Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture (临夏回族自治州)

1. Introduction

Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, abbreviated as Linxia Prefecture, historically known as Fuhan and Hezhou, is an autonomous prefecture under the jurisdiction of Gansu Province, People's Republic of China. It is located in the central part of Gansu Province, in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. The prefecture borders Lanzhou City to the north, Dingxi City to the east, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to the south, and Haidong City of Qinghai Province to the west. Situated at the junction of the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, its terrain is mostly mountainous and hilly, with elevations decreasing from southwest to northeast. The Yellow River, Tao River, Daxia River, and Guangtong River flow through the region. The total area of the prefecture is 7,331 square kilometers, with a population of 2.0121 million. The Han ethnic group accounts for approximately 40% of the population, while the Hui ethnic group makes up about 32%. The prefectural government is located in Linxia City. The capital, Linxia City, was a key town on the ancient Silk Road and the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road, and one of the four major Tea-Horse Trade Offices during the Ming Dynasty, earning it the title "Mighty Town of Hehuang."

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2. History

During the Qin Dynasty, Fuhan County was established under Longxi Commandery, with its seat located at Shuangcheng in today's Hanji Town, Linxia County. In the sixth year of the Shiyuan era (81 BCE) of the Western Han Dynasty, it was transferred to Jincheng Commandery. In the twelfth year of the Jianwu era (36 CE) of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Jincheng Commandery was abolished, and Fuhan County was returned to Longxi Commandery. In the second year of the Taikang era (281 CE) of the Western Jin Dynasty, Fuhan County was abolished and the Fuhan Garrison was established. During the Yongjia period, Fuhan County belonged to Jinxing Commandery. In the twenty-first year of the Taiyuan era (344 CE) of the Former Liang during the Sixteen Kingdoms period, Hezhou was newly established from Liangzhou, with both the prefecture and commandery seats at Fuhan. The area was later ruled successively by Former Qin, Western Qin, Later Qin, Western Xia, Northern Wei, Western Wei, and Northern Zhou.

In the third year of the Kaihuang era (583 CE) of the Sui Dynasty, Fuhan County was abolished and merged into Hezhou. In the third year of the Daye era (607 CE), Hezhou was renamed Fuhan Commandery. In the first year of the Wude era (618 CE) of the Tang Dynasty, Fuhan County was re-established as the seat of Hezhou. In the first year of the Tianbao era (742 CE), Hezhou was renamed Anxiang Commandery. In the first year of the Baoying era (762 CE), Anxiang Commandery was occupied by the Tibetan Empire.

In the sixth year of the Xining era (1073 CE) of the Northern Song Dynasty, General Wang Shao recaptured Hezhou and re-established Fuhan County under the Xihé Circuit. In the ninth year of the Xining era (1076 CE), Fuhan County was abolished and merged into Anxiang County. In the ninth year of the Tianhui era (1131 CE) of the Jin Dynasty, Hezhou was captured by the Jin. In the second year of the Huangtong era (1142 CE), the prefectural seat was moved to Fuhan City. In the second year of the Zhenyuan era (1154 CE), Fuhan County was re-established as the seat of Hezhou. In the twenty-seventh year of the Dading era (1187 CE), Fuhan County was transferred to the Lintao Circuit. In the twenty-first year of Genghis Khan (1227 CE), the Mongol army captured Hezhou. In the sixth year of the Zhiyuan era (1269 CE) of the Yuan Dynasty, Fuhan County was abolished and merged into Anxiang County. In the fourth year of the Hongwu era (1371 CE) of the Ming Dynasty, the Hezhou Guard was established.

In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), it was reorganized as Daohe County under the Lanshan Circuit. In 1927, the circuit system was abolished and replaced by districts, placing it under the Lanshan District. In 1928, Ma Zhongying's rebellion triggered the Fourth Hehuang Incident. In the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929), it was renamed Linxia County. In the 33rd year of the Republic of China (1944), it was placed under the Linxia Administrative Inspectorate of Gansu Province, which still administered six counties: Linxia, Lintao, Ningding, Hezheng, Yongjing, and Xiahe. In May 1936, the Linxia Administrative Inspectorate was renamed the Fifth District Administrative Inspectorate of Gansu Province, and Lintao County was transferred to the First Administrative Inspectorate District. In April 1939, Xiahe County was transferred to the First Administrative Inspectorate District. In 1940, the Kangle Administrative Bureau was upgraded to Kangle County.

