Dingxi (定西)

1. Introduction

Dingxi City is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Gansu Province, People's Republic of China, located in the central part of Gansu Province. It borders Lanzhou City and Baiyin City to the north, Pingliang City and Tianshui City to the east, Longnan City to the south, and Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture to the west. Situated at the junction of the Western Qinling Mountains and the Loess Plateau of Longxi, the terrain is higher in the west and lower in the east, with the main landforms consisting of plateau hills. The Tao River flows from south to north through the western part of the city, while the Wei River originates in Weiyuan County in the central area and flows eastward out of the region. The city covers a total area of 19,609 square kilometers, with a population of 2.7783 million. The municipal government is located in Anding District. Dingxi was an important town on the ancient "Silk Road" and serves as the "eastern gateway" to the provincial capital, Lanzhou. It has been officially named the "Hometown of Chinese Potatoes" by the China Specialty Hometown Organizing Committee.

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2. History

Dingxi boasts a long history and a significant geographical advantage. It is an important cradle of civilization in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, home to the renowned Neolithic cultures of Majiayao, Qijia, Siwa, and Xindian. Since ancient times, it has been a "key town" on the Silk Road and a crucial passage on the New Eurasian Land Bridge.

In the 28th year of King Zhaoxiang of Qin (279 BC), the Longxi Commandery was established, with its seat at Didao (present-day Lintao), governing the entire area of modern-day Dingxi. It was named "Longxi" because the commandery seat was located west of the Long River. Thereafter, Dingxi remained under the jurisdiction of Longxi and Qinzhou for an extended period. During the Sixteen Kingdoms period, frequent warfare occurred, and the Dingxi area successively came under the rule of the Former Liang, Later Liang, Former Zhao, Later Zhao, Former Qin, and Later Qin regimes. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Dingxi was divided between Qinzhou and Hezhou. In the first year of Jianming of the Northern Wei Dynasty (530 AD), Weizhou was established, with subsequent changes over time. In the second year of Yining of Emperor Gong of Sui (618 AD), Lintao Commandery was changed to Minzhou. In the first year of Tianbao of the Tang Dynasty (742 AD), Minzhou was renamed Hezheng Commandery. In the first year of Qianyuan (758 AD), Minzhou was reestablished. In the second year of Shangyuan (761 AD), the Tibetan Empire captured Minzhou, followed by Linzhou and Weizhou. The Tibetan Empire ruled the Dingxi region for over 300 years.

In the fourth year of Yuanfeng of the Northern Song Dynasty (1081 AD), the Song army recaptured the former territories of the Western Xia, and Emperor Shenzong bestowed the name "Dingxiang City" (present-day Dingxi urban area), marking the origin of the name "Dingxi." In the fourth year of Zhenyou of the Jin Dynasty (1216 AD), Dingxi County was elevated to Dingxi Prefecture. During the Yuan Dynasty, Dingxi belonged to Shaanxi Province. In the twelfth year of Zhizheng (1352 AD), due to an earthquake, Dingxi Prefecture was renamed Anding Prefecture. In the tenth year of Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty (1377 AD), the prefecture was downgraded to a county. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Dingxi was part of Gongchang Prefecture under the Shaanxi Provincial Administration Commission.

In the third year of the Republic of China (1914 AD), Anding County was renamed Dingxi County, belonging to the Lanshan Circuit of Gansu Province. In the 25th year of the Republic of China (1936 AD), it was under the First Administrative Inspectorate of Gansu Province. In the 33rd year of the Republic of China (1944 AD), it was transferred to the Ninth Administrative Inspectorate. In September 1949, the former Huining District was renamed Dingxi District, with the administrative office relocated from Huining to Dingxi.

In April 2003, Dingxi Prefecture was abolished, and Dingxi City (a prefecture-level city) was established, with the former Dingxi County becoming Anding District; official inauguration took place in December of the same year.

3. Geography

Dingxi's soil and climate are highly suitable for the growth of Chinese medicinal herbs and potatoes. The region boasts abundant resources of Chinese medicinal herbs, with over 300 varieties identified, particularly renowned for Min County Angelica and Codonopsis pilosula. The potatoes produced here are well-shaped, of high quality, have a long storage life, and contain high starch content. Due to ample sunlight and significant temperature differences between day and night, the flowers grown here are vibrant in color and pleasant in fragrance, making the area also highly suitable for cultivating various edible mushrooms. Additionally, Dingxi is rich in mineral resources, with substantial reserves of andalusite, marble, granite, gold, and others. The hydropower potential reaches 87.84 kilowatts. Attractions such as Zhang County's Guiqing Mountain and Zheyang Mountain, Weiyuan's Lotus Peak Mountain and Shouyang Mountain—both national and provincial forest parks—as well as Tongwei Hot Springs hold significant development value.

