1. Introduction

Hechi City (Zhuang script: Hozciz), historically known as Yizhou and Qingyuan, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, located in northern Guangxi. The city borders Liuzhou City to the east, Laibin City to the southeast, Nanning City to the south, Baise City to the west, and Qiannan Prefecture and Qiandongnan Prefecture of Guizhou Province to the north. Situated at the southern foothills of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the area is predominantly karst mountainous terrain, with the Jiuwan Mountains and Fenghuang Mountain to the north, and the Duyang Mountains and Qinglong Mountains to the south. The Hongshui River flows diagonally from northwest to southeast across the region, with its tributary, the Diao River, in the central part, and the Long River (upstream known as the Dagou River and Jincheng River), the Dahuan River, and the Xiaohuan River in the east. The city covers a total area of 33,476 square kilometers, with the Zhuang ethnic group accounting for over 60% of the population. The People's Government of Hechi City is located at No. 6 Zhongshan Avenue, Qingyuan Town, Yizhou District.

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2. History

In the fourth year of the Zhenguan era of the Tang Dynasty (630 AD), Yuezhou was established, with Longshui County (now Yizhou District) as its seat. During the Qianfeng era, it was renamed Yizhou. At the beginning of the Tianbao era, it was changed to Longshui Commandery, and at the beginning of the Qianyuan era, it was restored as Yizhou. By the end of the Tang Dynasty, Yizhou was under the control of Ma Chu and later incorporated into the Southern Han. During the Northern Song Dynasty, Hechi County was established in the area of present-day Jinchengjiang District. In the first year of the Xuanhe era (1119 AD), Yizhou was elevated to the Qingyuan Army Circuit, and Longshui County was renamed Yishan County. In the first year of the Xianchun era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1265 AD), as Yizhou was the former residence of Emperor Duzong of Song, it was elevated to Qingyuan Prefecture. In the thirteenth year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1276 AD), the Qingyuan Nandan Xidong Military and Civilian Pacification Office was established. In the sixteenth year of the Zhiyuan era (1279 AD), it was changed to Qingyuan Route, with Yishan County (now Yizhou District) as its seat. In the first year of the Dade era (1297 AD), it was reorganized as the Qingyuan Nandan Xidong Military and Civilian Pacification Office. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Qingyuan Prefecture was maintained. In the seventeenth year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty (1504 AD), Hechi County was elevated to Hechi Subprefecture, and in the fourth year of the Jiajing era (1525 AD), its seat was moved to present-day Hechi Town. In January of the first year of the Republic of China (1912 AD), Hechi Subprefecture was changed to Hechi County, under Qingyuan Prefecture. In the second year of the Republic of China, the prefecture system was abolished, and Hechi and Yishan counties were placed under the Liujiang Circuit. In 1928, the circuit system was abolished.

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China, in 1949, Qingyuan Special District was established, with its administrative office located in Yishan County, and Hechi County was placed under its jurisdiction. In 1950, it was renamed Yishan Special District. In 1952, Yishan Special District was placed under the leadership of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 1953, Liuzhou Special District was abolished, and its seven counties were incorporated into Yishan Special District. In the same year, Hechi County moved its seat to Jinchengjiang Town. In 1958, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was established, and Yishan Special District was directly administered by the autonomous region. In the same year, Yishan Special District was abolished and replaced by Liuzhou Special District, with its administrative office located in Liuzhou City. In 1965, Hechi Special District was separated from Liuzhou Special District, with its administrative office located in Hechi County. Six counties from Liuzhou Special District—Hechi, Yishan, Tian'e, Luocheng, Nandan, and Huanjiang—along with Du'an Yao Autonomous County from Nanning Special District, and Fengshan and Donglan counties and Bama Yao Autonomous County from Baise Special District, were placed under Hechi Special District. In 1971, it was renamed Hechi Prefecture. In August 1983, Luocheng County was reorganized as Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County. On October 8 of the same year, Yishan County was abolished, and the county-level Yizhou City was established. In November 1986, Huanjiang County was reorganized as Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County. In December 1987, Dahua Yao Autonomous County was established, with its territory composed of parts of Du'an, Bama, and Mashan County in Nanning Prefecture. In September 1993, Hechi County was abolished, and the county-level Hechi City was established. In June 2002, Hechi Prefecture was abolished, and the prefecture-level Hechi City was established, with the former county-level Hechi City changed to Jinchengjiang District. In November 2016, the State Council approved the abolition of Yizhou City and the establishment of Yizhou District under Hechi City. The seat of the Hechi Municipal People's Government was relocated from Jinchengjiang District to Yizhou District.

