Fangchenggang (防城港)

1. Introduction

Fangchenggang City (Fangcheng dialect of Yue Chinese: fong4 sing4 gong2 si2; Hakka: fong2 sang2 gong3 si5; Zhuang: Fangzcwngzgangj), abbreviated as Fang, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, located in southern Guangxi. The city borders the Beibu Gulf to the south, Qinzhou City to the east, Nanning City to the north, Chongzuo City to the west, and shares a southwestern border with Vietnam. Situated between the Shiwandashan Mountain area and the Southern Guangxi hilly region, the Fangcheng River flows through the territory, and the Beilun River runs along the China-Vietnam border. The Dongxing Port is a major border crossing between China and Vietnam, and Fangchenggang Port is one of China's 19 hub ports. The Municipal People's Government is located on Yingbin Street, Gangkou District.

Fangchenggang City is located at the westernmost end of the Chinese mainland coastline and on the northern shore of the Beibu Gulf, with its southwestern part bordering the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It is an emerging coastal and border open city, home to 336,000 overseas Chinese (including compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), making it the second-largest hometown of overseas Chinese in Guangxi. It is hailed as the "Southwestern Gateway, Borderland Pearl." The annual number of people entering and exiting through the Dongxing Port exceeds 4 million, making it the largest land border crossing in China.

Fangchenggang City is rich in natural resources, with a forest coverage rate of 57.81% and a greening coverage rate of 33.3% in its built-up areas. It is home to large areas of Camellia nitidissima, a nationally protected rare tree species known as the "giant panda" of the plant kingdom and the "queen of the tea family." It is the largest Camellia nitidissima base in China. The city also produces abundant cinnamon and star anise, making it one of the country's three major spice bases. Additionally, renowned local specialties include lychee, longan, pineapple, jackfruit, guava, dragon fruit, pearls, sandworms, squid, flower crabs, prawns, oysters, and fish sauce.

Fangchenggang City has four national Class I ports—Qisha Port, Fangchenggang Port, Jiangshan Port, and Dongxing Port—and one national Class II port, Dongzhong Port. It also hosts the Dongxing National Border Economic Cooperation Zone and the Dongxing National Key Development and Opening-up Pilot Zone.

Fangchenggang City boasts abundant tourism resources, including three national nature reserves: Fangcheng Camellia nitidissima, Beilun Estuary Mangrove, and Shiwandashan; one national forest park: Shiwandashan; one national key cultural relics protection unit: the Bailong Ancient Fortress Group; two national intangible cultural heritages: the Jing Ethnic Ha Festival and the Monochord Zither Playing Art; one national geographical indication protected product: Fangcheng Camellia nitidissima; one national tourism demonstration site: the Shangsi Camellia nitidissima Viewing Garden; and one of China's best natural ecological tourism festivals: the Leshan Ancient Fishing Village Tide-Watching Festival. To date, Shiwandashan National Forest Park, Jingdao Scenic Area, Pingfeng Rainforest Park, Bailang Beach, and Xiwan have been rated as AAAA-level scenic spots; Chen Mansion and the Source of the Beilun River have been rated as AAA-level scenic spots; and Volcano Island and Hundred Birds Paradise have been rated as AA-level scenic spots.

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2. History

Fangchenggang has a long history. As early as the Neolithic Age, the ancestors of Fangcheng were already living and multiplying on this land. During the pre-Qin period, this area belonged to the Baiyue region. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang consolidated the Lingnan area, it was placed under the jurisdiction of Xiang Commandery of the Qin Dynasty. In the Han Dynasty, it was part of Hepu Commandery, and from the Three Kingdoms to the Jin Dynasty, it remained under Hepu Commandery (during the Three Kingdoms period, it was under the jurisdiction of the Wu Kingdom). During the Song and Qi dynasties of the Southern Dynasties, it was part of Songshou County under the jurisdiction of Jiaozhou. During the Liang and Chen dynasties, it was part of Anjing County of Songjing Commandery under the jurisdiction of Anzhou. In the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was under the jurisdiction of Qinzhou. During the Ming Dynasty, the Fangcheng Patrol Office was established, named after the local market town. In 1887 of the Qing Dynasty, Fangcheng County was officially established. In 1912, Fangcheng County was placed under the Qinlian Military Government. In 1920, the Qinlian Circuit Office was abolished, and Fangcheng County was directly administered by the Guangdong Provincial Government.

