in the national language of the Republic of China, it is pronounced "lì" (fourth tone). In Cantonese, the conventional pronunciation "lai6" is used.

Yuánhé Jùnxiàn Zhì (Records of Commanderies and Counties from the Yuanhe Era): "Lishui was originally named E'xi (Evil Stream) because its turbulent flow and dangerous obstacles created fifty-six rapids over ninety li, earning it the name 'Great Evil.' During the Sui dynasty's Kaihuang era, it was renamed Lishui, and the imperial court followed this, using it as the county name." Míngshèng Zhì (Records of Famous Sites): "Because there is a Liyang Mountain seven li north of the county, it was named Lishui." Kuòcāng Huìjì (Collected Records of Kuocang): "Seven li north of the county is Liyang Mountain, below which a clear stream circles; the county is named Lishui for this reason."

The city's name originates from the former Lishui County, the seat of the Chuzhou Prefecture. Later, this county name was used to establish the Lishui Prefecture, which has been retained to this day.

3. History

3.1 Qin and Han Dynasties

During the Qin Dynasty, the area belonged to the Minzhong Commandery. In the Western Han Dynasty, it was first subordinate to the Dong'ou Kingdom. Later, due to the rebellion of the Dong'ou King, Emperor Wu of Han abolished the Dong'ou Kingdom. During the reign of Emperor Zhao of Han, the Kuaiji Commandery was re-established. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, the ancient Kuocang area had not yet been established as a county. By the end of the Han Dynasty, the Kuocang area had established two counties, both belonging to the Dongyang Commandery.

3.2 Sui and Tang Dynasties

In the ninth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (589 AD), Chuzhou was established with the four counties of Kuocang, Songyang, Yongjia, and Linhai. This was the initial administrative establishment of the Lishui area. In the twelfth year of the Kaihuang era (592 AD), Chuzhou was renamed Kuozhou. In the third year of the Daye era (607 AD), Kuozhou was renamed Yongjia Commandery.

In the fourth year of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (621 AD), it was renamed Kuozhou again. In the first year of the Tianbao era (742 AD), Kuozhou was renamed Jinyun Commandery. In the first year of the Qianyuan era of the mid-Tang Dynasty (758 AD), it was renamed Kuozhou again. In the fourteenth year of the Dali era (779 AD), it was renamed Chuzhou to avoid the taboo of Emperor Dezong's name.

3.3 Yuan Dynasty and After

In the thirteenth year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1276 AD), it was renamed Chuzhou Route. In 1359, it was renamed Annan Prefecture, and later renamed Chuzhou Prefecture. Starting from the third year of the Jingtai era of the Ming Dynasty (1452 AD), Chuzhou Prefecture governed ten counties: Lishui, Songyang, Jinyun, Qingtian, Suichang, Qingyuan, Xuanping, Yunhe, and Jingning.

3.4 Republic of China Period

In 1912, the Beijing government of the Republic of China abolished prefectures nationwide. During the War of Resistance Against Japan under the Republic of China, due to the fall of the provincial capital Hangzhou, the Zhejiang Provincial Government moved to Yunhe County (west of Lishui County) from May 1942 to October 1945. Along with the provincial government, the Allied delegation, party, government, military, and special agencies, factories, shops, schools, hospitals, news publishing, and others also relocated. Centered on Yunhe County, they were scattered along the highway in major towns and large villages, ranging from Huzhen in Jinyun County in the north to Qingyuan County in the south, Qingtian County in the east, and Suichang County in the west.

3.5 People's Republic of China Period

On July 19, 2000, the administrative office of Lishui Prefecture was abolished, and the prefecture-level Lishui City was established.

4. Geography

4.1 Natural Resources

Mineral resources include lead-zinc, quartz, granite, copper, iron, manganese, silver, limestone, fluorite, coal, etc. Animal resources include tigers, black muntjacs, pangolins, leopards, large Indian civets, clouded leopards, tufted deer, river deer, Jiu Jiang civets, and masked palm civets. Plant resources include East China Douglas fir, southern yew, Bretschneidera sinensis, Emmenopterys henryi, Huangshan magnolia, Magnolia officinalis var. biloba, longleaf torreya, short-spike bamboo, Halesia macgregorii, Cinnamomum japonicum, Stewartia sinensis, etc. Aquatic resources include grass carp, blunt-snout bream, round-mouth bream, and eels.

4.2 Rivers

The sources of the Ou River, Qiantang River, Min River, Feiyun River, Ling River, and Fu'an River are all located in Lishui.