3. Geography

3.1 Climate

Hechi has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by warm temperatures. Winters are mild and short, while summers are long and muggy. The winter and spring seasons are humid with low sunlight, whereas summer and autumn are relatively clear. Rainfall is concentrated from May to August. The average temperature in January is 10.9°C, in July it is 28.1°C, and the annual average temperature is 20.5°C.

Average Meteorological Data for Hechi City (1981-2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----------|----------|----------|----------| | Record high °C (°F) | 28.6 (83.5) | 34.5 (94.1) | 35.7 (96.3) | 37.8 (100.0) | 37.5 (99.5) | 37.6 (99.7) | 39.4 (102.9) | 39.2 (102.6) | 38.2 (100.8) | 35.6 (96.1) | 33.3 (91.9) | 30.1 (86.2) | 39.4 (102.9) | | Average high °C (°F) | 14.5 (58.1) | 16.3 (61.3) | 20.0 (68.0) | 25.4 (77.7) | 29.1 (84.4) | 31.3 (88.3) | 32.8 (91.0) | 33.1 (91.6) | 31.3 (88.3) | 27.0 (80.6) | 22.4 (72.3) | 17.7 (63.9) | 25.1 (77.1) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 11.0 (51.8) | 12.8 (55.0) | 16.2 (61.2) | 21.2 (70.2) | 24.8 (76.6) | 27.1 (80.8) | 28.3 (82.9) | 28.2 (82.8) | 26.4 (79.5) | 22.4 (72.3) | 17.7 (63.9) | 13.2 (55.8) | 20.8 (69.4) | | Average low °C (°F) | 8.6 (47.5) | 10.5 (50.9) | 13.6 (56.5) | 18.3 (64.9) | 21.6 (70.9) | 24.1 (75.4) | 25.1 (77.2) | 24.9 (76.8) | 22.9 (73.2) | 19.2 (66.6) | 14.6 (58.3) | 10.1 (50.2) | 17.8 (64.0) | | Record low °C (°F) | 0.4 (32.7) | 1.5 (34.7) | 2.5 (36.5) | 8.0 (46.4) | 12.9 (55.2) | 17.3 (63.1) | 19.9 (67.8) | 20.1 (68.2) | 15.1 (59.2) | 9.8 (49.6) | 4.1 (39.4) | 0.2 (32.4) | 0.2 (32.4) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 40.1 (1.58) | 47.1 (1.85) | 62.3 (2.45) | 108.5 (4.27) | 222.3 (8.75) | 304.4 (11.98) | 252.1 (9.93) | 195.2 (7.69) | 95.6 (3.76) | 68.9 (2.71) | 46.0 (1.81) | 28.3 (1.11) | 1,470.8 (57.89) | | Average rainy days (≥0.1 mm) | 13.0 | 13.0 | 15.6 | 16.8 | 17.1 | 16.3 | 17.2 | 16.2 | 10.9 | 10.6 | 8.7 | 6.9 | 162.3 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 74 | 76 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 79 | 78 | 77 | 73 | 72 | 71 | 69 | 75 | | Mean monthly sunshine hours | 55.3 | 47.9 | 55.8 | 75.7 | 101.5 | 108.6 | 152.4 | 173.2 | 154.2 | 126.5 | 107.2 | 100.3 | 1,258.6 | | Percent possible sunshine | 17 | 15 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 27 | 37 | 43 | 42 | 35 | 33 | 30 | 28 |

Data source: China Meteorological Administration (precipitation days and sunshine data from 1971-2000)

4. Administrative Divisions

Hechi City administers 2 municipal districts, 4 counties, and 5 autonomous counties.