In 1957, the western part of Fangcheng County was separated to establish the Shiwanshan Zhuang and Yao Autonomous County, which was renamed the Dongxing Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County on May 1, 1958, under the jurisdiction of Guangdong Province. In 1959, Fangcheng County was abolished and merged into the Dongxing Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County. In 1965, the Dongxing Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 1968, to support the transportation of supplies for the Vietnam War, a strategic port was selected for construction on the island, known as the "Guangxi March 22 Project." After the United States withdrew from Vietnam in 1973, Fangchenggang's mission of aiding Vietnam ended. The Regional Party Committee and the Regional Revolutionary Committee seized the opportunity to report promptly and obtained approval from the central government and the State Council to designate Fangchenggang as a foreign trade port for expansion. In October 1973, Guangxi self-funded the construction of seven 10,000-ton berths (later included as a direct construction project of the Ministry of Transport). By 1978, the main project was fully completed, marking the end of Guangxi's history of having no 10,000-ton berth ports. On December 25, 1978, the Dongxing Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County was renamed Fangcheng Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County. In June 1983, after a suspension of over three years due to significant military operations on the southwestern border, the construction of Fangchenggang and the supporting Nanfang Railway resumed. In July 1983, the State Council approved Fangchenggang as a port open to foreign vessels. In 1983, only two 10,000-ton berths were operational, handling over 100,000 tons of cargo throughput in 1984. In March 1985, to facilitate the opening-up, development, construction, and administrative management of Fangchenggang, the Regional Party Committee and government decided to establish the prefecture-level CPC Fangchenggang District Working Committee and Fangchenggang District Management Committee, which were officially inaugurated in May 1985. By the end of 1986, all seven 10,000-ton berths and supporting facilities were fully completed and put into operation. On May 23, 1993, Fangcheng Multi-Ethnic Autonomous County was abolished, and the prefecture-level Fangchenggang City was established.

3. Geography

Fangchenggang City is located between 107°28' to 108°36' east longitude and 20°36' to 22°22' north latitude, situated south of the Tropic of Cancer. It borders Qinzhou City to the east, faces the Beibu Gulf to the south, and its administered county-level city, Dongxing City, shares a border with Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam. To the west, it is bounded by Ningming County; to the north, it adjoins Fusui County; and to the northeast, it connects with the Yongning District of Nanning City. The city has a mainland coastline of 584 kilometers and a border line exceeding 200 kilometers.

3.1 Topography

3.1.1 Rivers

• Fangcheng River
• Beilun River
• Zhupai River

3.2 Climate

Fangchenggang City is situated at a low latitude and belongs to the East Asian subtropical monsoon climate zone. Influenced by the ocean and the Shiwandashan Mountain Range, the city enjoys abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and a pleasant climate.

Meteorological Data for Fangchenggang City from 1981 to 2010

|Month|Jan|Feb|Mar|Apr|May|Jun|Jul|Aug|Sep|Oct|Nov|Dec|Year| |--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--| |Record high °C (°F)|26.3(79.3)|28.1(82.6)|29.8(85.6)|33.0(91.4)|34.5(94.1)|37.4(99.3)|36.5(97.7)|37.4(99.3)|36.9(98.4)|33.6(92.5)|31.2(88.2)|28.1(82.6)|37.4(99.3)| |Average high °C (°F)|17.5(63.5)|18.7(65.7)|21.1(70.0)|25.7(78.3)|29.2(84.6)|30.5(86.9)|31.1(88.0)|31.3(88.3)|30.8(87.4)|28.7(83.7)|24.7(76.5)|20.4(68.7)|25.8(78.5)| |Daily mean °C (°F)|14.3(57.7)|15.7(60.3)|18.2(64.8)|22.8(73.0)|26.3(79.3)|28.1(82.6)|28.6(83.5)|28.3(82.9)|27.4(81.3)|25.0(77.0)|20.9(69.6)|16.8(62.2)|22.7(72.9)| |Average low °C (°F)|12.0(53.6)|13.6(56.5)|16.1(61.0)|20.9(69.6)|24.1(75.4)|25.9(78.6)|26.3(79.3)|25.8(78.4)|24.8(76.6)|22.4(72.3)|18.1(64.6)|14.2(57.6)|20.4(68.6)| |Record low °C (°F)|4.0(39.2)|2.8(37.0)|7.5(45.5)|9.1(48.4)|15.3(59.5)|21.3(70.3)|22.2(72.0)|21.4(70.5)|16.1(61.0)|15.0(59.0)|7.7(45.9)|3.5(38.3)|2.8(37.0)| |Average relative humidity (%)|74|81|84|85|83|86|84|83|78|71|67|67|79|

4. Administrative Divisions

Fangchenggang City administers 2 municipal districts, 1 county, and manages 1 county-level city on behalf of the higher-level government.

