Hebi (鹤壁)

1. Introduction

Hebi City is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Henan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the northern part of Henan Province. The city is bordered by Anyang City to the east, west, and north, and adjoins Xinxiang City to the south. It lies in the hilly and plain areas southeast of the Taihang Mountains, with terrain sloping from high in the west to low in the east. The Wei River and its tributary, the Qi River, are the main rivers within the territory. The city covers a total area of 2,140 square kilometers, with a permanent resident population of approximately 1.58 million. Hebi is an important coal city in Henan Province, having prospered due to coal. The People's Government of Hebi City is located on Jiuzhou Road in Qibin District.

2. Name History

The name "Hebi" first appeared in the History of the Jin Dynasty. According to legend, in ancient times, a pair of cranes perched on the steep cliffs of the southern mountain, leading to the mountain being named "Crane Mountain" and the village "Crane Cliff." Another account suggests the name originated from a mythical tale in which a Taoist priest painted a white crane on the shadow wall of a restaurant, and the crane could dance.

3. History

3.1 Origin of the Name

The name "Hebi" first appears in the History of Jin. Legend has it that in ancient times, a pair of cranes perched on the steep cliffs of the southern mountains, leading people to name the mountain "Crane Mountain" and the village "Crane Cliff" (Hebi). Another tale suggests the name originates from a mythical legend about a Taoist priest painting a white crane on the shadow wall of an inn, which could then dance.

3.2 Administrative Evolution

The last monarch of the Shang Dynasty, King Di Xin (later derogatorily called King Zhou of Shang), established his capital at Moyi, later renamed Zhaoge, present-day Qi County. At the end of the Shang Dynasty, the decisive battle between King Di Xin and King Wu of Zhou took place here. After King Wu overthrew the Shang, he enfeoffed Wu Geng, the son of King Di Xin, as a feudal lord to rule the Zhaoge area. He also sent the uncles of Guan, Cai, and Huo to monitor Wu Geng's actions, known as the "Three Supervisors." King Wu of Zhou enfeoffed Kang Shu as the Marquis of Wei. In the early Spring and Autumn period, it was part of the State of Wei, and Zhaoge once served as the capital of Wei before being occupied by Jin. The Zuo Zhuan records: In the 23rd year of Duke Xiang of Lu (550 BC), Qi "attacked Jin and captured Zhaoge." In the 38th year of Duke Jing of Qi (510 BC), Zhongmou County was established, present-day Shancheng District of Hebi City. After the Partition of Jin, it became part of the State of Zhao. In the first year of Zhao Xianzi (423 BC), the State of Zhao moved its capital to Zhongmou County. It was later occupied by Wei.

From the Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms period, the area was divided among Dangyin County (present-day Hebi urban area) of Henei Commandery, Zhaoge County (present-day Qi County), and Liyang County (present-day Xun County) of Wei Commandery. In the 17th year of the Jian'an era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (212 AD), Dangyin County and Zhaoge County were transferred to Wei Commandery. In the first year of the Taishi era of the Western Jin Dynasty (265 AD), Zhaoge County belonged to Ji Commandery. In the seventh year of the Yonghe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (351 AD), Liyang Commandery was established in Liyang County. In the 14th year of the Taiyuan era (389 AD), Liyang Commandery was abolished, and Liyang County was reincorporated into Ji Commandery.

In the fourth year of the Tianxing era of the Northern Wei Dynasty (401 AD), Xiangzhou was established from part of Jizhou, with its seat at Ye County (present-day Yezhen, Linzhang County, Hebei Province). In the first year of the Yong'an era (528 AD), Dongli County was established from part of Liyang County. In the first year of the Tianping era of the Eastern Wei Dynasty (534 AD), Xiangzhou was renamed Sizhou, Dangyin County was abolished and merged into Ye County, and Lizhou was established in Liyang County. In the second year of the Tianping era (535 AD), Weide County was established. During the Northern Qi period, Weide County and Dongli County were abolished. In the sixth year of the Jiande era of the Northern Zhou Dynasty (577 AD), Sizhou was renamed Xiangzhou again. In the first year of the Xuanzheng era (578 AD), Weizhou was established from part of Ji Commandery, with its seat at Fangtou City (southwest of present-day Xun County). In the second year of the Daxiang era (580 AD), the seat of Xiangzhou was moved to Anyang City (present-day Anyang City).

In the sixth year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty (586 AD), Dangyin County was re-established. In the 16th year of the Kaihuang era (596 AD), Dangyin County was renamed Dangyuan County and placed under Lizhou. In the second year of the Daye era (606 AD), Zhaoge County was renamed Wei County, Weizhou was renamed Ji Commandery, and Lizhou was abolished. In the first year of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (618 AD), Weizhou was re-established, with Wei County under its jurisdiction. The following year, Lizhou was re-established in Liyang County. In the sixth year of the Wude era (623 AD), Dangyuan County was renamed Tangyin County. In the first year of the Zhenguan era (627 AD), the seat of Weizhou was moved to Ji County (present-day Weihui City). In the sixth year of the Xining era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1073 AD), Wei County was abolished and re-established early in the Yuanyou era. In the fifth year of the Zhenghe era (1115 AD), Lizhou was renamed Junzhou, still governing Liyang County. Early in the Xuanhe era, Tangyin County was transferred to Junzhou but later returned to Xiangzhou. In the third year of the Mingchang era of the Jin Dynasty (1192 AD), Xiangzhou was elevated to Zhangde Prefecture.