4.3 Climate

Lishui has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall in summer, and mild temperatures with less rainfall in winter. The average temperature in January is 6.8°C, in July it is 29.4°C, and the annual average temperature is 18.4°C, with an annual precipitation of 1400 mm. The extreme maximum temperature recorded was 43.2°C (July 31, 2003), and the extreme minimum temperature was -7.7°C (January 16, 1967, and January 16, 1970).

Meteorological Data for Lishui City (Average data from 1981 to 2010, extreme data from 1953 to present) | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |--------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|--------|-------|--------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|----------| | Record high °C (°F) | 28.8 | 30.6 | 35.2 | 36.3 | 40.1 | 40 | 43.2 | 42.3 | 41.3 | 38.3 | 33.7 | 28.9 | 43.2 | | | (83.8) | (87.1) | (95.4) | (97.3) | (104.2) | (104) | (109.8) | (108.1) | (106.3) | (100.9) | (92.7) | (84) | (109.8) | | Average high °C (°F) | 11.8 | 13.9 | 17.6 | 23.9 | 28.3 | 30.9 | 35.3 | 34.5 | 30 | 25.4 | 20 | 14.4 | 23.8 | | | (53.2) | (57) | (63.7) | (75) | (82.9) | (87.6) | (95.5) | (94.1) | (86) | (77.7) | (68) | (57.9) | (74.9) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 6.8 | 8.9 | 12.5 | 18.2 | 22.7 | 25.8 | 29.4 | 28.7 | 25 | 20 | 14.4 | 8.5 | 18.4 | | | (44.2) | (48) | (54.5) | (64.8) | (72.9) | (78.4) | (84.9) | (83.7) | (77) | (68) | (57.9) | (47.3) | (65.1) | | Average low °C (°F) | 3.4 | 5.4 | 8.8 | 13.9 | 18.5 | 22.1 | 25 | 24.7 | 21.3 | 16 | 10.3 | 4.4 | 14.5 | | | (38.1) | (41.7) | (47.8) | (57) | (65.3) | (71.8) | (77) | (76.5) | (70.3) | (60.8) | (50.5) | (39.9) | (58.1) | | Record low °C (°F) | −7.7 | −7.1 | −4.2 | 1.7 | 9.6 | 13.3 | 19.5 | 16.3 | 10.3 | 1.5 | −3.9 | −7.5 | −7.7 | | | (18.1) | (19.2) | (24.4) | (35.1) | (49.3) | (55.9) | (67.1) | (61.3) | (50.5) | (34.7) | (25) | (18.5) | (18.1) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 62.9 | 77.1 | 143.8 | 154.8 | 160.6 | 246.7 | 129.5 | 155.3 | 113.8 | 58.3 | 60.7 | 42.2 | 1,405.70 | | | (2.48) | (3.04) | (5.66) | (6.09) | (6.32) | (9.71) | (5.1) | (6.11) | (4.48) | (2.3) | (2.39) | (1.66) | (55.34) | | Average relative humidity (%) | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 73 | 78 | 72 | 74 | 76 | 74 | 75 | 74 | 75 | | Mean monthly sunshine hours | 90.8 | 83 | 95.7 | 123 | 139.9 | 133.6 | 222.8 | 206.2 | 147.7 | 141.6 | 115.9 | 121.8 | 1,622 |

5. Administrative Divisions

Lishui City currently administers 1 municipal district, 6 counties, 1 autonomous county, and manages 1 county-level city on behalf of the province. Lishui is the only prefecture-level city in Zhejiang Province where all its counties (cities, districts) are old revolutionary base areas.

Municipal District: Liandu District County-level City: Longquan City Counties: Qingtian County, Jinyun County, Suichang County, Songyang County, Yunhe County, Qingyuan County Autonomous County: Jingning She Autonomous County

