Changzhi (长治)

1. Introduction

Changzhi City, historically known as Shangdang and Luzhou, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Shanxi Province, the People's Republic of China. It is located in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province, at the junction of Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan provinces. The city borders Jincheng City to the south, Linfen City to the west, Jinzhong City to the north, and is adjacent to Handan City in Hebei Province and Anyang City in Henan Province to the east. Situated on the southeastern edge of the Loess Plateau, Changzhi is flanked by the Taihang Mountains to the east and the Taiyue Mountains to the west, with the Shangdang Basin occupying its central region. The northern, western, and southern sources of the Zhuozhang River converge within the city before flowing eastward out of the territory, while the Qin River originates in the western part of the city. The People's Government of Changzhi City is located at No. 68 Yingxiong Middle Road, Luzhou District.

nix

2. History

Changzhi City was historically part of the "Shangdang" and "Luzhou" regions, often a contested strategic area throughout history.

During the Yin and Shang dynasties, it was the State of Li, belonging to Jizhou. In the Spring and Autumn period, it was the State of Luzi Ying'er, later annexed by the State of Jin. During the Warring States period, this region came under the jurisdiction of the State of Han. In the 21st year of King Xian of Zhou (348 BCE), the State of Han established Shangdang Commandery here, which later passed to the State of Zhao. Liu Xi of the Eastern Han dynasty wrote in Shiming: "Dang means place. Being on the mountain, its location is the highest, hence called Shang." In the 26th year of King Zheng of Qin (221 BCE), Qin Shi Huang unified China and implemented the commandery-county system, with Shangdang Commandery being one of the 36 founding commanderies. The Western Han and Eastern Han dynasties followed the Qin system, with Shangdang Commandery belonging to Bingzhou. In the 18th year of the Jian'an era of the Han dynasty (213 CE), Shangdang Commandery was incorporated into Jizhou. During the Three Kingdoms period, in the first year of the Huangchu era of Wei (220 CE), Shangdang Commandery returned to Bingzhou.

In the first year of the Yongxing era of the Western Jin dynasty (third year of the Han Yuanxi era, 304 CE), the Xiongnu leader Liu Yuan rebelled against the Jin and established the state of "Han," with Shangdang Commandery coming under its control. In the second year of the Daxing era of the Eastern Jin dynasty (319 CE), the Jie general Shi Le of the Former Zhao broke with Liu Yao, established his own regime, later destroyed the "Former Zhao," and founded the "Later Zhao," with Shangdang Commandery coming under its rule. In the sixth year of the Yonghe era of the Eastern Jin dynasty (350 CE), Ran Min, the adopted grandson of Shi Hu (nephew of Shi Le), took advantage of the internal turmoil in Later Zhao to massacre the Shi family descendants and the Jie people, declared himself emperor, changed the state name to Wei, historically known as Ran Wei, with Shangdang Commandery coming under Ran Wei. In the eighth year of the Yonghe era (352 CE), Murong Jun of the Former Yan killed Ran Min and declared himself emperor, expanding the territory of Former Yan and taking over Shangdang Commandery. In the fifth year of the Taihe era of the Eastern Jin dynasty (370 CE), Fu Jian and Wang Meng of the Former Qin led troops to destroy Former Yan, and within a few years gradually unified northern China, with Shangdang Commandery coming under Former Qin. However, after its peak, its territory gradually shrank. It was finally destroyed by Later Qin and Western Qin in the 19th year of the Taiyuan era of the Eastern Jin dynasty (394 CE). In the 11th year of the Taiyuan era (386 CE), Murong Yong, the Prince of Hedong of the Western Yan imperial family, led a group of Xianbei nobles back east from Guanzhong, occupied Zhangzi (west of present-day Zhangzi County) and declared himself emperor, with Shangdang Commandery coming under Western Yan; in the same year, the Former Yan noble Murong Chui established his capital at Zhongshan (present-day Dingzhou, Hebei), declared himself emperor, historically known as "Later Yan," and contended with Western Yan, also of the same clan, for leadership of the Yan state. In the 19th year of the Taiyuan era (394 CE), Murong Chui of Later Yan killed Murong Yong and over thirty of his ministers and generals, destroying Western Yan, with Shangdang Commandery coming under Later Yan.