In the fifth year of Emperor Xianzong of Yuan (1255 AD), Qizhou was established in West Lutai Township of Wei County, under Weihui Circuit. Wei County was abolished and became a market town, and Linqi County was established. Junzhou belonged to Daming Circuit; Tangyin County belonged to Zhangde Circuit. In the third year of the Zhiyuan era (1266 AD), Linqi County was abolished and merged into Qizhou. In the first year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD), Qizhou was renamed Qi County, under Weihui Prefecture; Junzhou was renamed Jun County, under Daming Prefecture; Tangyin County belonged to Zhangde Prefecture. The Qing Dynasty followed this arrangement. In the second year of the Republic of China (1913 AD), the prefecture system was abolished, and Qi County, Jun County, and Tangyin County all belonged to Hebei Circuit of Henan Province. The circuit system was abolished in 1928. In 1932, the three counties belonged to the Third Administrative Inspection District of Henan Province.

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, Jun County, Qi County, and Tangyin County belonged to the Anyang Special District of Pingyuan Province. In 1953, Pingyuan Province was dissolved, and the Anyang Special District was transferred to Henan Province. In 1954, Qi County was merged into Tangyin County. In September 1956, the Hebi Mining Area was established. In March 1957, Hebi City was established from seven townships and three villages of Tangyin County as a province-administered city, initially under the leadership of the Anyang Special District and later directly under provincial leadership. In December 1958, the Anyang Special District was abolished, and Hebi City came under the leadership of the Xinxiang Special District. In October 1960, Tangyin County from the Anyang Special District was transferred to Hebi City. In November 1961, Tangyin County was returned to the Anyang Special District; in the same year, Shancheng and Heshan municipal districts were established. In December 1961, the Anyang Special District was restored, and Hebi City was again placed under its jurisdiction. In 1962, Qi County was restored. In 1966, the Suburban District was established. In January 1986, Xun County and Qi County from Anyang City were placed under the jurisdiction of Hebi City. In December 2001, the Suburban District was renamed Qibin District.

3.3 Relocation of the Urban Area

The urban area has undergone three relocations. In 1957, the urban area was chosen at Hebi Market Town. With the construction of the Second and Third Mines, the urban area moved south to Zhongshan in December 1957. Later, with the construction of the Fifth and Sixth Mines, the urban area moved again from Zhongshan to the current old district, Dahu, in 1959. As the mining area developed, the surroundings of the urban area became largely subsidence zones, restricting urban development. In 1992, Hebi established the Qibin Economic Development Zone at the border of Xun County and Qi County in the southeast. As the scale expanded, the municipal political center moved to Qibin District in May 1999. Currently, the new district has become the new political, economic, and cultural center of Hebi City.

4. Geography

Hebi is located in northern Henan Province, at the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains, connecting to the North China Plain.

5. Administrative Divisions

Hebi City administers 3 municipal districts and 2 counties.

Municipal Districts: Heshan District, Shancheng District, Qibin District
Counties: Xun County, Qi County

| Division Code | Division Name | Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------|----------------|-------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 410600 | Hebi City | Hèbì Shì | 2,140.43 | 1,565,973 | Qibin District | 458000 | 26 | 14 | 5 | | 410602 | Heshan District | Hèshān Qū | 130.2 | 62,713 | Hebi Town | 458000 | 5 | 1 | 1 | | 410603 | Shancheng District| Shānchéng Qū | 136.3 | 155,449 | Hongqi Subdistrict | 458000 | 7 | 1 | | | 410611 | Qibin District | Qíbīn Qū | 342.93 | 460,780 | Taishan Road Subdistrict | 458000 | 6 | 2 | 2 | | 410621 | Xun County | Xùn Xiàn | 954.98 | 624,728 | Weixi Subdistrict | 456200 | 4 | 6 | 1 | | 410622 | Qi County | Qí Xiàn | 576.03 | 262,303 | Chaoge Subdistrict | 456700 | 4 | 4 | 1 |

6. Economy

• Industries include coal, machinery, chemical engineering, and textiles. The quality of locally produced automotive parts ranks among the top in the country. Products such as refractory bricks, cast iron pipes, and glazed tiles have successively entered the international market.
• Agriculture yields abundant crops of wheat, corn, millet, sweet potatoes, persimmons, and apples.
• The famous "Three Treasures of the Qi River": Qi River crucian carp, threaded duck eggs, and Rabdosia rubescens (wintergreen grass).
• The Yubei black goat is a superior livestock breed.

7. Transportation

7.1 Railway

The Beijing-Guangzhou Railway passes through Hebi City, with Hebi Railway Station located within the city. The Beijing-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway was fully opened to traffic on December 26, 2012, and includes Hebi East Railway Station.

7.2 Expressways

G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway and S26 Fanhui Expressway. National Highway: G107.