Municipal Districts: Gangkou District, Fangcheng District County-level City: Dongxing City County: Shangsi County The People's Government of Fangchenggang City is located on Yingbin Street in Gangkou District. Since its change from a county to a district in 1993, Fangcheng District has continued to enjoy the economic policy treatment of an ethnic autonomous county.

Additionally, Fangchenggang City has established the following economic management zones: Qisha Industrial Zone and Jiangshan Peninsula Tourism Resort.

Information Table of Fangchenggang City and its Subordinate Districts and Counties

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Zhuang Script (Official Transcription) | Cantonese Pinyin | Hakka Pinyin | Area (sq km) | Permanent Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Township-level Administrative Divisions | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 450600 | Fangchenggang City | Fángchénggǎng Shì | Fangzcwngzgangj Si | fong4 sing4 gong2 si2 | fong2 sang2 gong3 si5 | 6,231.97 | 1,046,068 | Gangkou District | 538000 | 7 | 17 | 6 | 2 | | 450602 | Gangkou District | Gǎngkǒu Qū | Gangzgouj Gih | gong2 hau2 ki1 | gong3 heu3 ki1 | 401.02 | 244,280 | Yuzhouping Subdistrict | 538000 | 4 | 2 | | | | 450603 | Fangcheng District | Fángchéng Qū | Fangzcwngz Gih | fong4 sing4 ki1 | fong2 sang2 ki1 | 2,427.12 | 390,961 | Zhuhe Subdistrict | 538020 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 1 | | 450621 | Shangsi County | Shàngsī Xiàn | Sangswyh Yen | soeng4 sli1 jin4 | song1 sli1 ian5 | 2,813.61 | 194,774 | Siyang Town | 535500 | 4 | 4 | 1 | | | 450681 | Dongxing City | Dōngxīng Shì | Dunghhingh Si | dung1 hing1 si2 | dung1 hin1 si5 | 590.22 | 216,053 | Dongxing Town | 538100 | 3 | | | |

5. Economy

5.1 Economic Aggregate and Growth

Fangchenggang's economic aggregate continues to grow. In 2023, the city's GDP exceeded 100 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.4%, with its per capita GDP ranking first in Guangxi. From 2015 to 2020, Fangchenggang's Gross Regional Product (GDP) increased from 73.28 billion yuan to 96.808 billion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 6.5%.

5.2 Industrial Structure

Fangchenggang is dominated by the secondary industry, with particularly rapid industrial development. In 2023, the added value of industries above designated size in the city increased by 13.1% year-on-year, with outputs such as steel and electrolytic aluminum ranking among the top in Guangxi. Furthermore, the port's cargo throughput accounts for over 40% of Guangxi's total, making it one of China's major coastal ports.

5.3 Foreign Trade and Logistics

As an important port city in the Beibu Gulf Economic Zone, Fangchenggang ranks second in the region in terms of total foreign trade import and export volume, and its port cargo throughput ranks high nationally. The logistics industry is also developing rapidly, with the city's total logistics-related revenue reaching approximately 12.4 billion yuan in 2020.

5.4 Infrastructure Development

Fangchenggang has made significant investments in infrastructure, continuously improving its transportation network. For example, the advancement of major projects such as the second phase of the Hongsha Nuclear Power Plant and the New Western Land-Sea Corridor has provided strong support for the city's industrial development.

5.5 Emerging Industries and New Materials

Fangchenggang is actively developing its new materials industry, forming a steel industry cluster led by Shenglong Metallurgy and Guangxi Steel with an output value in the hundreds of billions, and achieving breakthroughs in the field of high-end metal new materials. Additionally, the Fangchenggang Economic and Technological Development Zone has become the first industrial park in Guangxi with an industrial output value above designated size exceeding 200 billion yuan.