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|-------------------------|-----------------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------|----------------------| | 331100 | Lishui City | Líshuǐ Shì | 17,275.20 | 2,507,396 | Liandu District | 323000 | 31 | 54 | 88 | 6 | | 331102 | Liandu District | Liándū Qū | 1,493.44 | 562,116 | Wanxiang Subdistrict| 323000 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 1 | | 331121 | Qingtian County | Qīngtián Xiàn | 2,477.13 | 509,053 | Hecheng Subdistrict | 323900 | 4 | 10 | 18 | | | 331122 | Jinyun County | Jìnyún Xiàn | 1,494.24 | 405,318 | Wuyun Subdistrict | 321400 | 3 | 7 | 8 | | | 331123 | Suichang County | Suìchāng Xiàn | 2,539.56 | 194,385 | Miaogao Subdistrict | 323300 | 2 | 7 | 11 | 1 | | 331124 | Songyang County | Sōngyáng Xiàn | 1,400.77 | 204,880 | Xiping Subdistrict | 323400 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 1 | | 331125 | Yunhe County | Yúnhé Xiàn | 989.63 | 129,216 | Fuyun Subdistrict | 323600 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | | 331126 | Qingyuan County | Qìngyuán Xiàn | 1,897.42 | 142,551 | Songyuan Subdistrict| 323800 | 3 | 6 | 10 | | | 331127 | Jingning She Autonomous County | Jǐngníng Shēzú Zìzhìxiàn | 1,938.84 | 111,011 | Hongxing Subdistrict| 323500 | 2 | 4 | 15 | | | 331181 | Longquan City | Lóngquán Shì | 3,044.18 | 248,866 | Longyuan Subdistrict| 323700 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 1 |

6. Economy

6.1 Overview of Lishui's Economy

Lishui City is located in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province, China, and is the largest prefecture-level city in Zhejiang by area. The economy of Lishui is characterized by its ecological focus, emphasizing green development and sustainable growth. In recent years, it has achieved significant results in economic restructuring and ecological conservation. Below is a brief introduction to Lishui's economy:

6.2 Economic Profile

• Economic Scale: Lishui's economic scale is relatively small within Zhejiang Province, but it has maintained stable growth in recent years. In 2022, its GDP exceeded 180 billion yuan, with per capita GDP gradually increasing.
• Economic Growth: Lishui's economy is led by its ecological sector, maintaining a reasonable annual growth rate and focusing on high-quality development.

6.3 Industrial Structure

Lishui's industrial structure is dominated by ecological agriculture, green manufacturing, and eco-tourism, forming a distinctive economic pattern.

6.3.1 Ecological Agriculture

• Lishui is an important ecological agricultural base in Zhejiang Province. Its main agricultural products include tea, edible fungi, fruits, and bamboo products.
• Lishui's teas (such as Longquan Tea and Jingning Huiming Tea) and edible fungi (such as shiitake mushrooms and black fungus) enjoy a high reputation in domestic and international markets.
• Modern agriculture is developing rapidly, emphasizing branding and technological integration, and promoting the convergence of agriculture with tourism, culture, and other industries.

6.3.2 Green Manufacturing

• Lishui's manufacturing industry is characterized by green and low-carbon practices. Key industries include:
  • Bamboo and Wood Processing: Lishui is one of the regions richest in bamboo and wood resources in Zhejiang, with a well-developed processing industry.
  • Ecological Food Processing: Deep processing of agricultural products such as tea, edible fungi, and camellia oil.
  • Environmental Protection Industry: Lishui actively develops environmental protection technologies and equipment manufacturing to promote green economic growth.

6.3.3 Eco-Tourism

• Lishui attracts a large number of tourists with its beautiful natural scenery and rich cultural heritage, earning the title "Green Valley of Zhejiang."
• Major tourist attractions include:
  • Jinyun Xiandu: Known for its unique peaks, rocks, and Taoist culture.
  • Yunhe Terraced Fields: One of China's most beautiful terraced fields.
  • Longquan Celadon Town: Famous for its celadon culture and porcelain-making craftsmanship.
• Lishui promotes the transformation and upgrading of its tourism industry by developing eco-tourism, rural tourism, and cultural tourism.

6.4 Regional Economic Characteristics

• Ecological Economy Demonstration Zone: Lishui is an ecological economy demonstration zone in Zhejiang Province, emphasizing the balance between ecological protection and economic development.
• Mountain Economy: Located in the mountainous areas of southwestern Zhejiang, Lishui leverages its abundant natural resources to develop specialty agriculture and eco-tourism.
• Green Development: Lishui adopts green development as its core strategy, promoting economic restructuring and sustainable growth.

6.5 Opening-Up

• Export of Ecological Products: Lishui's ecological products, such as tea, edible fungi, and bamboo products, are exported to domestic and international markets.
• Investment Attraction: Lishui actively attracts investments in green industries and ecological projects to promote high-quality economic development.

6.6 Technological Innovation

• Lishui emphasizes technological innovation to upgrade traditional industries. In recent years, it has made significant progress in agricultural technology, environmental protection, and other fields.
• Lishui collaborates with universities and research institutions to establish multiple technological innovation platforms and incubation bases.

