Danzhou (儋州)

1. Introduction

Danzhou City (Postal romanization: Tamchow, Tamchiu), abbreviated as Dan, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hainan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the northwestern part of Hainan Province. The city borders Lingao County and Chengmai County to the east, Qiongzhong Li and Miao Autonomous County and Baisha Li Autonomous County to the south, Changjiang County to the west, and faces the Beibu Gulf to the north. Situated in the low mountainous and hilly region of northwestern Hainan Island, the terrain slopes downward from the southeast to the northwest. Major rivers include the Beimen River, Chun River, and Zhubi River. The city covers a total area of 3,394 square kilometers with a total population of approximately 1.08 million. Danzhou serves as the economic, transportation, communication, and cultural center of western Hainan Province. The Municipal People's Government is located at No. 1, Middle Zhongxing Avenue, Nada Town.

2. Etymology

The name Danzhou originates from the Dan'er Commandery established here during the Han Dynasty. In ancient times, local inhabitants often wore long earrings that hung down to their shoulders as ornaments. The earrings were called "dan," and the ear ornaments were referred to as "er," collectively known as "Dan'er." This term later evolved into the name of a tribe and the area where they settled. According to the Taiping Huanyu Ji, Dan'er was "named after its people who carved and adorned their ears."

3. History

In the first year of the Yuanfeng era of the Western Han Dynasty (110 BCE), Dan’er Commandery was established, with Dan’er County as its seat. It was abolished in the fifth year of the Shiyuan era (82 BCE). During the Southern Dynasties, the Liang established Yilun County. In the fifth year of the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (622 CE), Dan’er Commandery was renamed Danzhou, with Yilun County (present-day Zhonghe Town) as its seat. In the fifth year of the Taiping Xingguo era of the Northern Song Dynasty (980 CE), Yilun County was renamed Yilun County.

In the fourth year of the Shaosheng era of the Song Dynasty (1097 CE), Su Shi, who had been exiled to Huizhou, was further demoted to serve as the Assistant Prefect of Qiongzhou and transferred to Danzhou (present-day Danzhou Ancient City in Zhonghe Town). During his tenure, he brought Central Plains culture to Hainan and composed numerous poems and essays. In the third year of the Yuanfu era (1100 CE), Su Shi left Danzhou, and before his departure, he wrote the verse: "I am originally a man of Dan’er, dwelling in the western land of Shu." To commemorate him, later generations converted the "Zaijiu Hall," where he once lived, into the Dongpo Academy, which is now a nationally protected cultural heritage site.

In the sixth year of the Xining era of the Song Dynasty (1173 CE), Danzhou was renamed Changhua Commandery, with Yilun County as its seat, governing Yilun, Changhua, and Gan’en counties. In the sixth year of the Shaoxing era (1136 CE), Changhua Commandery was abolished and downgraded to a county under the jurisdiction of Qiongzhou. In the fourteenth year of the Shaoxing era (1144 CE), it was restored as Changhua Commandery. During the Duanping era (1234–1236 CE), it was renamed Nanning Commandery, a system that continued into the Yuan Dynasty. In the second year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1369 CE), Nanning Commandery was renamed Danzhou. In the fourth year of the Zhengtong era (1439 CE), Yilun County was merged into Danzhou, a system followed by the Qing Dynasty.

In the second year of the Republic of China (1912 CE), Danzhou was renamed Dan County, under the jurisdiction of Qiongya Circuit. Its administrative seat moved multiple times: in 1920, it relocated from the state city to Yadi (near present-day Xinzhou Saltworks); in 1922, it moved to Baimajing Town; in 1925, it shifted to Xinzhou Town; between 1929 and 1930, it returned to Zhonghe Town before moving back to Xinzhou Town. In 1948, it came under the Hainan Special Administrative Region; in 1949, it was placed under the Qiongya Administrative District; and in 1950, it fell under the Hainan Administrative Region. In 1959, the administrative seat moved to Nada Town.