• Municipal Districts: Yizhou District, Jinchengjiang District
• Counties: Nandan County, Tian'e County, Fengshan County, Donglan County
• Autonomous Counties: Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County, Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County, Bama Yao Autonomous County, Du'an Yao Autonomous County, Dahua Yao Autonomous County

Hechi City Administrative Division Information

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin / Zhuang (Official Transliteration) | Area (sq km) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Township-level Divisions | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Ethnic Townships | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 451200 | Hechi City | Héchí Shì / Hozciz Si | 39,476.18 | 3,417,945 | Yizhou District | 546300 | 1 | 65 | 73 | 11 | | | 451202 | Jinchengjiang District | Jīnchéngjiāng Qū / Ginhcwngzgyangh Gih | 2,346.42 | 372,521 | Jinchengjiang Subdistrict | 547000 | 1 | 7 | 4 | | | | 451203 | Yizhou District | Yízhōu Qū / Yizcouh Gih | 3,857.09 | 549,359 | Qingyuan Town | 546300 | 9 | 7 | 2 | | | | 451221 | Nandan County | Nándān Xiàn / Nanzdanh Yen | 3,904.90 | 275,554 | Chengguan Town | 547200 | 8 | 3 | 3 | | | | 451222 | Tian'e County | Tiān'é Xiàn / Denhngoz Yen | 3,183.69 | 143,155 | Liupai Town | 547300 | 2 | 7 | 1 | | | | 451223 | Fengshan County | Fèngshān Xiàn / Fungsanh Yen | 1,728.49 | 169,845 | Fengcheng Town | 547800 | 3 | 6 | 3 | | | | 451224 | Donglan County | Dōnglán Xiàn / Dunghlanz Yen | 2,436.77 | 219,549 | Donglan Town | 547400 | 6 | 8 | 1 | | | | 451225 | Luocheng Mulao Autonomous County | Luóchéng Mùlǎozú Zìzhìxiàn / Lozcwngz Mulaujcuz Swciyen | 2,650.99 | 272,872 | Dongmen Town | 546400 | 7 | 4 | | | | | 451226 | Huanjiang Maonan Autonomous County | Huánjiāng Máonánzú Zìzhìxiàn / Vanzgyangh Mauznanzcuz Swciyen | 4,552.73 | 276,076 | Sien Town | 547100 | 6 | 6 | 1 | | | | 451227 | Bama Yao Autonomous County | Bāmǎ Yáozú Zìzhìxiàn / Bahmaj Yauzcuz Swciyen | 1,976.42 | 236,152 | Bama Town | 547500 | 3 | 7 | | | | | 451228 | Du'an Yao Autonomous County | Dū'ān Yáozú Zìzhìxiàn / Duh'anh Yauzcuz Swciyen | 4,087.73 | 588,061 | Anyang Town | 530700 | 10 | 9 | | | | | 451229 | Dahua Yao Autonomous County | Dàhuà Yáozú Zìzhìxiàn / Dava Yauzcuz Swciyen | 2,749.98 | 355,001 | Dahua Town | 530600 | 4 | 12 | | | |

5. Economy

5.1 Economic Growth and Industrial Structure

Hechi City's economy has achieved rapid growth over the past few decades. In 2023, the city's GDP reached 116.343 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.2%. The added value of the primary industry was 27.264 billion yuan, the secondary industry was 32.221 billion yuan, and the tertiary industry was 56.858 billion yuan. In terms of industrial structure, the secondary industry contributed the most to economic growth, reaching 63.3%, making it the primary driver of economic expansion.

5.2 Industrial Development

Hechi City has a relatively well-established industrial system, with non-ferrous metals, food processing, power generation, and silk reeling as its leading industries. In recent years, Hechi has promoted the development of industrial modernization and green manufacturing projects, such as the green manufacturing initiative by Nandan Southern Metal Co., Ltd. Additionally, the city is actively developing high-tech industries, including the new lead-acid batteries produced by the Xinfeng Group.