Note: In the second year of the Taiyan era of Northern Wei (436 CE), the Eastern Jin dynasty year name is not used because Eastern Jin had been destroyed by Liu Yu in 420 CE. Northern Wei (founded by Tuoba Gui in 386 CE, who declared himself emperor and established the capital at present-day Datong, Shanxi) destroyed Northern Yan and gradually unified northern China, with Shangdang Commandery coming under its rule. From 534 to 535 CE, Northern Wei declined. The powerful minister Yuwen Tai, a Xianbei, installed Yuan Baoju, grandson of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei, as emperor, historically known as "Western Wei." Simultaneously, the powerful minister Gao Huan installed Yuan Shanji, the 11-year-old great-grandson of Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei, as emperor, historically known as "Eastern Wei." Shangdang Commandery was located in the border area between the two Wei states, with unclear allegiance. However, Western Wei repeatedly defeated Eastern Wei in governance. Western Wei was destroyed by Yuwen Tai in 557 CE, who established Northern Zhou. Eastern Wei was destroyed by Gao Huan in 550 CE, who established Northern Qi. Northern Qi was destroyed by Northern Zhou in 577 CE, with Shangdang Commandery coming under its rule. In the seventh year of the Jiande era of Northern Zhou (578 CE), Emperor Wu of Northern Zhou, Yuwen Yong, divided Shangdang Commandery to establish Luzhou, marking the beginning of Luzhou's establishment, with Shangdang Commandery belonging to Luzhou. Luzhou derived its name from the State of Luzi.

In the first year of the Kaihuang era of Sui (first year of the Dading era of Northern Zhou, 581 CE), Yang Jian replaced Northern Zhou, founding the Sui dynasty. In the third year of the Kaihuang era (583 CE), Shangdang Commandery was abolished, and Luzhou was moved to Huguan. In the first year of the Daye era (605 CE), Luzhou was changed to Shangdang Commandery, subordinate to Jizhou. In 619 CE, the Sui dynasty was destroyed by Wang Shichong. Subsequently, the Tang dynasty was established. During this period, there were no changes to the administrative divisions. During the Wude era of Tang, Shangdang Commandery was changed to Luzhou, and a Dudufu (military governor's office) was established. In the 17th year of the Kaiyuan era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (729 CE), because Emperor Xuanzong Li Longji had previously served as Biejia (deputy governor) of Luzhou, a Dadudufu (grand military governor's office) was established, and Shangdang Commandery was set up. In the 21st year of the Kaiyuan era (733 CE), Luzhou and Shangdang Commandery belonged to Hedong Circuit. In the first year of the Dali era (766 CE), the Zhaoyi Army was established (initially called "Shangdang Jiedushi" in the early Zhide era, renamed "Zelu Jiedushi" in the early Baoying era). In the early reign of Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang of the Five Dynasties, Luzhou was established. During the reign of the last emperor of Later Liang (913–914 CE), it was changed to the Kuangyi Army. A little over a year later, Later Tang destroyed Later Liang and changed it to the Anyi Army. During Later Jin (936–947 CE), it was restored to the Zhaoyi Army. Later Han and Later Zhou (947–960 CE) followed the old system.

During the Song dynasty, in the early Taiping Xingguo era (with 976 as the first year), the Zhaoyi Army was changed to the Zhaode Army, later becoming Luzhou. During the Yuanfeng era of the Northern Song dynasty, it was Longde Prefecture, Dadudufu, Shangdang Commandery, and Zhaoyi Army, subordinate to Hedong Circuit. In the first year of the Jianzhong Jingguo era (1101 CE), the Zhaoyi Army was changed to the Weisheng Army. In the third year of the Chongning era (1104 CE), it was restored to Longde Prefecture, later becoming the Zhaode Army. During the Jin dynasty, Luzhou belonged to the Hedong South Circuit. In the sixth year of the Tianhui era of Jin (1128 CE), the Lunan Liaoxin Observation Office was established. During the Yuan dynasty, Luzhou belonged to Jinning Circuit. In the early Yuan, it was Longde Prefecture (acting as the Xingdu Yuanshuaifu). In the third year of Emperor Taizong of Yuan (1231 CE), it was restored to Luzhou, subordinate to Pingyang Circuit. In the first year of the Hongwu era of Ming (1368 CE), the Yuan system was followed. In the early Hongwu era, Luzhou belonged to the Xingzhongshusheng Buzhengshisi (Provincial Administration Commission); in the second year of Hongwu (1369 CE), it belonged to the Shanxi Zhongshusheng. In the ninth year (1376 CE), it belonged to the Buzhengsi. In the eighth year of the Jiajing era (1529 CE), February, Luzhou was elevated to Lu'an Prefecture, with Lu'an Bingbei (military defense) established, dividing the Jinan Circuit for patrols, with the seat of government at Lu'an. The Qing dynasty followed the Ming system, with Lu'an Prefecture governing present-day Changzhi City.

