Hanzhong (汉中)

1. Introduction

Hanzhong City, abbreviated as Han, historically known as Nanzheng, Liangzhou, Hanchuan, and Xingyuan, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China. It is located in the southwestern part of Shaanxi Province, at the intersection of Shaanxi, Gansu, and Sichuan provinces. The city borders Baoji City and Xi'an City to the north, Ankang City to the east, Dazhou City, Bazhong City, and Guangyuan City in Sichuan Province to the south, and Longnan City in Gansu Province to the west. Situated in the transitional zone between the Qinling Mountains and the Daba Mountains, the northern part of the city is characterized by the Qinling Mountains, the southern part by the Daba Mountains, and the central area consists of low mountains, hills, and basins. The Jialing River flows from north to south through the western part of the city, while the Han River originates in the west and traverses the city from west to east. The total area of the city is 27,096 square kilometers. By the end of 2022, the registered population was 3.7898 million, with an urban population of 1.5314 million, and the permanent resident population was 3.18 million. The Municipal People's Government is located at No. 43 Minzhu Street, Hantai District. It is one of China's famous historical and cultural cities.

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2. History

2.1 Pre-Qin Period

During the Pre-Qin period, the Hanzhong region is mentioned in both legends and historical records, though these accounts are too ancient to be verified. The "Liangzhou" mentioned in the Shangshu·Yugong and the "Bao State" in the Records of the Grand Historian are considered to be references to the Hanzhong area in historical and legendary contexts. The name Nanzheng can be traced back to 771 BC. The Commentary on the Water Classic records: "The name Nanzheng originated with Duke Huan of Zheng. After Duke Huan died fighting the Quanrong, his people fled south, hence the name Nanzheng." However, historians are skeptical of this account. During the mid-Warring States period, Nanzheng was a strategic location contested by Qin and Shu. In the 26th year of Duke Li of Qin (451 BC), the Chief Minister of the Left built the city of Nanzheng.

2.2 Qin and Han Dynasties

During the Qin and Han dynasties, Hanzhong Commandery stretched for a thousand li, from Yangping Pass in Mianyang in the west to Yun Pass and Jing Mountain in the east. The Qin dynasty established Hanzhong Commandery, with its seat at Nanzheng, near present-day Nanzheng County in Hanzhong City. At the end of the Qin dynasty, various political forces vied for power. After the Feast at Hong Gate, Liu Bang submitted to Xiang Yu, who enfeoffed him as the King of Han. The Records of the Grand Historian notes that Liu Bang was quite disheartened, but his advisor Xiao He consoled him, saying, "There is a saying, 'the Heavenly Han,' a most beautiful name." During his time in Hanzhong, Liu Bang bided his time, adopted Han Xin's strategy of "openly repairing the gallery roads while secretly advancing through Chencang," appointed Han Xin as his top general, and later launched a surprise attack to seize the Three Qins region, challenging Xiang Yu in what is historically known as the Chu–Han Contention. Liu Bang ultimately achieved military victory. Because his original fief was in Hanzhong, where he was titled King of Han, after moving the capital to Chang'an and establishing the second unified imperial dynasty in Chinese history, he named the dynasty "Han." Liu Bang is also known as Emperor Gaozu of Han. The name "Han" for the ethnic majority in China today originates from the Han dynasty, and Hanzhong is the ancient birthplace of the Han Chinese designation, leaving behind numerous cultural relics and historical sites from the Han period, such as the General's Altar (where Liu Bang appointed Han Xin), Hantai, and the gallery roads. During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han, Zhang Qian, a native of Chenggu, was sent as an envoy to the Western Regions, a landmark event marking the rise of the Silk Road.

In the late Eastern Han dynasty, political turmoil ensued. Ethnic minorities in Ba Commandery rebelled and invaded Hanzhong and the Three Shu regions. In the first year of the Zhongping era (184 AD), Zhang Xiu of the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice rebelled in support of the Yellow Turbans, attacked Ba Commandery, entered Hanzhong, was defeated, and submitted to Liu Yan. During the Xiping era (172–178 AD), the Way of the Five Pecks of Rice spread in Hanzhong. Later, Zhang Lu eliminated Zhang Xiu and established a theocratic separatist regime here that lasted nearly thirty years, before submitting to Cao Cao.

Due to its strategic location as a gateway to Shu and a vital north-south transportation route, Hanzhong quickly became a fiercely contested area between Cao Cao and Liu Bei after Liu Bei entered Shu. Liu Bei eventually prevailed, declaring himself "King of Hanzhong," and the Shu Han state gained control of the region. Many Three Kingdoms historical sites remain today, such as the Tomb of Marquis Wu (Zhuge Liang's burial site), the Temple of Marquis Wu in Mian County, the Temple of Ma Chao, Mount Dingjun, and Hutou Bridge (where Wei Yan was beheaded).

After Zhuge Liang's death, Hanzhong was recaptured by Wei and established as Liangzhou. After Wei's fall, the Western Jin regime was established. With political changes, Hanzhong's allegiance shifted repeatedly during regime transitions, belonging successively to Western Jin, Eastern Jin, Song, Qi, Northern Wei, Liang, Western Wei, and Northern Zhou.