6.7 Future Development Directions

• Ecological Economy: Lishui will continue to prioritize the ecological economy, promoting the development of green industries and eco-tourism.
• Rural Revitalization: By developing specialty agriculture and rural tourism, Lishui aims to drive economic growth in mountainous areas and revitalize rural communities.
• Green Development: Lishui will adhere to the principles of green development, striving to become an ecological economy demonstration zone in Zhejiang Province and across China.

7. Transportation

Jinwen Railway, Jinwen New Double-Track Line (Lishui Station) G1513 Jinliwen Expressway (Fuling Toll Gate) National Highway 330

8. Education

By the end of 2018, Lishui City had a total of 468 kindergartens, 211 primary schools, 74 junior high schools, 15 various secondary vocational education schools, and 3 regular institutions of higher education (including independent colleges and institutions under preparation). The college entrance examination admission rate was 95.64%, and the gross enrollment rate for higher education was 59.29%.

8.1 Higher Education

Regular Institutions of Higher Education

Lishui University Lishui Vocational and Technical College Adult Higher Education Institutions

Lishui Radio & TV University

8.2 Secondary Vocational Education

Secondary Vocational Schools

Lishui Tourism School

8.2 Senior Secondary Education

Regular Senior High Schools

Lishui High School Jinyun High School Songyang County No.1 High School Suichang High School Suichang County No.2 High School Suichang County No.3 High School Qingyuan High School Jingning High School Jingning She Autonomous County Ethnic High School Qingtian High School Longquan City No.1 High School Yunhe High School Lishui University Affiliated High School (Lishui Ethnic High School) Lishui No.2 High School

Vocational Senior High Schools

Lishui Vocational Senior High School Qingtian County Vocational Senior High School

8.3 Junior Secondary Education

Huayuan Middle School Jishiyu Middle School Lishui Experimental School Jinyun County Experimental Middle School Liandu Foreign Language School Chuzhou Middle School Meishan Middle School Liming Middle School

9. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population is 2,507,396. Compared with the 2,116,957 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 390,439 people over the past ten years, representing a growth of 18.44%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.71%. Among them, the male population is 1,293,190, accounting for 51.58% of the total population; the female population is 1,214,206, accounting for 48.42% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) is 106.5. The population aged 0–14 is 400,417, accounting for 15.97% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 is 1,574,433, accounting for 62.79% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above is 532,546, accounting for 21.24% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above is 385,344, accounting for 15.37% of the total population. The urban population is 1,550,182, accounting for 61.82% of the total population; the rural population is 957,214, accounting for 38.18% of the total population.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

9.1.1 Major Ethnic Groups

9.1.1.1 Han Chinese

The Han Chinese are the dominant ethnic group in Lishui City, constituting the vast majority of the city's total population. The Han Chinese have a long history and profound cultural heritage in Lishui City, playing a leading role in its economic and social development.

9.1.1.2 Ethnic Minorities

The ethnic minority population in Lishui City is relatively small, but there are still some ethnic minorities residing here. The main ethnic minorities include:

• She Ethnic Group: The She ethnic group is one of the main ethnic minorities in Lishui City, primarily distributed in some mountainous areas of the city. The She people have unique culture and traditions, such as their clothing, songs and dances, and festivals.
• Hui Ethnic Group: The Hui ethnic group also has a certain distribution in Lishui City, mainly residing in some towns and urban areas. The Hui people have unique religious beliefs and cultural customs, such as Islam and Hui dietary culture.
• Miao Ethnic Group: The Miao ethnic group has a smaller distribution in Lishui City, but there is still a certain Miao population. The Miao people have rich cultural traditions, such as their clothing, songs and dances, and festivals.

9.1.2 Ethnic Policies

The Lishui Municipal Government attaches great importance to ethnic unity, actively implements national ethnic policies, and safeguards the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic groups. Through various measures, the Lishui Municipal Government promotes exchanges and cooperation among different ethnic groups and fosters their common prosperity and development.

9.1.3 Ethnic Culture

The ethnic culture in Lishui City is rich and diverse, with the cultures of all ethnic groups being fully respected and protected. The Lishui Municipal Government organizes various ethnic cultural activities, such as ethnic festival celebrations and ethnic cultural exhibitions, to showcase and preserve the excellent cultural traditions of all ethnic groups.

10. Religion

10.1 Overview

Lishui City, located in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province, is a city where multiple ethnic groups and religions coexist. The religious culture in Lishui is diverse, primarily encompassing Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and folk beliefs. Each religion has a certain base of followers and venues for activities in Lishui, forming a unique religious and cultural landscape.