In the first year of the Republic of China (1912 CE), the province, circuit, and county three-level system was implemented, abolishing Lu'an Prefecture. All counties originally under Lu'an Prefecture belonged to Jining Circuit; in April of the same year, the Luze Liaoxin Garrison Commander's Office was established in present-day Changzhi City. In the 5th year of the Republic of China (1916 CE), it was changed to the Luze Liaoxin Camp Affairs Office. In the 13th year of the Republic of China (1924 CE), the Camp Affairs Office was abolished. In the 19th year of the Republic of China (1930 CE), Jining Circuit was abolished, and the counties came directly under Shanxi Province. In the 26th year of the Republic of China (1937 CE), the Shanxi Provincial Government (Yan Xishan regime) established the Third and Fifth Special Administrative Districts. During the Chinese War of Resistance Against Japan, the Chinese Communist Party established base areas relying on the Taihang and Taiyue Mountains. During the Second Chinese Civil War, after the Shangdang Campaign, Changzhi was occupied by the CCP on October 8, 1945. In mid-October, Changzhi City (county-level) was established, becoming one of the earliest cities established in areas controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, subordinate to the Taihang Fourth Special District. In June 1946, Changzhi City came directly under the Taihang District.

In March 1950, Changzhi City was changed to Changzhi Industrial and Mining Area (county-level). In March 1952, the Industrial and Mining Area was restored to Changzhi City and reinstated as a province-administered city, managed by the Changzhi Special District. On July 1, 1953, Changzhi City was placed directly under Shanxi Province. In 1958, the Changzhi Special District was changed to the Jindongnan Special District, managing Changzhi City. In 1971, the Jindongnan Special District was changed to the Jindongnan Region. In 1975, Changzhi City was again placed directly under Shanxi Province, with urban and suburban districts established. In September 1983, Changzhi City administered two districts (urban and suburban) and two counties (Changzhi and Lucheng). In May 1985, the Jindongnan Region was abolished. The counties under the Jindongnan Region—Pingshun, Huguan, Licheng, Tunliu, Zhangzi, Wuxiang, Qinyuan, Xiangyuan, and Qinxian—were placed under the jurisdiction of Changzhi City. Changzhi City administered 2 districts and 11 counties (cities).

On June 19, 2018, the State Council approved the adjustment of some administrative divisions of Changzhi City, abolishing the urban and suburban districts and merging them to establish Luzhou District; abolishing Changzhi County, Tunliu County, and Lucheng City, and establishing Shangdang District, Tunliu District, and Lucheng District respectively. On November 23 of the same year, the newly established Luzhou District, Shangdang District, Tunliu District, and Lucheng District were officially inaugurated.

3. Geography

3.1 Topography and Hydrology

Changzhi City is located in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province, with an average elevation of 1,000 meters. It lies between 35°49' to 37°07' north latitude and 111°59' to 113°44' east longitude. To the east, it borders Hebei and Henan provinces with the Taihang Mountains; to the west, it is shielded by the Taiyue Mountains and adjoins Linfen City; to the south, it neighbors Jincheng City; and to the north, it borders Jinzhong City. The city stretches 150 kilometers from east to west and 140 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 13,955 square kilometers, which accounts for 8.90% of the province's total area. After an administrative division adjustment in November 2018, the area of its urban districts is 2,631.3 square kilometers.

Changzhi City belongs to both the Haihe River and Yellow River basins. The Haihe River basin covers an area of 11,103 square kilometers, accounting for 79.9%, while the Yellow River basin covers 2,793 square kilometers, accounting for 20.1%. Major rivers include the Zhuozhang River, Qingzhang River, and Wei River in the Haihe River basin, and the Qin River in the Yellow River basin. The primary water source for Changzhi City is the Xin'an Spring, which emerges at the junction of Lucheng, Licheng, and Pingshun counties. The spring's catchment area spans 10,950 square kilometers, covering 11 counties and districts in Changzhi City except for Qinyuan County, making it the second-largest karst spring in Shanxi Province.