2.3 Post-Eastern Han

After the Eastern Han, Hanzhong Commandery was successively named Hanning Commandery, Liangzhou, Hanchuan Commandery, Shannan West Circuit, Xingyuan Prefecture, Hanzhong Prefecture, and Hanzhong Circuit. The name Nanzheng continued to be used by successive dynasties, except for a period from the 3rd year of the deposed emperor of Western Wei to the Daye era of Sui (554–605 AD) when it was briefly changed to Guangyi County. After the political instability of the Western Jin, it fell under Cheng Han. After Huan Wen pacified Shu, Hanzhong Commandery was re-established under Liangzhou, governing eight counties: Nanzheng, Puchi, Baozhong, Mianyang, Chenggu, Xixiang, Huangjin, and Xingdao. Not long after, it was conquered by Former Qin. During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, it was Hanzhong Commandery, administering Nanzheng, Hanyang, and Chenggu counties. Later, Northern Zhou changed Hanzhong to Hanchuan Commandery.

In early Sui, the commandery was abolished but the province remained. In the early Daye era, the province was abolished and changed to Hanchuan Commandery, governing eight counties: Nanzheng, Xi, Baocheng, Chenggu, Xingshi, Xixiang, Huangjin, and Nanjiang. In the 8th year of Daye (612 AD), the county seat was moved to the south of the commandery's western city, near the Han River. It was rebuilt in the 12th year of the Jiading era of Song.

2.4 Tang, Song, and Yuan Dynasties

In early Tang, Hanchuan Commandery was renamed Liangzhou. During the Kaiyuan era, because "Liang" sounded similar to "Liang" (凉), it was renamed Baozhou, but soon reverted to Liangzhou. In the early Tianbao era, it was changed again to Hanzhong Commandery. In the 6th year of Xingyuan (874 AD), Emperor Dezong of Tang took refuge in Hanzhong in March to escape rebellion, returning to Chang'an in June after the rebellion was quelled. He renamed Hanzhong to Xingyuan Prefecture, using his reign title, governing five counties: Nanzheng, Baocheng, Chenggu, Xi, and Sanquan. The remaining areas comprised the four provinces of Jin, Yang, Feng, and Xing. During the Five Dynasties period, it successively became part of the Former Shu, Later Tang, and Later Shu regimes.

After the Northern Song pacified Later Shu, it remained Xingyuan Prefecture, governing Nanzheng, Chenggu, Baocheng, and Xi counties. In the 5th year of Xining (1072), it became the seat of Xingyuan Prefecture in Lizhou Circuit. During the Northern Song, Hanzhong's commercial tax revenue was among the highest in the nation, second only to Kaifeng, Chengdu Prefecture, and others. The Lizhou Circuit of present-day Hanzhong, the Yizhou Circuit of Chengdu in Sichuan, the Zizhou Circuit of Santai in Sichuan, and the Kuizhou Circuit of Fengjie in Chongqing together constituted the "Four Circuits of Chuanxia." During the Southern Song, it became a crucial frontier garrison, with the addition of Lianshui County. The remaining areas comprised the three provinces of Mian, Jin, and Feng. Hanzhong was also a battlefield in the Song–Jin wars, where General Wu Jie achieved victory at the Battle of Immortal Pass.

During the Yuan dynasty, it was Xingyuan Route, subordinate to Shaanxi Province.

2.5 Ming and Qing Dynasties

In the 3rd year of Hongwu of Ming (1370), it was changed to Hanzhong Prefecture, governing two provinces: Jin and Ningqiang, and administering fourteen counties: Nanzheng, Chenggu, Yang, Xixiang, Baocheng, Feng, Mian, Lueyang, Shiquan, Hanyin, Pingli, Xunyang, Ziyang, and Baihe, with Nanzheng as the attached capital. Prefect Fei Zhen rebuilt Hanzhong city on the foundation of the Song city, largely establishing the layout of present-day Hanzhong. In the 4th year of Hongwu (1371), the Hanzhong Garrison Thousand Households Office was established west of the prefectural seat, changed to Hanzhong Guard in the 13th year (1380), commanding Left, Right, Center, Front, and Rear Battalions, subordinate to the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission.

Zhu Changhao, the fifth son of Emperor Shenzong of Ming, was enfeoffed as the Prince of Rui here and built the Rui Prince's Mansion within the city (the site is now Children's Park). After over twenty years of construction, the Rui Prince's Mansion was grand in scale, with interconnected courtyards, facing towers, and scattered pavilions. It extended east to Lotus Pond, south to West Main Street, west to the Northern Drill Ground granary, and north to the city wall foundation, with the northern wall moved northward by twenty paces. Its area covered about one-third of Hanzhong city at the time. Present-day Shishizi Dam (Stone Lion Dam) was the main gate of the mansion, named after the two stone lions originally placed there. Present-day Xiangrui Lane was the first lane in front of the mansion. Taigu Stone Lane (abandoned during the construction of Lianhu Road) originally had a Taigu Stone, a decorative piece from the mansion's garden. In front of the mansion was originally a glazed screen wall (now the site of Stone Lion Hotel), demolished during road construction in 1935. The existing glazed screen wall was rebuilt by Prince Rui on the original mansion foundation, measuring 6.45 meters high, 13.6 meters long, and 1.23 meters wide, located at the eastern end of Sanpu Street.