In August 1949, the People's Government of the Shaan-Gan-Ning Border Region issued Order No. 120, establishing the Linxia Administrative Inspectorate, which administered eight counties: Linxia, Lintao, Taosha (seat at today's Taishi Town, Lintao County), Ningding (seat at today's Chengguan Town, Guanghe County), Hezheng, Kangle, Yongjing, and Xiahe. In late August 1949, the First Corps of the First Field Army of the People's Liberation Army liberated the Linxia area. In early September 1949, the Taoxi Administrative Inspectorate was established in Linxia County, administering the aforementioned eight counties. In late September 1949, the Taoxi Special District was renamed the Linxia Special District; Lintao County was transferred to the newly established Lintao Special District.

In May 1950, Taosha County was transferred to the Lintao Special District, and Xiahe County was placed under direct provincial administration; Lintan County from the Minxian Sub-district was transferred to the Linxia Sub-district. The Dongxiang Autonomous Region (county-level) was established from the Dongxiang area of Linxia County and parts of Yongjing, Hezheng, and Ningding counties. In June 1950, the urban area of Linxia County was separated to establish Linxia City (county-level), and Linxia County's seat was moved from the urban area to Hanjiaji. In September 1950, the Linxia Administrative Inspectorate was renamed the Linxia Sub-district Commissioner's Office.

In 1953, Linxia City was placed under direct provincial administration; Ningding County was reorganized as Guangtong Hui Autonomous Region (county-level); Lintan County was transferred to the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Region; in October, the Dongxiang Autonomous Region was renamed the Dongxiang Ethnic Autonomous Region.

In July 1955, the Dongxiang Ethnic Autonomous Region was renamed Dongxiang Autonomous County; the Guangtong Hui Autonomous Region was renamed Guangtong Hui Autonomous County. In November 1956, the Linxia Special District was abolished and the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture was established. It administered Linxia City and four counties—Linxia, Hezheng, Yongjing, and Kangle—as well as Dongxiang Autonomous County and Guangtong Hui Autonomous County. Soon after, Guangtong Hui Autonomous County was renamed Guangtong County.

In 1957, Guangtong County was renamed Guanghe County. In 1958, Yongjing and Linxia counties were merged into Linxia City; Guanghe and Kangle counties were merged into Hezheng County, but were restored in 1961. In December 1973, Gansu Province reported to the State Council: Linxia City was abolished and merged into Linxia County, and Linxia County's seat was moved from Hanjiaji to Chengguan Town (today's urban area of Linxia City). In June 1980, the State Council approved: the northwestern part of Linxia County was separated to establish the Jishishan Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County. In August 1983, the State Council approved: the restoration of Linxia City (county-level), with the administrative region comprising Chengguan Town and the Chengguan, Nanlong, Zheqiao, and Fuhan communes of Linxia County. Linxia County's seat was moved back to Hanjiaji (for the third time).

3. Geography

Linxia Prefecture is located in central Gansu Province, south of the provincial capital Lanzhou. It borders Qinghai Province to the west, the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to the south, and Dingxi City to the east. The terrain is predominantly plateau, mountainous, and hilly, with an average elevation above 2,000 meters. The Yellow River flows through the northwest, forming the Liujiaxia Reservoir before reaching Liujia Gorge in Yongjing County. Major tributaries of the Yellow River—the Daxia River and the Tao River—flow from the adjacent Gannan Prefecture into the Liujiaxia Reservoir. The Tao River also forms part of the boundary between Linxia Prefecture and Dingxi City. The region has a temperate semi-arid climate, with an annual average temperature of 8°C, a frost-free period of 155 days, and an average annual precipitation of only 442 mm.

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |--------------------------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----------| | Average high °C | 1.7 | 4.9 | 10.2 | 16.7 | 20.7 | 23.5 | 25.8 | 24.8 | 19.9 | 14.4 | 8.7 | 3.2 | 14.5 | | Average high °F | 35.1 | 40.8 | 50.4 | 62.1 | 69.3 | 74.3 | 78.4 | 76.6 | 67.8 | 57.9 | 47.7 | 37.8 | 58.2 | | Daily mean °C | −6.3 | −2.5 | 3.1 | 9.2 | 13.6 | 16.6 | 18.6 | 17.8 | 13.4 | 7.5 | 1.1 | −4.6 | 7.3 | | Daily mean °F | 20.7 | 27.5 | 37.6 | 48.6 | 56.5 | 61.9 | 65.5 | 64.0 | 56.1 | 45.5 | 34.0 | 23.7 | 45.1 | | Average low °C | −12.0 | −8.0 | −2.2 | 3.0 | 7.3 | 10.4 | 12.6 | 12.3 | 8.8 | 2.8 | −3.8 | −10.0 | 1.8 | | Average low °F | 10.4 | 17.6 | 28.0 | 37.4 | 45.1 | 50.7 | 54.7 | 54.1 | 47.8 | 37.0 | 25.2 | 14.0 | 35.2 | | Avg. precipitation mm | 3.6 | 5.3 | 16.8 | 32.4 | 61.0 | 72.1 | 92.8 | 101.2 | 72.2 | 37.7 | 4.1 | 2.0 | 501.2 | | Avg. precipitationinches | 0.14 | 0.21 | 0.66 | 1.28 | 2.40 | 2.84 | 3.65 | 3.98 | 2.84 | 1.48 | 0.16 | 0.08 | 19.72 | | Avg. relative humidity (%) | 59 | 57 | 59 | 57 | 63 | 70 | 74 | 75 | 79 | 78 | 69 | 63 | 67 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture administers 1 county-level city, 5 counties, and 2 autonomous counties.