3.2 Climate

Average Meteorological Data for Changzhi City from 1981 to 2010

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | Avg. High °C (°F) | 2.2 (36.0) | 5.3 (41.5) | 10.9 (51.6) | 19.0 (66.2) | 24.1 (75.4) | 27.6 (81.7) | 28.2 (82.8) | 26.7 (80.1) | 22.7 (72.9) | 17.2 (63.0) | 10.0 (50.0) | 3.7 (38.7) | 16.5 (61.7) | | Daily Mean °C (°F) | -4.7 (23.5) | -1.4 (29.5) | 4.2 (39.6) | 11.9 (53.4) | 17.3 (63.1) | 21.1 (70.0) | 22.5 (72.5) | 20.8 (69.4) | 16.2 (61.2) | 10.5 (50.9) | 3.3 (37.9) | -3.0 (26.6) | 9.9 (49.8) | | Avg. Low °C (°F) | -9.9 (14.2) | -6.4 (20.5) | -1.1 (30.0) | 5.7 (42.3) | 11.1 (52.0) | 15.1 (59.2) | 17.6 (63.7) | 16.2 (61.2) | 10.9 (51.6) | 4.8 (40.6) | -2.0 (28.4) | -8.0 (17.6) | 4.5 (40.1) | | Avg. Precipitation mm (inches) | 5.2 (0.20) | 9.0 (0.35) | 18.2 (0.72) | 24.7 (0.97) | 52.9 (2.08) | 72.1 (2.84) | 123.2 (4.85) | 119.0 (4.69) | 65.1 (2.56) | 35.9 (1.41) | 16.0 (0.63) | 5.9 (0.23) | 547.2 (21.53) | | Avg. Precipitation Days (≥0.1 mm) | 3.3 | 4.4 | 6.7 | 5.3 | 8.8 | 10.5 | 13.8 | 12.1 | 6.7 | 6.3 | 4.5 | 3.1 | 85.5 | | Avg. Relative Humidity % | 53 | 54 | 53 | 49 | 55 | 61 | 76 | 79 | 74 | 65 | 58 | 54 | 61 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Changzhi City currently administers 4 municipal districts and 8 counties.

• Municipal Districts: Luzhou District, Shangdang District, Tunliu District, Lucheng District
• Counties: Xiangyuan County, Pingshun County, Licheng County, Huguan County, Zhangzi County, Wuxiang County, Qin County, Qinyuan County

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (sq km) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 140400 | Changzhi City | Chángzhì Shì | 13,955.22 | 3,180,884 | Luzhou District | 046000 | 16 | 70 | 60 | | 140403 | Luzhou District | Lùzhōu Qū | 344.27 | 895,280 | Taihangdongjie Subdistrict | 046000 | 12 | 5 | 1 | | 140404 | Shangdang District| Shàngdǎng Qū | 482.29 | 319,660 | Handian Subdistrict | 047100 | 1 | 6 | 4 | | 140405 | Tunliu District | Túnliú Qū | 1,190.38 | 253,756 | Linjiang Subdistrict| 046100 | 1 | 6 | 4 | | 140406 | Lucheng District | Lùchéng Qū | 614.45 | 219,256 | Luhua Subdistrict | 047500 | 2 | 5 | 2 | | 140423 | Xiangyuan County | Xiāngyuán Xiàn | 1,177.98 | 260,081 | Guhan Town | 046200 | | 8 | 3 | | 140425 | Pingshun County | Píngshùn Xiàn | 1,510.34 | 115,927 | Qingyang Town | 047400 | | 5 | 7 | | 140426 | Licheng County | Líchéng Xiàn | 1,113.33 | 134,186 | Lihou Town | 047600 | | 8 | | | 140427 | Huguan County | Húguān Xiàn | 1,007.71 | 240,109 | Longquan Town | 047300 | | 6 | 6 | | 140428 | Zhangzi County | Zhǎngzǐ Xiàn | 1,031.18 | 298,690 | Danzhu Town | 046600 | | 7 | 5 | | 140429 | Wuxiang County | Wǔxiāng Xiàn | 1,614.50 | 155,386 | Fengzhou Town | 046300 | | 5 | 9 | | 140430 | Qin County | Qìn Xiàn | 1,319.96 | 138,578 | Dingchang Town | 046400 | | 6 | 7 | | 140431 | Qinyuan County | Qìnyuán Xiàn | 2,548.85 | 149,975 | Qinhe Town | 046500 | | 6 | 8 |

5. Economy

Changzhi City is an emerging industrial city and the commercial and industrial center of southeastern Shanxi. Agriculture is primarily focused on grain cultivation, making it an important grain production base. Township and village enterprises have become the pillar of the rural economy. Its GDP has long ranked second in Shanxi Province. On November 2, 2018, it was awarded the title of "High-Quality Millet Strong City in Shanxi."