In the 16th year of Chongzhen (1643), Li Zicheng attacked Shaanxi from Hubei and Henan, with Zhang Xianzhong coordinating a pincer attack. After the rebel forces occupied Xi'an, Zhu Changhao fled south to Sichuan for refuge. The luxurious mansion left in Hanzhong was dismantled and looted by locals. During the Kangxi era of Qing, Wang Shizhen wrote in his "Song of the Rui Prince's Old Palace": "The past vermilion gates of an imperial son's home, a simple cart departs and reaches the horizon's end. Where are the guests of the platform now? Scattered are the small hills and clusters of osmanthus." The former Rui Prince's Mansion today leaves behind Lotus Pond and the glazed screen wall, as well as an ancient bronze bell cast with patterns of "flying apsaras" and "heavenly dragons," now housed in the Ancient Hantai. The Taigu Stone from the garden is preserved in the Hanzhong City Library.

In the spring of 1863, Chen Decai (Prince Fu), Lai Wenguang (Prince Zun), Lan Chengchun (Prince Rui), and Liang Chengfu (Prince Qi) of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom led their forces westward, engaging Qing troops. They captured Hanzhong in August of the same year, killing Zhou Fanshou, the magistrate of Nanzheng County, before being suppressed by Qing forces.

2.6 Republic of China Period

After the establishment of the Republic of China, the local administration of Hanzhong was renamed Hanzhong Circuit from the former Qing Hanzhong Prefecture, with former Qing imperial scholar Zhou Hang serving as Circuit Intendant. During the Nationalist Government period, Hanzhong became a key transportation hub for entering Shu and was heavily developed. After Sino-Japanese tensions escalated, it served as a transfer station for strategic materials, playing a crucial role in the pre-war transfer of supplies, personnel, and artifacts from the Palace Museum into Sichuan.

In 1937, after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident, former National Peiyang University, National Peking Normal University, and Tianjin National Beiyang Institute of Technology merged and reorganized in Xi'an as the "National Xi'an Provisional University." In February 1938, it relocated to Hanzhong, Chenggu, and other places, with its main campus set at the Chenggu Examination Hall Primary School, renamed "National Northwest University." The campus was located at the present-day site of Chenggu No. 2 Middle School. In August, the former Peking Normal University was independently established as the "National Northwest Normal College," relocating to Lanzhou after 1945, while National Northwest University moved back to Xi'an to resume operations. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Hanzhong was under the jurisdiction of the Fifth War Area.

2.7 After the Founding of the People's Republic of China

At the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hanzhong was still under the control of the Republic of China government. In December 1949, the central route troops of the 18th Corps of the Second Field Army of the People's Liberation Army entered the region. By 1950, the new government had gained full administrative control. Subsequently, transportation construction and measures to consolidate political power were implemented (clearing out bandits and local forces, expelling foreign missionaries, land reform, etc.).After the initiation of the "Third Front Construction," Hanzhong became a key development area. On February 20, 1965, Luo Ruiqing, Director of the National Defense Industry Office, reported to Mao Zedong, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee on the layout of the Third Front Construction. He submitted the "Report on New Projects in the Second and Third Front Areas for the Defense Industry," which stated: "The Hanzhong region is located in a strategic depth zone, characterized by interwoven mountains and rivers, a mild climate, abundant natural resources, and sufficient hydropower resources, making it an excellent base for defense industry construction." The layout plan explicitly specified that the Hanzhong region would focus on the aviation industry, supplemented by key defense projects and national industrial backbone projects. On March 21 of the same year, the report was approved. Subsequently, from 1965 to 1969, multiple site selections and preparatory work were conducted in Hanzhong. On October 28, 1964, the 012 Base was officially established and listed as a key project in the "Fourth Five-Year Plan." After the reform and opening-up, military-industrial enterprises gradually withdrew from the mountainous areas. Meanwhile, the Nuclear Industry 405 Plant, under the Ministry of Mechanical Industry, began construction in the region. It was later transferred to the Ministry of Nuclear Industry and is now part of the China National Nuclear Corporation, specifically the China National Nuclear Corporation Shaanxi Uranium Enrichment Co., Ltd.