5.3 Agriculture and Rural Development

In agriculture, Hechi City has long maintained a leading position nationwide in terms of sugarcane cultivation area and output, while agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries have also shown steady growth. For example, in 2021, the city's oilseed production increased by 5.0%, and sugarcane production grew by 12.6%. Furthermore, Hechi is committed to promoting the development of leisure agriculture and rural tourism to diversify the rural economy.

5.4 Service Industry and Tourism

Hechi City boasts abundant tourism resources, including a UNESCO Global Geopark and national-level nature reserves. Tourism has become one of the city's key economic pillars, and the government is actively promoting the deep integration of culture and tourism industries.

6. Transportation

• National Highway 323 passes through the area
• Guihe Expressway
• Yihe Expressway
• China High-Speed Railway: Qian-Gui Railway
• China High-Speed Railway: Gui-Nan Passenger Dedicated Line

7. Education

7.1 Higher Education Institutions

• Public Undergraduate University: Hechi University
• Public Vocational College: Guangxi Modern Vocational and Technical College

8. Population

By the end of 2022, the total registered population of Hechi City was 4.3272 million, a decrease of 5,800 people compared to the end of the previous year. Among them, the urban registered population was 1.1094 million, accounting for 25.64% of the total population (urbanization rate of registered population), a decrease of 0.04 percentage points from the end of the previous year. The permanent resident population at the end of the year was 3.4096 million.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 3,417,945. Compared with the 3,369,251 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 48,694 people over the ten years, a growth of 1.45%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.14%. Among them, the male population was 1,743,933, accounting for 51.02% of the total population; the female population was 1,674,012, accounting for 48.98% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 104.18. The population aged 0–14 was 856,213, accounting for 25.05% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 1,953,584, accounting for 57.16% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 608,148, accounting for 17.79% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 451,006, accounting for 13.2% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 1,533,999, accounting for 44.88% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 1,883,946, accounting for 55.12% of the total population.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Zhuang population was 2,230,035, accounting for 65.24%; the Han population was 549,429, accounting for 16.07%; and other ethnic minority populations totaled 638,481, accounting for 18.68%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population increased by 6,621, a growth of 1.22%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.04 percentage points; the combined ethnic minority populations increased by 42,073, a growth of 1.49%, with their proportion of the total population increasing by 0.04 percentage points. Among them, the Zhuang population decreased by 7,511, a decline of 0.34%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 1.17 percentage points; the Yao population increased by 44,175, a growth of 12.37%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 1.14 percentage points; the Mulao population decreased by 3,702, a decline of 2.94%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.16 percentage points; the Maonan population increased by 1,027, a growth of 1.76%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.01 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Hechi City (November 2020)

| Ethnic Group | Zhuang | Han | Yao | Mulao | Maonan | Miao | Bouyei | Sui | Dong | Li | Other Ethnic Groups | |------------------|------------|---------|--------|-----------|------------|---------|------------|--------|--------|-------|-------------------------| | Population | 2,230,035 | 549,429 | 401,259 | 122,084 | 59,511 | 26,624 | 9,402 | 7,204 | 5,878 | 1,111 | 5,408 | | Percentage of Total Population (%) | 65.24 | 16.07 | 11.74 | 3.57 | 1.74 | 0.78 | 0.28 | 0.21 | 0.17 | 0.03 | 0.16 | | Percentage of Ethnic Minority Population (%) | 77.74 | 13.99 | 4.26 | 2.07 | 0.93 | 0.33 | 0.25 | 0.20 | 0.04 | 0.19 |

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9. Culture

9.1 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Site of the Guangxi Peasant Movement Institute
• Red Army Slogan Building
• Fengtengshan Ancient Tombs
• Huixian Mountain Cliff Carvings

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No. 6 Zhongshan Avenue, Yizhou District

Yizhou District

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