6. Transportation

6.1 Railway

• Taiyuan-Jiaozuo Railway, Handan-Changzhi Railway, Wari Railway, Zhengzhou-Taiyuan High-Speed Railway

6.2 Highway

6.2.1 Expressways

• G55 Erguang Expressway
  • Taiyuan-Changzhi Expressway (Taiyuan-Changzhi)
  • Changzhi-Jincheng Expressway (Changzhi-Jincheng)
• G22 Qinglan Expressway
  • Changzhi-Handan Expressway (Changzhi-Handan)
  • Changzhi-Linfen Expressway (Changzhi-Linfen)
• G0411 Anchang Expressway (Changzhi-Anyang)
• G2211 Changyan Expressway (Changzhi-Yan'an)

6.2.2 Ordinary National Highways

• National Highway 207
• National Highway 208
• National Highway 309
• National Highway 341

6.3 Aviation

• Changzhi Wangcun Airport

6.4 Public Transportation

• Changzhi Public Transport

7. Education

• Higher Education Institutions: Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi University, Shanxi Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Technology, etc.
• High Schools: Municipal high schools include Changzhi No.1 High School, Changzhi No.2 High School, Changzhi No.3 High School, Changzhi No.4 High School, Changzhi No.5 High School, Changzhi No.6 High School, Changzhi No.7 High School, Changzhi No.8 High School, Changzhi No.9 High School, Changzhi No.10 High School, Changzhi No.12 High School, Changzhi No.13 High School, Changzhi No.15 High School, Changzhi No.16 High School, Changzhi No.17 High School, Changzhi No.18 High School, Changzhi No.19 High School, etc. Provincial high schools include Taihang Middle School Affiliated to Changzhi University.
• Secondary Vocational Schools: Changzhi Health School, Changzhi No.1 Vocational Middle School, Changzhi No.2 Vocational Middle School, Changzhi Culture and Art School, etc.

8. Population

As of the end of 2022, the total population of Changzhi City was 3.142 million. Throughout the year, the city recorded 22,000 births, with a birth rate of 7.07‰; and 28,000 deaths, with a death rate of 8.79‰.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's resident population was 3,180,884. Compared with the 3,334,565 people recorded in the Sixth National Population Census, this represents a decrease of 153,681 people over ten years, a decline of 4.61%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.47%. Among them, the male population was 1,618,349, accounting for 50.88% of the total population; the female population was 1,562,535, accounting for 49.12% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 103.57. The population aged 0-14 was 524,264, accounting for 16.48% of the total population; the population aged 15-59 was 2,047,350, accounting for 64.36% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 609,270, accounting for 19.15% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 412,263, accounting for 12.96% of the total population. The urban population was 1,796,139, accounting for 56.47% of the total population; the rural population was 1,384,745, accounting for 43.53% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's resident population, the Han ethnic group population was 3,154,873, accounting for 99.18%; the combined population of various ethnic minorities was 26,011, accounting for 0.82%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population decreased by 155,854, a decline of 4.71%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.1 percentage points; the combined population of ethnic minorities increased by 2,173, a growth of 9.12%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.1 percentage points.

nix

9. Culture

• Shangdang Bangzi is one of the four major Bangzi opera forms in Shanxi Province.
• Diverse cultural and artistic forms such as Shangdang Laozi, Changzhi Drum Storytelling, and Bayinhui are also widely popular in this region.

9.1 Dialect

The dialects in most counties and cities belong to the Shangdang subgroup of the Jin language.

10. Sister Cities

• Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
• Val-de-Briey, France
• Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France
• Marl, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
• Upper Hutt, Wellington Region, New Zealand
• Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea

nix

nix

nix

The name "Jiajing" of the Ming Dynasty was derived from the meaning of enduring peace and stability.

Luzhou District

Luzhou District

nix

Sophora japonica

Rose