Starting in 1966, the Hanzhong Machine Tool Plant, Hanchuan Machine Tool Plant, Hanjiang Tool Plant, and Hanjiang Casting and Forging Plant, all under the Ministry of Mechanical Industry, began construction in the region. After the Cultural Revolution began, in 1967, the PLA 8318 Unit and the Hanzhong Military Sub-district were ordered to intervene to support the "revolutionary" activities of the masses. In February, two major rebel organizations emerged—the "Hanzhong Unified Command of Mines" (referred to as the "Unified Faction") and the "Hanzhong United New Revolutionary Rebellion Headquarters" (referred to as the "United New Faction"). Subsequently, frequent armed clashes and conflicts erupted, targeting municipal facilities and the public security system, leading to a complete paralysis of normal work and daily life. During the "Destroy the Four Olds" period, numerous historical sites were destroyed: city walls were dismantled, the bell tower was completely demolished in the armed conflicts, and relics such as the Hantai Platform suffered varying degrees of damage and human destruction. Most of the surviving historical sites were either reconstructed or renovated on their original sites after the 1990s.

3. Geographical Overview

3.1 Topography

Bounded by the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Daba Mountains to the south, the total area is 27,246 km². The Hanzhong Basin was formed by alluvial deposits from the Han River. It belongs to the cool subtropical climate zone. Hanzhong City is located in the upper reaches of the Han River, in the central part of the Hanzhong Basin, between 106°51'－107°10' east longitude and 33°2'－33°22' north latitude. The topography is characterized by lower elevations in the south and higher elevations in the north. The city features three types of landforms: flatlands, hills, and mountains. The flatlands consist of the first and second terraces of the Han River alluvial plain, with elevations between 500 and 600 meters. They are flat with fertile soil, accounting for 34.62% of the city's area. The hills are broad valley and shallow hill zones formed by piedmont alluvial fans, with elevations between 601 and 800 meters and relatively undulating terrain, constituting about 28.1% of the city's area. The mountainous areas are shallow and medium mountain regions formed on the southern slopes of the Qinling Mountains, with complex terrain and poor soil, elevations ranging from 701 to 2038 meters, accounting for about 37.2% of the city's total area.

The Hanzhong Basin is approximately 37 km long from north to south and 23 km wide from east to west, accounting for 1.9% of the total area of the Hanzhong region. It has 303,200 mu of arable land, predominantly paddy fields. Hanzhong belongs to the subtropical climate zone. The Qinling Mountains to the north act as a barrier, making it difficult for cold currents to invade, resulting in a mild and humid climate.

In 2016, geologists discovered four tiankeng (sinkhole) groups in Hanzhong, comprising 49 tiankengs. These stretch over 200 km from west to east along the junction zone of the Qinling orogenic belt and the Yangtze Block, mainly distributed in the four counties of Ningqiang, Nanzheng, Xixiang, and Zhenba.

3.2 Hydrology

The rivers in this region all belong to the Yangtze River basin. The Han River traverses from east to west, the Jialing River runs from north to south, and the southern slopes of the Micang Mountains contain parts of the headwater regions of the upstream rivers of the Qu River. The area also has a dense river network, with an average river length of 1.4 to 2 km per square kilometer.

3.2.1 Han River System

The Han River, also known as Han Shui, with its section within the territory historically called Mian Shui, is the largest first-level tributary of the Yangtze River. Hanzhong is located in the upper reaches of the Han River. Its basin ranges from the Qinling Mountains in the north to the Micang Mountains in the south, borders the Jialing River basin to the west, and extends to the Ziwu River, Chazhen, and Chu River areas to the east. The Han River also serves as the boundary between the Qinling and Bashan mountains. The main stream of the Han River flows from west to east through Ningqiang, Mianxian, Hanzhong urban area, Nanzheng, Chenggu, Yangxian, and Xixiang counties, traversing the Hanzhong Basin and forming the backbone of the regional river network.

3.2.2 Jialing River System

This system is distributed in the western and southwestern parts of the region. Its main stream runs from north to south, passing through Lueyang and Ningqiang counties, and is a major transboundary river. The basin is long and narrow.

3.3 Climate

3.3.1 Temperature and Precipitation

The geographical distribution of temperature in the region is significantly influenced by topography. The western part is slightly lower than the eastern part, and the northern and southern mountainous areas are lower than the flatlands and hills. The average annual temperature in flatland areas below 600 meters elevation is between 14.2°C and 14.6°C. Areas generally above 1000 meters elevation have an average annual temperature below 12°C. The average annual temperature in the western Jialing River valley is above 13°C. Furthermore, the average annual and monthly ground temperatures in the region are largely consistent with the distribution pattern of air temperatures, with small differences. The following chart is based on data from the flatlands of Hanzhong urban area: Hanzhong has a subtropical monsoon climate. Located in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, the warm, moist air that forms precipitation throughout the year mainly originates from the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean, followed by the western Pacific Ocean. In summer, under the influence of the subtropical high, water vapor from the Bay of Bengal moves northward along the southwestern monsoon at the base of the southwestern vortex, passing through Tibet, Yunnan, and northwestern Sichuan to reach the airspace over this region. Water vapor from the western Pacific Ocean is transported into the region's airspace via the southeastern airflow at the edge of the subtropical high. In winter, controlled by the polar continental air mass (mainly the Mongolian High), northwestern monsoons prevail, resulting in cold and dry weather. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, with warm, dry springs and cool, rainy, humid autumns. Water vapor evaporated into the atmosphere from surface vegetation, reservoirs, rivers, and farmland contributes minimally to precipitation.