During the Cultural Revolution, a massacre occurred in Danzhou, Dongfang County, and other areas of Guangdong Province. In March 1967, the local Military Control Commission declared three major mass organizations in the county as "counter-revolutionary organizations." In August, field armies, local troops (including artillery), and militias on Hainan Island, leveraging the "July 3 Notice" issued by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, carried out armed suppression and burning operations targeting "counter-revolutionary organizations" in various people's communes, state-owned farms, and 198 old revolutionary base villages in Dan County. Ultimately, over 50,000 people in Dan County were detained, more than 500 makeshift prisons were established, over 700 civilian houses were burned, thousands were injured or disabled, and the massacre resulted in more than 700 deaths.

After Hainan Province was established in 1988, Dan County came under its jurisdiction. On March 3, 1993, Dan County was abolished and replaced by the county-level Danzhou City.

In March 1992, the State Council approved the establishment of the national-level Yangpu Economic Development Zone on the Yangpu Peninsula. In August 2015, the provincial government approved the incorporation of Sandu Town into the Yangpu Economic Development Zone.

On February 19, 2015, the county-level Danzhou City was abolished and replaced by the prefecture-level Danzhou City, with the administrative area of the former county-level Danzhou City becoming the administrative area of the prefecture-level Danzhou City.

4. Geography

Danzhou has a tropical monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is 24.2°C, with the coldest month (January) averaging 18°C and the hottest month (June) averaging 28.5°C. The annual precipitation is approximately 1,932 mm, and the annual sunshine duration is about 1,947 hours.

Danzhou (1981−2010) | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct| Nov | Dec | Year | |--------------|-------|-------|--------|--------|--------|-------|--------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|----------| | Record high °C (°F) | 34.2 | 36.2 | 38.7 | 40.2 | 39.2 | 37.8 | 39.1 | 36.6 | 35.9 | 33.9 | 34 | 31.6 | 40.2 | | | (93.6) | (97.2) | (101.7) | (104.4) | (102.6) | (100.0) | (102.4) | (97.9) | (96.6) | (93.0) | (93.2) | (88.9) | (104.4) | | Average high °C (°F) | 22.9 | 24.3 | 28 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.1 | 33.2 | 32.4 | 30.7 | 28.7 | 25.7 | 22.6 | 28.8 | | | (73.2) | (75.7) | (82.4) | (88.7) | (90.5) | (91.6) | (91.8) | (90.3) | (87.3) | (83.7) | (78.3) | (72.7) | (83.9) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 17.9 | 19.2 | 22.2 | 25.5 | 27 | 28 | 27.9 | 27.3 | 26 | 24.4 | 21.4 | 18.2 | 23.8 | | | (64.2) | (66.6) | (72.0) | (77.9) | (80.6) | (82.4) | (82.2) | (81.1) | (78.8) | (75.9) | (70.5) | (64.8) | (74.8) | | Average low °C (°F) | 14.6 | 15.9 | 18.5 | 21.8 | 23.5 | 24.7 | 24.5 | 24.1 | 23.1 | 21.6 | 18.5 | 15.3 | 20.5 | | | (58.3) | (60.6) | (65.3) | (71.2) | (74.3) | (76.5) | (76.1) | (75.4) | (73.6) | (70.9) | (65.3) | (59.5) | (68.9) | | Record low °C (°F) | 5.2 | 6.7 | 5.3 | 13 | 16.1 | 19.4 | 20.6 | 21.2 | 18 | 12.2 | 8.6 | 3.7 | 3.7 | | | (41.4) | (44.1) | (41.5) | (55.4) | (61.0) | (66.9) | (69.1) | (70.2) | (64.4) | (54.0) | (47.5) | (38.7) | (38.7) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 15.9 | 22.5 | 39.7 | 77.2 | 224.6 | 199.4 | 242.6 | 321.6 | 307.9 | 256.7 | 84.1 | 36.5 | 1,828.7 | | | (0.63) | (0.89) | (1.56) | (3.04) | (8.84) | (7.85) | (9.55) | (12.66) | (12.12) | (10.11) | (3.31) | (1.44) | (72.00) | | Average relative humidity (%) | 84 | 84 | 80 | 78 | 80 | 79 | 79 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 83 | 83 | 82 |

Source: China Meteorological Administration Meteorological Data Center

5. Administrative Divisions

Danzhou City administers 16 towns:

Towns: Nada Town, Heqing Town, Nanfeng Town, Dacheng Town, Yaxing Town, Lanyang Town, Guangcun Town, Mutang Town, Haitou Town, E'man Town, Wangwu Town, Baimajing Town, Zhonghe Town, Paipu Town, Dongcheng Town, Xinzhou Town.