10.2 Buddhism

Buddhism has a long history and widespread influence in Lishui City. There are several famous Buddhist temples in Lishui, such as:

• Longquan Temple: Located in Longquan City, it is one of the renowned Buddhist sacred sites in Lishui.
• Baiyun Temple: Located in the urban area of Lishui, it is one of the historically significant Buddhist temples in the city.

10.3 Taoism

Taoism also holds a certain level of influence in Lishui City. There are several Taoist temples in Lishui, such as:

• Qingtian Taihe Mountain Taoist Temple: Located in Qingtian County, it is one of the famous Taoist sacred sites in Lishui.

10.4 Christianity

The spread of Christianity in Lishui City began relatively late, but it has developed rapidly in recent years. There are several Christian churches in Lishui, such as:

• Lishui Christian Church: Located in the urban area of Lishui, it is one of the main venues for Christian activities in the city.

10.5 Folk Beliefs

Folk beliefs in Lishui City are rich and diverse, primarily involving the worship of ancestors, nature deities, and local gods. There are several temples dedicated to folk beliefs in Lishui, such as:

• Lishui City God Temple: Located in the urban area of Lishui, it is one of the famous sites for folk beliefs in the city.

10.6 Religious Activities

Religious activities in Lishui City are varied and vibrant. Various religious groups regularly hold ceremonies and events, such as Buddhist Dharma assemblies, Taoist rituals, Christian worship services, and folk belief temple fairs. These activities not only meet the religious needs of followers but also enrich the cultural life of Lishui City.

10.7 Religious Policies

The Lishui municipal government respects and protects the freedom of religious belief, manages religious affairs in accordance with the law, and supports religious groups in carrying out activities legally. At the same time, the Lishui municipal government actively guides religions to adapt to socialist society, promoting religious harmony and social stability.

11. Culture

11.1 Overview

Lishui City, located in the southwestern part of Zhejiang Province, is a city with a long history and profound cultural heritage. The culture of Lishui is diverse and unique, integrating elements such as landscape culture, agricultural culture, folk culture, and red culture, forming a distinctive cultural landscape.

11.2 Landscape Culture

Lishui City is renowned for its beautiful natural scenery and is often called the "Green Valley of Zhejiang." The landscape culture of Lishui is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Natural Scenery: Lishui City boasts numerous natural landscapes, such as Jinyun Xiandu, Yunhe Terraced Fields, and Longquan Mountain. These scenic spots are not only tourist attractions but also important components of Lishui's landscape culture.
• Ecological Culture: Lishui City emphasizes ecological protection and advocates for green development, forming a unique ecological culture.

11.3 Agricultural Culture

The agricultural culture of Lishui City has a long history and is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Traditional Agriculture: The traditional agriculture in Lishui focuses on rice, tea, mushrooms, and other crops, forming a unique agricultural culture.
• Farming Customs: The farming customs in Lishui are rich and varied, such as spring plowing and autumn harvest. These traditional farming activities reflect the diligence and wisdom of the people of Lishui.

11.4 Folk Culture

The folk culture of Lishui City is rich and diverse, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Traditional Festivals: Traditional festivals in Lishui include the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. These festivals are not only important components of folk culture but also significant aspects of the spiritual life of the people of Lishui.
• Folk Arts: The folk arts of Lishui include puppet shows, paper-cutting, embroidery, and more. These art forms not only enrich the cultural life of Lishui but also preserve its historical and cultural heritage.

11.5 Red Culture

Lishui City is an important old revolutionary base in Zhejiang Province, with a deep historical foundation in red culture. This is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

• Revolutionary Sites: Lishui City has multiple revolutionary sites, such as the Memorial Hall of the Revolutionary Base in Southwest Zhejiang and the Longquan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery. These sites are important carriers of Lishui's red culture.
• Red Spirit: The red culture of Lishui inherits the heroic deeds and revolutionary spirit of the revolutionary martyrs, inspiring the people of Lishui to move forward continuously.

11.6 Cultural Policies

The Lishui municipal government places great emphasis on cultural development and actively promotes the growth of cultural initiatives. By organizing various cultural activities, constructing cultural facilities, and protecting cultural heritage, the Lishui municipal government continuously enhances the city's cultural soft power and fosters cultural prosperity and development.

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Named after the ancient name of the Hao River, Lishui.

Liandu District

Liandu District

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Camphor tree

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