Warm, moist airflows from the southwest and southeast are blocked by the Bashan and Qinling mountains, leading to abundant rainfall in the region. However, as these mountains lie on the path of the southwestern airflow, the convergence of water vapor systems in the low to mid-level cloud layers, combined with orographic lifting and vertical mountain effects, results in unequal reception of water vapor between the north and south of the region and a wide disparity in precipitation distribution. The multi-year average precipitation ranges from 700 to 1700 mm. The southern Micang Mountains receive the most, making it the highest in Shaanxi Province. | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------------|-----------|-----------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------|-----------|------------|------------| | Record High °C | 20.3 | 21.9 | 29.4 | 32.5 | 36.1 | 37.0 | 38.4 | 38.0 | 36.8 | 31.4 | 24.8 | 18.2 | 38.4 | | Record High °F | 68.5 | 71.4 | 84.9 | 90.5 | 97.0 | 98.6 | 101.1 | 100.4 | 98.2 | 88.5 | 76.6 | 64.8 | 101.1 | | Avg High °C | 7.1 | 10.0 | 14.9 | 21.2 | 25.8 | 28.5 | 30.1 | 29.6 | 24.6 | 19.1 | 13.2 | 7.8 | 19.3 | | Avg High °F | 44.8 | 50.0 | 58.8 | 70.2 | 78.4 | 83.3 | 86.2 | 85.3 | 76.3 | 66.4 | 55.8 | 46.0 | 66.8 | | Daily Mean °C | 2.8 | 5.5 | 9.8 | 15.5 | 20.1 | 23.6 | 25.6 | 25.0 | 20.4 | 15.0 | 8.9 | 3.8 | 14.7 | | Daily Mean °F | 37.0 | 41.9 | 49.6 | 59.9 | 68.2 | 74.5 | 78.1 | 77.0 | 68.7 | 59.0 | 48.0 | 38.8 | 58.4 | | Avg Low °C | -0.2 | 2.2 | 6.0 | 11.1 | 15.7 | 19.7 | 22.1 | 21.5 | 17.4 | 12.2 | 6.0 | 0.9 | 11.2 | | Avg Low °F | 31.6 | 36.0 | 42.8 | 52.0 | 60.3 | 67.5 | 71.8 | 70.7 | 63.3 | 54.0 | 42.8 | 33.6 | 52.2 | | Record low °C | -10.1 | -8.4 | -4.8 | -1.1 | 5.7 | 10.0 | 15.1 | 14.1 | 7.9 | -1.3 | -3.9 | -10.0 | -10.1 | | Record low °F | 13.8 | 16.9 | 23.4 | 30.0 | 42.3 | 50.0 | 59.2 | 57.4 | 46.2 | 29.7 | 25.0 | 14.0 | 13.8 | | Average precipitation mm | 7.4 | 12.0 | 27.5 | 50.2 | 88.7 | 95.0 | 163.0 | 138.8 | 141.4 | 73.2 | 31.0 | 9.7 | 837.9 | | Average precipitation inches | 0.29 | 0.47 | 1.08 | 1.98 | 3.49 | 3.74 | 6.42 | 5.46 | 5.57 | 2.88 | 1.22 | 0.38 | 32.98 | | Average precipitation days | 5.2 | 5.5 | 9.1 | 10.5 | 11.7 | 12.5 | 13.8 | 11.1 | 13.1 | 12.4 | 8.0 | 5.0 | 117.9 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 80 | 75 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 76 | 80 | 80 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 83 | 79 | | Mean monthly sunshine hours | 87.7 | 86.1 | 105.6 | 153.7 | 174.3 | 177.2 | 193.5 | 204.2 | 122.0 | 100.9 | 82.5 | 81.5 | 1,569.2 | | Percent possible sunshine | 28 | 28 | 29 | 40 | 41 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 33 | 29 | 26 | 26 | 35 |

3.3.2 Humidity

The distribution pattern of the annual average relative humidity across the entire Hanzhong region generally shows higher levels in the south and lower in the north. In the Han River plain and the Bashan mountainous area, it ranges from 70% to 80%; in the Qinling mountainous area, it is around 73%. Throughout the year, humidity is relatively lower in winter and spring, and higher in summer and autumn. September and October have the highest humidity of the year, both ranging from 80% to 86%. During the winter months (December, January, and February), humidity in the Han River plain and Bashan mountainous area is between 75% and 80%, while in the Qinling mountainous area, it ranges from 58% to 66%.

3.2.3 Wind

The annual average wind speed in the region ranges between 1 and 2.5 meters per second. Strong wind days are rare, with an average of less than 2 days per year, though surrounding suburban counties may differ.

3.4 Biology

Flora: The Qinba mountainous area contains extensive primary forests with diverse vegetation types. As of October 1995, 2,942 plant species have been discovered within the Hanzhong region, belonging to seed plants, ferns, mosses, lichens, fungi, and algae, totaling 7 phyla, 282 families, and 1,160 genera. Among these, seed plants alone comprise 166 families, 958 genera, and 2,564 species, accounting for 57% of the national families (166/291), 32.6% of the genera (958/2940), and 10.6% of the species (2,564/24,300) in China.