Additionally, the Yangpu Economic Development Zone located within its territory is a national-level economic and technological development zone, administering three administrative management areas: Ganchong District, Xinyingwan District, and Sandu District. The city also hosts state-owned units such as the Xipei Farm, Xilian Farm, Lanyang Farm, Bayi Farm, and the Danzhou Campus of Hainan University (formerly the South China College of Tropical Crops).

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |--------------|-------|-------|--------|--------|--------|-------|--------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|----------| | Record high °C (°F) | 34.2 | 36.2 | 38.7 | 40.2 | 39.2 | 37.8 | 39.1 | 36.6 | 35.9 | 33.9 | 34 | 31.6 | 40.2 | | | (93.6) | (97.2) | (101.7) | (104.4) | (102.6) | (100.0) | (102.4) | (97.9) | (96.6) | (93.0) | (93.2) | (88.9) | (104.4) | | Average high °C (°F) | 22.9 | 24.3 | 28.0 | 31.5 | 32.5 | 33.1 | 33.2 | 32.4 | 30.7 | 28.7 | 25.7 | 22.6 | 28.8 | | | (73.2) | (75.7) | (82.4) | (88.7) | (90.5) | (91.6) | (91.8) | (90.3) | (87.3) | (83.7) | (78.3) | (72.7) | (83.9) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 17.9 | 19.2 | 22.2 | 25.5 | 27.0 | 28.0 | 27.9 | 27.3 | 26.0 | 24.4 | 21.4 | 18.2 | 23.8 | | | (64.2) | (66.6) | (72.0) | (77.9) | (80.6) | (82.4) | (82.2) | (81.1) | (78.8) | (75.9) | (70.5) | (64.8) | (74.8) | | Average low °C (°F) | 14.6 | 15.9 | 18.5 | 21.8 | 23.5 | 24.7 | 24.5 | 24.1 | 23.1 | 21.6 | 18.5 | 15.3 | 20.5 | | | (58.3) | (60.6) | (65.3) | (71.2) | (74.3) | (76.5) | (76.1) | (75.4) | (73.6) | (70.9) | (65.3) | (59.5) | (68.9) | | Record low °C (°F) | 5.2 | 6.7 | 5.3 | 13.0 | 16.1 | 19.4 | 20.6 | 21.2 | 18.0 | 12.2 | 8.6 | 3.7 | 3.7 | | | (41.4) | (44.1) | (41.5) | (55.4) | (61.0) | (66.9) | (69.1) | (70.2) | (64.4) | (54.0) | (47.5) | (38.7) | (38.7) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 15.9 | 22.5 | 39.7 | 77.2 | 224.6 | 199.4 | 242.6 | 321.6 | 307.9 | 256.7 | 84.1 | 36.5 | 1,828.7 | | | (0.63) | (0.89) | (1.56) | (3.04) | (8.84) | (7.85) | (9.55) | (12.66) | (12.12) | (10.11) | (3.31) | (1.44) | (72.00) | | Average relative humidity (%) | 84 | 84 | 80 | 78 | 80 | 79 | 79 | 83 | 86 | 85 | 83 | 83 | 82 |

6. Economy

In 2023, Danzhou City demonstrated strong economic performance, with its regional GDP reaching 100.284 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 11.9%, accounting for 13.28% of Hainan Province's GDP. Among the three industries, the added value of the primary industry was 15.954 billion yuan, up 6.8% year-on-year; the added value of the secondary industry was 28.580 billion yuan, up 24.0% year-on-year; and the added value of the tertiary industry was 55.750 billion yuan, up 8.4% year-on-year. The per capita GDP reached 100,430 yuan, surpassing the national average. Danzhou City's economic structure continued to optimize, with the proportion of the tertiary industry rising to 55.6%.