5.6 People's Livelihood and Social Development

Fangchenggang has also achieved significant results in ensuring people's livelihoods. In 2023, the per capita disposable income of urban and rural residents reached 42,000 yuan and 18,000 yuan, respectively. Meanwhile, the social security system has been gradually improved, and the unemployment rate has remained at a low level.

6. Transportation

6.1 Highways

• G7511 Qin-Dong Expressway
• S60 Qin-Na Expressway
• National Highway 228
• Fangcheng to Dongxing First-Class Highway
• Shatanjiang to Qisha First-Class Highway
• Gongche to Longmengang First-Class Highway
• Maoling to Qisha First-Class Highway

6.2 Railways

• Nan-Fang Railway
• Fang-Qi Railway
• Qin-Fang Railway
• Fang-Dong Railway

6.3 Ports

In 2014, the city's port cargo throughput reached 115 million tons, an increase of 5%, of which container throughput reached 309,800 TEUs, an increase of 14.6%. In terms of trade mode, foreign trade cargo throughput was 79.8 million tons, an increase of 9.7%; domestic trade cargo throughput was 25.81 million tons, a decrease of 7.3%. In terms of flow direction, imports were 75.92 million tons, an increase of 9.5%; exports were 29.69 million tons, a decrease of 4.9%. In terms of port scale, the Fangcheng Port area handled 69.7 million tons of cargo, accounting for 66% of the city's total throughput, with a growth of 3.1%; small and medium-sized ports handled 35.9 million tons, accounting for 34% of the city's total throughput, with a growth of 8.9%.

7. Education

7.1 Higher Education Institutions

• Fangchenggang Vocational and Technical College (College Diploma)
• Guangxi University of Finance and Economics Fangchenggang Campus (College Diploma, Secondary College)
• Guangxi Radio and Television University Fangchenggang Branch (Adult Higher Education)

7.2 Secondary Schools

• Fangchenggang Polytechnic Vocational School (Secondary Vocational)
• Fangchenggang Beibu Gulf Senior High School (Senior High)
• Fangchenggang Experimental Senior High School (Senior High)
• Fangchenggang Senior High School (Senior High)
• Fangcheng Middle School (Senior High)
• Fangchenggang No. 1 Middle School
• Fangchenggang No. 2 Middle School
• Fangchenggang No. 3 Middle School
• Fangchenggang No. 4 Middle School
• Fangchenggang No. 5 Middle School
• Fangchenggang No. 6 Middle School
• Fangchenggang No. 7 Middle School

8. Population

In 2022, the city's resident population was 1,059,100, an increase of 0.2% over the previous year. The urbanization rate of the resident population was 62.98%, up by 0.44 percentage points from the previous year. According to the 2020 Seventh National Population Census, the city's resident population was 1,046,068[11]. Compared with the 866,927 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 179,141 people over the ten-year period, a growth of 20.66%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.9%. Among them, the male population was 568,426, accounting for 54.34% of the total population; the female population was 477,642, accounting for 45.66% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 119.01. The population aged 0–14 was 251,438, accounting for 24.04% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 646,792, accounting for 61.83% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 147,838, accounting for 14.13% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 104,921, accounting for 10.03% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 643,635, accounting for 61.53% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 402,433, accounting for 38.47% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's resident population, the Han population was 607,412, accounting for 58.07%; the Zhuang population was 355,041, accounting for 33.94%; and the population of other ethnic minorities was 83,615, accounting for 7.99%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population increased by 121,957, a growth of 25.12%, with its share of the total population increasing by 2.07 percentage points; the population of all ethnic minorities increased by 57,184, a growth of 14.99%, with their share of the total population decreasing by 2.07 percentage points. Among them, the Zhuang population increased by 38,725, a growth of 12.24%, with its share of the total population decreasing by 2.55 percentage points; the Yao population increased by 7,572, a growth of 18.72%, with its share of the total population decreasing by 0.07 percentage points; the Jing population increased by 5,127, a growth of 24.59%, with its share of the total population increasing by 0.08 percentage points. | Ethnic Group | Han | Zhuang | Yao | Jing | Dong | Miao | Manchu | Tujia | Li | Mongol | Other Ethnic Groups | |--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--| | Population | 607,412 | 355,041 | 48,011 | 25,973 | 2,235 | 2,003 | 951 | 606 | 568 | 486 | 2,782 | | Percentage of Total Population (%) | 58.07 | 33.94 | 4.59 | 2.48 | 0.21 | 0.19 | 0.09 | 0.06 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.27 | | Percentage of Minority Population (%) | - | 80.94 | 10.95 | 5.92 | 0.51 | 0.46 | 0.22 | 0.14 | 0.13 | 0.11 | 0.63 |