Fauna: The Hanzhong region is located at the convergence of the Palearctic and Oriental zoogeographical realms, hosting a rich composition of animal populations from both northern and southern species. Rare animals inhabiting the area include the giant panda, crested ibis, golden snub-nosed monkey, takin, and Chinese giant salamander.

Wild vertebrates in the Hanzhong region include: 335 bird species, belonging to 17 orders and 51 families, of which 155 are resident birds, 91 are summer migrants, 28 are winter migrants, and 61 are passage migrants; 137 mammal species, belonging to 7 orders and 27 families; 24 amphibian species, belonging to 2 orders and 7 families; 37 reptile species, belonging to 3 orders and 9 families; and 109 fish species, belonging to 6 orders and 15 families.

4. Administrative Divisions

Hanzhong City administers 2 municipal districts and 9 counties.

• Municipal Districts: Hantai District, Nanzheng District
• Counties: Chenggu County, Yang County, Xixiang County, Mian County, Ningqiang County, Lueyang County, Zhenba County, Liuba County, Foping County | Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | |-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|----------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------| | 610700 | Hanzhong City | Hànzhōng Shi | 27,096.43 | 3,211,462 | Hantai District | 723000 | 25 | 152 | | 610702 | Hantai District | Hàntái Qū | 549.07 | 618,204 | Zhongshan Street Subdistrict | 723000 | 8 | 7 | | 610703 | Nanzheng District | Nánzhèng Qū | 2,809.04 | 466,244 | Hanshan Subdistrict | 723100 | 2 | 20 | | 610722 | Chenggu County | Chénggù Xiàn | 2,213.37 | 442,035 | Bowang Subdistrict | 723200 | 2 | 15 | | 610723 | Yang County | Yáng Xiàn | 3,195.81 | 345,354 | Yangzhou Subdistrict | 723300 | 3 | 15 | | 610724 | Xixiang County | Xīxiāng Xiàn | 3,253.19 | 321,535 | Chengbei Subdistrict | 723500 | 2 | 15 | | 610725 | Mian County | Miǎn Xiàn | 2,386.34 | 344,935 | Mianyang Subdistrict | 724200 | 1 | 17 | | 610726 | Ningqiang County | Níngqiáng Xiàn | 3,260.31 | 256,373 | Hanyuan Subdistrict | 724400 | 2 | 16 | | 610727 | Lueyang County | Lüèyáng Xiàn | 2,822.90 | 143,989 | Xingzhou Subdistrict | 724300 | 2 | 15 | | 610728 | Zhenba County | Zhènbā Xiàn | 3,382.79 | 210,871 | Jingyang Subdistrict | 723600 | 1 | 19 | | 610729 | Liuba County | Liúbà Xiàn | 1,956.77 | 35,325 | Zibai Subdistrict | 724100 | 1 | 7 | | 610730 | Foping County | Fópíng Xiàn | 1,266.84 | 26,597 | Yuanjiazhuang Subdistrict | 723400 | 1 | 6 |

5. Economy

5.1 Industry

Large-scale industries in the region have evolved from the national defense industry. The aircraft industry is also a significant component of Hanzhong's industrial economic growth. Shaanxi Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. (abbreviated as Shanfei Group), a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, is a large state-owned military enterprise approved by the state in 1969 to be the sole entity in China dedicated to the research, development, and production of large and medium-sized civilian transport aircraft. It currently has total assets of 30 billion yuan and nearly ten thousand employees. Shaanxi Aircraft Industry (Group) Co., Ltd. (formerly the 012 Base under the Third Ministry of Machine Building Industry) is located in the region and serves as a large transport aircraft manufacturing base. In 2009, the State Council of China officially approved the implementation of the major national project for large aircraft. Hanzhong's Shanfei Group, alongside Harbin's Hafei Group, Xi'an's Xifei Group, Shenyang's Shenfei Group, and Chengdu's Chengfei Group, became one of the five main manufacturers for the "large aircraft" project, primarily responsible for developing subcontracting production capacity for "large aircraft" components. Additionally, the 405 Factory under the China National Nuclear Corporation is also located in the region, engaged in uranium enrichment production.

Non-ferrous metallurgy is a crucial supporting force for Hanzhong's industrial economic growth. In 2005, Hanzhong's non-ferrous metallurgy industry developed to include 49 enterprises, accounting for 20.4% of heavy industrial enterprises above a designated size. Among these, there were 31 mining enterprises and 18 smelting and processing enterprises, accounting for 12.9% and 7.5% of heavy industrial enterprises above a designated size, respectively. The non-ferrous metallurgy industry achieved an industrial output value of 5.178 billion yuan, accounting for 31.2% of the total industrial output value of heavy industrial enterprises above a designated size; it achieved main business revenue of 4.402 billion yuan, accounting for 30.9% of the total main business revenue of heavy industrial enterprises above a designated size; and it achieved profits and taxes of 152 million yuan, accounting for 14.7% of the total profits and taxes of heavy industrial enterprises above a designated size. In 2009, Hanzhong's steel enterprises underwent formal restructuring. The Hanzhong State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, Hanzhong Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd., and Shaanxi Lueyang Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. each contributed 200 million yuan to register and establish Hanzhong Iron and Steel (Group) Co., Ltd., and the Hanzhong Iron and Steel Group Management Committee was established to oversee the restructuring work.