County-level City: Linxia City (Prefectural Capital) Counties: Linxia County, Kangle County, Yongjing County, Guanghe County, Hezheng County Autonomous Counties: Dongxiang Autonomous County, Jishishan Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County

Administrative Divisions Map of Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Including: Ethnic Townships | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 622900 | Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture | Línxià Huízú Zìzhìzhōu | 7,331.48 | 2,109,750 | Linxia City | 731100 | 7 | 58 | 65 | 4 | | 622901 | Linxia City | Línxià Shì | 90.68 | 355,968 | Chengnan Subdistrict | 731100 | 7 | 4 | | | | 622921 | Linxia County | Línxià Xiàn | 1,026.20 | 322,628 | Hanji Town | 731800 | | 9 | 16 | 2 | | 622922 | Kangle County | Kānglè Xiàn | 766.39 | 255,955 | Fucheng Town | 731500 | | 5 | 10 | | | 622923 | Yongjing County | Yǒngjìng Xiàn | 1,901.05 | 180,650 | Liujiaxia Town | 731600 | | 10 | 7 | | | 622924 | Guanghe County | Guǎnghé Xiàn | 537.74 | 260,596 | Chengguan Town | 731300 | | 6 | 3 | 1 | | 622925 | Hezheng County | Hézhèng Xiàn | 599.65 | 204,529 | Chengguan Town | 731200 | | 9 | 4 | 1 | | 622926 | Dongxiang Autonomous County | Dōngxiāngzú Zìzhìxiàn | 1,507.37 | 290,034 | Suonan Town | 731400 | | 8 | 15 | | | 622927 | Jishishan Bonan-Dongxiang-Salar Autonomous County | Jīshíshān Bǎo'ānzú Dōngxiāngzú Sālāzú Zìzhìxiàn | 902.38 | 239,390 | Chuimatan Town | 731700 | | 7 | 10 | |

5. Economy

Linxia Prefecture is one of the relatively poorest regions in China. Except for the capital city of Linxia, all other counties in the prefecture are designated as national-level poverty-stricken counties. In 2010, the per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of the entire prefecture was 5,441 yuan, approximately 804 U.S. dollars, while Dongxiang Autonomous County recorded only 2,785 yuan, equivalent to 411 U.S. dollars.

In 2015, the prefecture's GDP reached 21.141 billion yuan, representing a growth of 9.0% compared to the previous year. Specifically, the added value of the primary industry was 3.614 billion yuan, up by 5.9% year-on-year; the secondary industry added 4.483 billion yuan, an increase of 11.1%; and the tertiary industry contributed 13.044 billion yuan, growing by 8.9%.

• The Liujiaxia Hydropower Station is located on the main stream of the Yellow River in Yongjing County. It was the first large-scale hydropower station in Asia with a capacity of one million kilowatts at the time. Construction began in September 1958 and was completed in December 1974. Former General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of China, Hu Jintao, along with his wife Liu Yongqing, personally participated in the construction of the Liujiaxia Hydropower Station.

6. Transportation

National Highway 213 runs north-south through Yongjing County, Dongxiang Autonomous County, Linxia City, and Linxia County. The Lanqing Railway passes through Yongjing County in the northern part of the prefecture. The S2 Lanlang Expressway traverses Guanghe County, Hezheng County, Linxia County, and Linxia City. Additionally, the prefecture includes the G1816 Wuma Expressway, the Linta Expressway, and the S34 Shuangda Expressway.