8. Education

The development of education in Hebi City has generally shown a trend of high-quality development, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

8.1 Educational Informatization Construction

Hebi City has achieved remarkable results in educational informatization, successfully establishing a demonstration zone for Educational Informatization 2.0 in Henan Province and passing provincial acceptance. The internet access rate and multimedia teaching equipment coverage in primary and secondary schools across the city have reached 100%. The full optical architecture of the dedicated educational network has been completed, and the educational data center has been built and put into use. Additionally, Hebi City has been recognized as a provincial-level demonstration city for family education construction and an Informatization 2.0 demonstration city.

8.2 Preschool Education Development

Hebi City has vigorously developed preschool education. By the end of 2023, the city had 388 kindergartens with 43,285 enrolled children. Through measures such as expanding public kindergartens and promoting group-based kindergarten management reforms, the accessibility and quality of preschool education have been improved.

8.3 High-Quality and Balanced Basic Education

Hebi City actively promotes the high-quality and balanced development of compulsory education. An investment of 400 million yuan was made to build, renovate, or expand nine primary and secondary schools, and 50.2825 million yuan was allocated to implement projects for improving weak areas and enhancing capabilities in compulsory education. Simultaneously, Hebi City emphasizes balanced development between urban and rural education, promoting resource sharing through educational communities and activities such as delivering lessons to rural areas.

8.4 Vocational Education and Higher Education

Hebi City is home to several secondary vocational schools and specialized institutions, such as Hebi Vocational and Technical College and Hebi Polytechnic School, which have strong capabilities in program offerings and practical training facilities. Furthermore, Hebi City actively promotes the development of higher education, with the signing and establishment of the Hebi Campus of Sanquan College, Xinxiang Medical University.

8.5 Scientific Research and Innovation

Hebi No. 1 Middle School was designated as a first-level discipline base for biology in Henan Province, highlighting its outstanding performance in the strategy of revitalizing schools through scientific research. Meanwhile, Hebi Xiangjiang Primary School was honored with the title of "Advanced Model of Educational Research Base in Henan Province," further driving the improvement of education quality.

8.6 Party Leadership and Educational Governance

Hebi City has strengthened the Party's comprehensive leadership over education by advancing reforms in the principal accountability system under the leadership of primary and secondary school Party organizations. This has established a modern school governance system characterized by Party organization leadership, principal accountability, and democratic management with multi-party participation.

Hebi City's education sector has made significant progress in areas such as informatization construction, preschool education, basic education, vocational education, scientific research and innovation, Party leadership, and educational equity, laying a solid foundation for advancing educational modernization and enhancing education quality.

9. Population

By the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 1.5724 million, including 979,500 urban permanent residents and 592,900 rural permanent residents. The urbanization rate of the permanent resident population was 62.29%, an increase of 0.58 percentage points from the end of the previous year. Throughout the year, there were 12,000 births, with a birth rate of 7.56‰; 11,000 deaths, with a death rate of 7.11‰; and a natural population increase of 1,000, with a natural growth rate of 0.45‰.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 1,565,973. Compared with the 1,569,208 people recorded in the Sixth National Population Census, the population decreased by 3,235 over the decade, a decline of 0.21%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.02%. Among them, the male population was 792,316, accounting for 50.6% of the total population; the female population was 773,657, accounting for 49.4% of the total population. The sex ratio (with females as 100) was 102.41. The population aged 0–14 was 339,116, accounting for 21.66% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 969,400, accounting for 61.9% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 257,457, accounting for 16.44% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 187,128, accounting for 11.95% of the total population. The urban population was 955,004, accounting for 60.98% of the total population; the rural population was 610,969, accounting for 39.02% of the total population.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic group numbered 1,563,490, accounting for 99.84%; ethnic minorities numbered 2,483, accounting for 0.16%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population decreased by 4,151, a decline of 0.26%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.06 percentage points; ethnic minorities increased by 916, a growth of 58.46%, with their proportion of the total population increasing by 0.06 percentage points.

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10. Culture

10.1 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Dapi Mountain Cliff Buddha and Stone Carvings
• Site of the Ancient City of Weiguo
• Yunmeng Mountain Cliff Carvings
• Dalai Shop Site
• Songzhuang Eastern Zhou Dynasty Noble Cemetery
• Xuantiandong Stone Pagoda
• Xunxian Ancient City Wall and Wenzhi Pavilion
• Bixia Palace
• Tianmai Statue

10.2 Scenic Spots and Historical Sites

Hebi boasts distinctive cultural landscapes and natural scenery, making it an important tourist destination in Henan Province. The Dapi Mountain, Fuqiu Mountain, Yunmeng Mountain, and Wuyan Mountain within its territory each have unique features. The Qi River, the only unpolluted river in North China, meanders through the area, with picturesque scenery along its banks, celebrated in the "Book of Songs."

• Hebi Ancient Porcelain Kiln Site
• Wuyan Temple Grottoes
• Xuantiandong Stone Pagoda

11. Sister Cities

• Fabragu, Brazil
• Gongju City, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
• Hami City, Xinjiang, China

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Qibin District

Xun County

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