5.2 Agriculture

Due to geographical constraints, the degree of agricultural mechanization in the region is relatively low. The crops are primarily those suited to the subtropical regions of southern China, including rice, wheat, and corn. The cultivation of fungi and medicinal herbs is a distinctive feature, supplemented by some fruit cultivation. Hanzhong City has a cultivable area of 200,900 hectares, with non-agricultural population accounting for 80% of the city's total population. In 2006, the total output value of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery created by farmers reached 9.479 billion yuan. The total grain output was 1.1689 million tons, oil crops 145,000 tons, vegetables 1.2066 million tons, fruits 192,900 tons, tea 7,450 tons, and medicinal herbs 100,600 tons.

Hanzhong's cherry production area has developed to cover 3 square kilometers, making it one of China's three major cherry producing areas, with Cherry Valley as the main production base. The primary cherry variety is the Chinese sour cherry. Cherry Valley has a contiguous planting area of 12,300 mu for cherries, with an annual output of over 3,600 tons, generating agricultural annual income of more than 9.6 million yuan. In 2008, Cherry Valley attracted 410,000 tourists, achieving comprehensive tourism revenue of 24.948 million yuan.

Hanzhong City is also the most suitable area for tea cultivation in China's northern tea region. It has a long history of tea cultivation, beginning in the Warring States period, flourishing during the Qin and Han dynasties, thriving in the Tang and Song dynasties, and prospering during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has historically been an important tea supply source for the tea-horse trade. Since 2000, Hanzhong's tea industry has seen significant development and results. The area of tea plantations increased from 130,600 mu in 1987 to over 600,000 mu in 2008, a 4.2-fold increase. Output rose from 2,992 tons to 8,367 tons, a 2.8-fold increase. The output value reached 480 million yuan, making it one of Hanzhong's four leading industries. In 2009, Hanzhong City integrated more than 20 tea brands from eight tea-producing counties under the unified brand "Hanzhong Xianhao" and hosted the "2009 China · Hanzhong Tea Festival and Cherry Festival" in Hanzhong.

5.3 Tourism

Hanzhong City is situated along the Han River, boasting beautiful scenery on both banks of the river, numerous cultural relics and scenic spots, and a relatively developed tourism industry.

Since 2010, Hanzhong City has annually held the "China's Most Beautiful Rape Flower Sea Hanzhong Tourism and Culture Festival." Locally, there is Tianhan Changjie.

5.4 Commerce

• Infrastructure was relatively poor. Later, the municipal government increased efforts in constructing the Hantai District and improved inter-county roads, leading to significant overall changes. The urbanization level in other counties and districts is not high and still requires continued development.
• There are many hotels available for tourism accommodation. Four-star hotels include the Jinhong Grand Hotel, Postal Grand Hotel, and Hongye Grand Hotel. Three-star hotels include the Tianyuan Hotel and Shishi Hotel, among others.
• The taxi and bus systems are relatively convenient in Hantai District. Taxis, buses, and three-wheeled motorcycles are also available in other counties and districts.
• Shopping malls in Hantai District include Wuyue Plaza, Century Sunshine, Xingguang Department Store, and Wanbang Times Square. Large supermarkets include Jingzhong Jiale Shopping Plaza and China Resources Vanguard Supermarket. The main small commodities commercial street is on North Street, and wholesale businesses are concentrated at the Yunda Wholesale Market on Huqiao Road.

6. Transportation

6.1 Ancient Transportation

The ancient plank roads were located in the Hanzhong Basin between the Qinling and Bashan Mountains. Later, people referred to the ancient roads that crossed the Qinling and Bashan Mountains, connecting Xi'an, Hanzhong, Guangyuan, and Chengdu, as the "Shu Roads."

Dating back approximately 3,500 years, the "Micang Ancient Road" was opened during the late Xia and early Shang dynasties by the Ba people of the Shang dynasty vassal state "Fang" (also known as "Bafang"). Starting from present-day Bazhong in the ancient Ba Kingdom, it crossed the Micang Mountains northward to the ancient Liangzhou in Shaanxi and extended to Hanzhong. Known as the "Baling Road," it was the only passage between Sichuan and Shaanxi before the opening of the Stone Cattle Road and is considered the earliest national road in ancient China.

During the Han dynasty, the plank roads from Hanzhong to Guanzhong included the Gudao, Baoxie Road, Luo Road, and Ziwu Road. The roads from Hanzhong to Sichuan included the Jinniu Road and Micang Road, while the road from Hanzhong to Gansu was the Baishui Road. In total, there were six plank roads, among which the Baoxie Road, constructed during the mid-Western Han dynasty, was the most famous. It ran from the Bao River Valley (near present-day Hanzhong, Shaanxi) to the Xie River Valley (within present-day Mei County, Shaanxi).