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual | |-------------------------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|------------| | Record High °C | 14.6 | 20.3 | 26.7 | 29.6 | 31.2 | 32 | 35.1 | 34.2 | 31 | 24.9 | 20.9 | 15.4 | 35.1 | | °F | 58.3 | 68.5 | 80.1 | 85.3 | 88.2 | 89.6 | 95.2 | 93.6 | 87.8 | 76.8 | 69.6 | 59.7 | 95.2 | | Average High °C | 1.1 | 4.1 | 9.4 | 16.1 | 20.6 | 23.8 | 25.9 | 24.7 | 19.8 | 13.8 | 8.4 | 3.1 | 14.2 | | °F | 34.0 | 39.4 | 48.9 | 61.0 | 69.1 | 74.8 | 78.6 | 76.5 | 67.6 | 56.8 | 47.1 | 37.6 | 57.6 | | Daily Mean °C | −6.9 | −2.9 | 2.5 | 8.7 | 13.6 | 17.1 | 19.3 | 18.3 | 13.7 | 7.5 | 0.9 | −5.0 | 7.2 | | °F | 19.6 | 26.8 | 36.5 | 47.7 | 56.5 | 62.8 | 66.7 | 64.9 | 56.7 | 45.5 | 33.6 | 23.0 | 45.0 | | Average Low °C | −12.9 | −8.3 | −2.7 | 2.6 | 7.3 | 11.0 | 13.6 | 13.0 | 8.9 | 2.7 | −4.4 | −10.7 | 1.7 | | °F | 8.8 | 17.1 | 27.1 | 36.7 | 45.1 | 51.8 | 56.5 | 55.4 | 48.0 | 36.9 | 24.1 | 12.7 | 35.0 | | Record Low °C | −25.5 | −22.1 | −14.8 | −8.0 | −2.8 | 2.6 | 4.3 | 5.0 | −1.3 | −10.4 | −18.1 | −29.7 | −29.7 | | °F | −13.9 | −7.8 | 5.4 | 17.6 | 27.0 | 36.7 | 39.7 | 41.0 | 29.7 | 13.3 | −0.6 | −21.5 | −21.5 | | Average Precipitation mm | 3.2 | 4.1 | 11.1 | 24.3 | 46.7 | 53.3 | 68.3 | 85.0 | 45.6 | 30.1 | 3.8 | 1.6 | 377.1 | | inches | 0.13 | 0.16 | 0.44 | 0.96 | 1.84 | 2.10 | 2.69 | 3.35 | 1.80 | 1.19 | 0.15 | 0.06 | 14.87 | | Average Relative Humidity % | 61 | 59 | 58 | 55 | 56 | 63 | 67 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 65 | 60 | 63 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Dingxi City administers 1 municipal district and 6 counties.

Municipal District: Anding District Counties: Tongwei County, Longxi County, Lintao County, Weiyuan County, Zhang County, Min County

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 621100 | Dingxi City | Dìngxī Shì | 19,609.24 | 2,524,097 | Anding District | 743000 | 3 | 87 | 32 | | 621102 | Anding District | Āndìng Qū | 3,645.92 | 422,383 | Yongdinglu Subdistrict | 743000 | 3 | 12 | 7 | | 621121 | Tongwei County | Tōngwèi Xiàn | 2,909.73 | 323,648 | Pingxiang Town | 743300 | | 14 | 4 | | 621122 | Longxi County | Lǒngxī Xiàn | 2,406.42 | 427,373 | Gongchang Town | 748100 | | 12 | 5 | | 621123 | Weiyuan County | Wèiyuán Xiàn | 2,053.49 | 277,608 | Qingyuan Town | 748200 | | 12 | 4 | | 621124 | Lintao County | Líntáo Xiàn | 2,854.53 | 480,149 | Taoyang Town | 730500 | | 12 | 6 | | 621125 | Zhang County | Zhāng Xiàn | 2,165.59 | 167,309 | Wuyang Town | 748300 | | 10 | 3 | | 621126 | Min County | Mín Xiàn | 3,573.56 | 425,627 | Minyang Town | 748400 | | 15 | 3 |

5. Economy

Dingxi City is one of the poorest regions in China, with all its districts and counties designated as national-level poverty-stricken counties. In 2010, its per capita GDP was only about 5,500 yuan, approximately 20% of the national average and less than 40% of the provincial average. The output value of the secondary industry was even lower than that of the primary industry, with the ratio of the three industries being 30.6:25.1:44.3. In recent years, its development within the province has remained relatively backward, with its GDP growth rate in 2010 only higher than that of Jinchang City and Linxia Prefecture in the same province. In 2023, the city's GDP reached 60.01 billion yuan.