7. Education

• Linxia Modern Vocational College
• Linxia Middle School of Gansu Province

8. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the permanent resident population of the entire prefecture was 2,109,750. Compared with the 1,946,677 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 163,073 people over the ten-year period, representing a growth rate of 8.38% and an average annual growth rate of 0.81%. Among them, the male population was 1,056,107, accounting for 50.06% of the total population; the female population was 1,053,643, accounting for 49.94% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 100.23. The population aged 0–14 was 595,321, accounting for 28.22% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 1,228,010, accounting for 58.21% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 286,419, accounting for 13.58% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 213,638, accounting for 10.13% of the total population. The urban population was 775,371, accounting for 36.75% of the total population; the rural population was 1,334,379, accounting for 63.25% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the permanent resident population of the entire prefecture, the Han Chinese population was 791,321, accounting for 37.51%; the combined population of various ethnic minorities was 1,318,429, accounting for 62.49%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han Chinese population increased by 18,449, a growth of 2.39%, but its proportion of the total population decreased by 2.19 percentage points; the combined population of various ethnic minorities increased by 144,624, a growth of 12.32%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 2.19 percentage points. Among them, the Hui population increased by 71,784, a growth of 11.67%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.96 percentage points; the Dongxiang population increased by 62,039, a growth of 12.26%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.93 percentage points; the Bonan population increased by 1,995, a growth of 11.19%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.02 percentage points; the Tu population increased by 3,021, a growth of 21.82%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.09 percentage points; the Salar population increased by 1,817, a growth of 14.44%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.04 percentage points.

Linxia is a place of diverse ethnicities and religions, with the Hui ethnic group accounting for about one-third of the local population. Ethnic groups that practice Islam, including the Hui, Dongxiang, Bonan, and Salar, constitute over half of the prefecture's total population. Additionally, there are other ethnic minorities such as the Tu and Tibetan.

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9. Culture

The Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture has achieved remarkable results in economic development in recent years.

Economic Growth: In 2023, Linxia Prefecture achieved a regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 43.97 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.5%. Specifically, the primary industry grew by 5.5%, the secondary industry by 12.6%, and the tertiary industry by 5.0%. Historically, Linxia's economic growth rate has remained at a relatively high level. For instance, in 2018, the prefecture's GDP grew by 6.7% year-on-year, ranking third in growth rate within Gansu Province.

Industrial Structure Adjustment: The industrial structure of Linxia Prefecture has been gradually optimized. In recent years, the prefecture has vigorously developed ecological industries, specialty agriculture, and industry. For example, Kangle County has promoted the development of the seedling industry through a "company + base + cooperative + farmer" model, making it a significant pillar of the local economy. Additionally, the Baiyi Yinong International Flower Port in Linxia City leverages local climatic conditions to develop the fresh-cut flower industry, becoming a new economic growth point.

Tourism Development: Tourism is one of the key industries in Linxia Prefecture. Attractions such as the Bingling Lake and Dongxiang Grassland have drawn a large number of domestic and international tourists, leading to a significant increase in comprehensive tourism revenue. In 2023, Linxia Prefecture received 31.0306 million tourist visits, with comprehensive tourism revenue growing by 292.0%.

Industry and Construction: Industry and construction in Linxia Prefecture have developed steadily. In 2023, the value added of industries above a designated size saw a slight increase, while the value added of the construction industry grew by 18.4%. Furthermore, Linxia Prefecture has focused on building pillar industries such as machinery manufacturing and food processing, attracting numerous investors.

Agricultural Development: Linxia Prefecture fully utilizes its geographical advantages to develop specialty agriculture. For instance, it promotes the cultivation of cash crops like medicinal herbs and flowers and enhances agricultural production efficiency through technological means. The total grain output, as well as the output of vegetables, medicinal herbs, and other products, has increased.

Urban-Rural Integration and Infrastructure Development: Linxia Prefecture actively promotes urban-rural integration, improves infrastructure conditions, and enhances the level of public services. For example, Xiamen City provides targeted assistance to Linxia Prefecture by introducing enterprises and establishing poverty alleviation workshops to help local impoverished households secure employment and escape poverty.

Resident Income and Social Security: The income of residents in Linxia Prefecture continues to grow. In 2023, the per capita disposable income of urban residents was 24,902 yuan, an increase of 6.7%; the per capita disposable income of rural residents was 9,006 yuan, an increase of 11.0%. The social security system is continuously improving, with basic medical insurance covering 2.1494 million people.

Opening Up and Cooperation: Linxia Prefecture has strengthened economic cooperation with Xiamen City and other well-known domestic enterprises, promoting a higher degree of economic and social openness. Additionally, with the support of East-West poverty alleviation collaboration funds, Linxia Prefecture has formed an economic industrial structure focusing on footwear and apparel, outdoor supplies, agricultural industries, and cultural tourism.

Through measures such as optimizing the industrial structure, developing specialty industries, promoting urban-rural integration, and strengthening external cooperation, the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture has achieved rapid economic development and social harmony and stability.

10. Sister Cities

• Kelantan State, Malaysia
• Qom City, Iran

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Linxia City

Jishishan County

Hui
Han
Dongxiang
Bonan
Salar

Sophora japonica

Rose