6.2 Modern Transportation

After 1931, Zhao Zukang, Deputy Director of the Highway Department under the National Economic Construction Commission of the Nationalist Government, was gradually promoted to Deputy Director of the Highway Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation. After the outbreak of the Chinese War of Resistance Against Japan, Zhao Zukang oversaw the emergency repair of multiple military roads, including the Xilan Highway (Xi'an to Lanzhou), and immediately afterward, the construction of the Xihan Highway (Xi'an to Hanzhong).

• Railways: Baoji–Chengdu Railway, Yangpingguan–Ankang Railway, Xi'an–Chengdu High-Speed Railway
• Highways: National Highway 108, National Highway 316, National Highway 210, G5 Xihan Expressway (Xi'an–Hanzhong, opened on September 30, 2007), G7011 Shiyan–Tianshui Expressway, G85 Baoji–Hanzhong Expressway
• Aviation: Hanzhong Chenggu Airport (a regional airport), with routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and Urumqi.

7. Education

7.1 Higher Education

• Shaanxi University of Technology (Formed in 2002 by the merger of the former "Hanzhong Normal College" and "Shaanxi Institute of Technology," now consisting of the North and South Campuses.)
• Hanzhong Vocational and Technical College (A vocational college formed by the merger of the former "Hanzhong Education College," "Hanzhong Agricultural School," "Hanzhong Health School," "Hanzhong Normal School," and "Hanzhong Finance and Economics School.")
• Shaanxi Aviation Vocational and Technical College (A vocational college, formerly known as Southern Shaanxi Aviation Staff University. Its predecessor was the O12 Base Engineering College, established in June 1982. In 1989, with the approval of the former Ministry of Aviation Industry and registration by the Ministry of Education, it was renamed Southern Shaanxi Aviation Staff University. In April 2003, with the approval of the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government and registration by the Ministry of Education, it was restructured into Shaanxi Aviation Vocational and Technical College.)

7.2 Secondary Education

• Hanzhong High School (Historically, the Hannan Academy was established during the Qianlong era as an official school in southern Shaanxi. Today's Hanzhong High School is built on the original site. Additionally, there is a newly built Southern Shaanxi Academy, which is unrelated to the former.)
• Hanzhong Longgang School (A modern, boarding school integrating primary, junior high, and senior high education, self-proclaimed as a "high-quality brand school." It was built with an investment of 276 million RMB by Shaanxi Yiyuan Group, supported by the Hanzhong Municipal Education Bureau and the Nanzheng County People's Government. It is located in the southern urban area of Hanzhong, known as the "One River, Two Banks" district.)

8. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 3,211,462. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census, the population decreased by 204,734 over the past ten years, a decline of 5.99%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.6%. Among them, the male population was 1,619,717, accounting for 50.4%; the female population was 1,591,745, accounting for 49.6%. The sex ratio of the permanent resident population (with females as 100) was 101.76. The population aged 0–14 was 516,563, accounting for 16.1%; the population aged 15–64 was 2,126,089, accounting for 66.2%; and the population aged 65 and above was 568,810, accounting for 17.7%.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 3,199,148, accounting for 99.62%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 12,314, accounting for 0.38%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population decreased by 202,414, a decline of 5.95%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.04 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities decreased by 2,320, a decline of 15.85%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.04 percentage points.

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9. Culture

9.1 Cultural Relics and Historic Sites

10 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units:

• Baoxie Road Shimen and Its Cliff Carvings (Baoxie Road is one of the plank roads leading into Shu, partially submerged underwater due to the construction of the Baohe Reservoir, now preserved through renovation. The cliff carvings are housed in the Hanzhong Museum)
• Wuhou Tomb
• Longgang Temple Site
• Lijia Village Site
• Zhang Qian Tomb
• Cai Lun Tomb and Temple
• Kaiming Temple Pagoda
• Wumen Weir
• Zhang Liang Temple (not directly related to Zhang Liang, located in Liuba County, built during the Qing Dynasty)
• Lingyan Temple Cliff Carvings
• Hejiawan Site, Baoshan Site
• Ningqiang Qiang People Cemetery
• Hanzhong East Pagoda
• Liangma Temple Juehuang Hall
• Zhiguo Temple
• Mian County Wuhou Temple
• Qingmuchuan Old Street Architectural Complex
• Qingmuchuan Wei Family Manor

Local Sites and Historic Relics:

• Ancient City Wall Site (renovated, located at the intersection of Minzhu Street and Xihuan Road)
• Ming Dynasty Ruirui Palace Site (remains in Children's Park and the screen wall on Sanpu Street)
• Worship Platform (traditionally believed to be where Liu Bang appointed Han Xin as general)
• Hutou Bridge Site
• Yinma Pool
• Wuhou Temple (located in Mian County)
• Ancient Battlefield of Dingjun Mountain (located in Mian County)

10. Sister Cities

• Izumo City, Japan
• Turnhout City, Belgium

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Hantai District

Hantai District

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Han Gui

Lotus in drought