• Anding District: The Hometown of Potatoes in China
• Longxi County: The Hometown of Astragalus in China
• Weiyuan County: The Hometown of Codonopsis in China, The Hometown of High-Quality Potato Seeds in China
• Lintao County: The Hometown of Flowers in China, The Hometown of Folk Art in China, The Hometown of Painted Pottery in China
• Tongwei County: The Hometown of Calligraphy and Painting Art in China, The Hometown of Track and Field in China, The Hometown of Sainfoin in China
• Min County: The Hometown of Angelica in China, The Hometown of Hua'er (Folk Songs) in China
• Zhang County: The Hometown of Broad Beans in China

6. Transportation

6.1 Railway

• China High-Speed Railway Longhai Railway: Shipinwan Station, Rongjiawan Station, Tangjiabao Station, Yanjiadian Station, Dingxi Station, Liangjiaping Station, Hongzhuang Station
• China High-Speed Railway Xulan High-Speed Railway

6.2 Trunk Highways

• National Highway 310
• National Highway 312
• National Highway 212
• National Highway 316
• G30 Lan-Ding Expressway
• G75 Lan-Lin Expressway

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7. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's resident population is 2,524,097. Compared with the 2,698,624 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a decrease of 174,527 people over the past ten years, a decline of 6.47%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.67%. Among them, the male population is 1,277,650, accounting for 50.62% of the total population; the female population is 1,246,447, accounting for 49.38% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) is 102.5. The population aged 0–14 is 505,024, accounting for 20.01% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 is 1,568,425, accounting for 62.14% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above is 450,648, accounting for 17.85% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above is 339,194, accounting for 13.44% of the total population. The urban population is 969,084, accounting for 38.39% of the total population; the rural population is 1,555,013, accounting for 61.61% of the total population.

7.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's resident population, the Han ethnic group population is 2,487,129, accounting for 98.54%; the population of various ethnic minorities is 36,968, accounting for 1.46%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population decreased by 182,364, a decline of 6.83%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.39 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 7,837, a growth of 26.9%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.39 percentage points.

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8. Culture

Dingxi City, located in central Gansu Province, is a crucial node city along the ancient Silk Road, boasting rich historical and cultural heritage as well as unique regional culture. In recent years, Dingxi City has been committed to building itself into a culturally strong city with distinctive characteristics of Longzhong (central Gansu), promoting the prosperous development of cultural undertakings and the cultural industry.

8.1 Historical Culture

With a history of over 2,200 years, Dingxi City is one of the important birthplaces of the Yellow River civilization, represented by the Majiayao Culture, Li Clan Culture, calligraphy and painting arts, red culture, and intangible cultural heritage folk customs. The Majiayao Culture, dating back to the late Neolithic Age, showcases the significant role of the Dingxi region in Chinese civilization. Additionally, historical sites such as the ruins of the Qin Dynasty Great Wall from the Warring States period, Lintao Shuanglian Village, and Didao Rural Charm reflect Dingxi's profound historical and cultural heritage.

8.2 Cultural Heritage Protection and Inheritance

Dingxi City places great emphasis on the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage. It has implemented multiple policies, such as the "Dingxi City Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and High-Quality Development Cultural Heritage Protection, Inheritance, and Promotion Work Plan," and completed tasks including the digitization and replication (or imitation) of national first-class cultural relics. Meanwhile, by hosting events like the 7th Gansu Drama Red Plum Award Competition and the Women's Art Biennale, the city has promoted the dissemination of intangible cultural heritage.

8.3 Cultural Industry and Cultural-Tourism Integration

Dingxi City vigorously develops the cultural industry, focusing on supporting characteristic cultural industry projects that leverage local historical culture, natural landscapes, and ethnic folk resources, such as paper-cutting, Tao inkstones, and wheat straw paintings. In recent years, the added value of Dingxi's cultural and tourism industries has grown significantly, becoming an important force driving local economic development. Additionally, Dingxi City actively develops rural tourism, creating a number of rural tourism demonstration villages. By organizing winter and spring cultural tourism activities, it has attracted a large number of tourists.

8.4 Public Cultural Services

Dingxi City continuously improves its public cultural service system, constructing multiple theaters, libraries, sports centers, and other facilities. It has achieved full coverage of public digital cultural service stations at the township and village levels. Furthermore, through activities like "Opera into the Countryside" and "Sending Performances to the Countryside," the general public has enjoyed a wealth of cultural惠民 projects.

8.5 Literary and Artistic Creation and Brand Building

Dingxi City has produced a large number of high-quality literary and artistic works, such as the large-scale Qin opera "Xu Tietang," the historical drama "Fengyun Longxi Hall," and the dance "Seeing Majiayao Again." These works have won awards in domestic and international competitions, showcasing the unique charm of Dingxi's culture. At the same time, by hosting various cultural and artistic activities, festivals, and competitions, Dingxi has enhanced the influence of its cultural brand.

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Anding District

Anding District

Han (98.93%)
Other ethnic groups (1.07%)

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Potato flower