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9. Culture

9.1 Language

Cantonese is widely spoken in the Port Area, Fangcheng District, and Dongxing City. Most Han Chinese speak the Fangcheng dialect of the Qinlian branch of Cantonese, with other variants including Lianzhou dialect, Hai dialect, Hakka Yaya dialect, and Guiping Min (Southern Min). The common public language between the Han and ethnic minorities is the Qinlian branch of Cantonese. Many people speak their native ethnic language at home and Cantonese when going out, with locals often fluent in three or four languages. The Gin people, whose ancestors came from Vietnam, mostly speak Jing (Vietnamese), and their dialect can also facilitate communication with the Gin people in Vietnam.

9.2 City Honors

• Fangchenggang City: Hometown of Chinese Egrets, 2009 China Urban Scientific Development Urbanization Quality Demonstration City, 2010 China Urban Scientific Development Economic Transformation Model City, National Double Support Model City, City of Chinese Poetry
• Port Area: China Coastal Open City, China Green Ecological Fruit and Vegetable Demonstration Zone
• Fangcheng District: China Coastal Open Zone, Hometown of Chinese Star Anise, Hometown of Chinese Cinnamon, Hometown of Chinese Golden Camellia, 2013 China's Best Ecological Livable Tourism Famous District
• Dongxing City: China Border Open City, Hometown of Chinese Folk Culture and Art, Hometown of Chinese Longevity
• Shangsi County: China Oxygen Capital, Hometown of Chinese Poetry

9.3 National-Level Development Zones and Reserves

• Dongxing Key Development and Opening Pilot Zone (Prefecture-level)
• Dongxing Border Economic Cooperation Zone
• Fangcheng Golden Camellia Nature Reserve
• Beilun Estuary Mangrove Nature Reserve
• Shiwandashan Nature Reserve
• Shiwandashan Forest Park

9.4 Autonomous Region-Level Development Zones

• Jiangshan Peninsula Tourism Resort (Department-level)
• Qisha Industrial Zone (Department-level)
• Great Southwest Port Industrial Zone

9.5 Tourism

• Beibu Gulf Marine Culture Park
• Egret Park
• Shatanjiang Wetland Park
• Fubo Culture Park
• Peach Blossom Lake
• Xibay Urban Beach
• Xianren Mountain Park
• Longma Pearl Scenic Area
• Tanpeng Ancient Canal
• Bailang Beach (4A)
• Guai Shi Tan (Strange Stone Beach)
• Bailong Ancient Fort
• Shijiao Mangrove
• Leshan Ancient Fishing Village
• Paradise Beach
• Volcano Island (2A)
• Yuluyuan (Fish and Egret Garden)
• Golden Beach (4A)
• No.1 Boundary Monument of the Great Qing Empire
• Dongxing Port
• China-Vietnam Friendship Park
• Pingfeng Rainforest Park (4A)
• Jiulongtan Rafting
• Beilun River Source Rafting
• Yeren Valley Rafting
• Yaoshan Grand Canyon Rafting
• Chonghuanggou Rafting
• Shiwandashan National Forest Park (4A)

9.6 Cuisine

• Ye

11. Sister Cities

11.1 Domestic

• Pengzhou City, Sichuan Province
• Fushun City, Liaoning Province
• Qujing City, Yunnan Province
• Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province
• Zhanjiang City, Guangdong Province
• Qiannan Prefecture, Guizhou Province

11.2 International

• Yeongdong County, South Korea
• Ha Long City, Vietnam

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10.名人

• 刘永福 （清末民初名将）

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Port District

Fangcheng District

Among the city's permanent residents, the Han population is 607,412, accounting for 58.07%; the Zhuang population is 355,041, accounting for 33.94%; and other ethnic minorities total 83,615, accounting for 7.99%.

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Golden Camellia