7. Transportation

7.1 Highways

G98 Hainan Ring Expressway, G9813 Wanyang Expressway, National Highway 225, Provincial Highway 308, Provincial Highway 306, Provincial Highway 307, Provincial Highway 315, Danbai Expressway

7.2 Railways

Hainan West Ring Railway: Danzhou Station (freight station), Bayi Station Hainan West Ring High-Speed Railway: Yintan Station, Baimajing Station, Haitou Station

7.3 Ports

Yangpu Port Baimajing Port

7.4 Airports

Danzhou Xiqing General Airport (military, general aviation)

8. Education

8.1 Higher Education Institutions

Hainan University Danzhou Campus Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences

8.2 Secondary Schools

Hainan Yangpu Middle School Danzhou No. 1 Middle School Danzhou No. 2 Middle School Danzhou No. 3 Middle School Danzhou No. 4 Middle School Danzhou No. 5 Middle School Danzhou Luoji Middle School Danzhou Bayi Middle School Danzhou Fuke Middle School Danzhou Yaxing Middle School Danzhou Siyuan Middle School

9. Population

By the end of 2022, the total number of registered households in the city (including Yangpu) was 246,500, with a total registered population of 1,078,100. Among them, the urban registered population was 376,100, and the rural registered population was 702,100. Specifically, there were 573,200 males and 505,000 females.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 954,259 (including Yangpu, same below). Compared with the 932,356 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the population increased by 21,903 over the past ten years, a growth of 2.35%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.23%. Among them, the male population was 513,233, accounting for 53.78% of the total population; the female population was 441,026, accounting for 46.22% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 116.37. The population aged 0–14 was 225,095, accounting for 23.59% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 603,647, accounting for 63.26% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 125,517, accounting for 13.15% of the total population, among which the population aged 65 and above was 88,475, accounting for 9.27% of the total population. The urban resident population was 516,043, accounting for 54.08% of the total population; the rural resident population was 438,216, accounting for 45.92% of the total population.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Danzhou is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, including over 20 ethnicities such as the Han, Li, and Miao.

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han population was 879,088, accounting for 92.12%; the combined population of ethnic minorities was 75,171, accounting for 7.88%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population increased by 18,680, a growth of 2.17%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.16 percentage points; the combined population of ethnic minorities increased by 3,223, a growth of 4.48%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.16 percentage points.

9.2 Languages

The main languages include Cantonese, Hainanese, Hakka, Junhua, and Lingao. Communication primarily relies on Mandarin and the Danzhou dialect of Cantonese.

10. Religion

The management of religious affairs in Danzhou City is standardized and orderly. There are currently 9 legally approved and registered religious activity sites, including 8 Christian churches and 1 Buddhist temple (Lotus Temple). Additionally, Danzhou City actively promotes the "Hainan Practice" of the Sinicization of religion, strengthens the management of religious affairs, and maintains harmony and stability in the religious domain.

11. Culture

Dongpo Academy: Located in the eastern suburb of Zhonghe Town, Danzhou City, it is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. It served as the lecture venue for Su Shi during his residence in Danzhou in the Northern Song Dynasty and has been maintained or expanded through various dynasties. It enjoys the reputation of being a "Famous Scenic Spot in Southern China."

11.1 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

Dongpo Academy Ancient City of Danzhou Yangpu Salt Fields

11.2 National Intangible Cultural Heritage

Danzhou Tunes

12. Sister Cities

Danzhou City has established one sister city relationship and one international friendly exchange relationship worldwide.

12.1 Sister City Relationship

City | First-level Administrative Division | Country | Date Established --- | --- | --- | --- Lakewood City | Washington State | United States | 2007.06.28

12.2 International Friendly Exchange Relationship

City | First-level Administrative Division | Country | Date Established --- | --- | --- | --- Ha Long City | Quang Ninh Province | Vietnam | 2009.07.09

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