Jieyang (揭阳)

1. Introduction

Jieyang City, abbreviated as Jie, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China, located in the eastern part of Guangdong Province. The city borders Shantou City and Chaozhou City to the east, Meizhou City to the north, Shanwei City to the west, and the South China Sea to the south. Situated in the western part of the Han River Delta, within the coastal hilly region of eastern Guangdong and the alluvial plain of the Rong River, the terrain is higher in the west and lower in the east, featuring an uneven distribution of low mountains, valleys, and plains. The northwest and southwest are hilly and mountainous areas, while the central, southern, and southeastern parts are the Rong River and coastal plain regions. The northwest is dominated by the Lotus Mountain Range, and the central-south is characterized by the Danan Mountain and Xiaobei Mountain. The Rong River traverses the central and northern parts of the city and flows through the urban area, while the central region is home to the Lian River and the southern region to the Long River, both of which flow from west to east into the South China Sea. The Municipal People's Government is located at No. 555 Linjiang North Road, Rongcheng District.

Jieyang is an ancient city in eastern Guangdong and a renowned historical and cultural city in Guangdong Province. The Rong River, the second-largest deep-water river in Guangdong, encircles the urban area of Jieyang from the north and south, earning the city titles such as "Land of Fish and Rice," "Floating Gourd," and "Lotus on Water." As a nationally famous hometown of overseas Chinese, Jieyang is home to over 3.2 million overseas Chinese residing worldwide, along with 1.8 million returned overseas Chinese and their relatives. It is also a member city of the West Coast Economic Zone of the Taiwan Strait.

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2. History

2.1 Ancient Times

Jieyang boasts a long history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to at least the late Neolithic period over 5,000 years ago. It has been documented in historical records for more than 2,200 years, deriving its name from Jieyang Ridge, one of the ancient Five Ridges. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was part of the Baiyue territory. After Emperor Qin Shi Huang pacified the Yue region, the Jieyang Garrison Area was established in the 33rd year of his reign (214 BC), under the jurisdiction of Nanhai Commandery. In the 6th year of the Yuanding era of Emperor Wu of Han (111 BC), Jieyang County was formally established, governing areas that now include Chaoshan, Meizhou, and parts of southern Fujian such as Longxi and Zhangpu. In the 6th year of the Xianhe era of Emperor Cheng of the Eastern Jin Dynasty (331 AD), Jieyang County was divided into four counties: Haiyang, Chaoyang, Haining, and Sui'an. After several periods of re-establishment and abolition, Jieyang County was re-established in the 10th year of the Shaoxing era of the Song Dynasty (1140 AD).

2.2 Modern and Contemporary

In the early years of the Republic of China, Jieyang County was under the jurisdiction of the Chaoxun Circuit. In 1934, it became part of the Fifth Administrative Inspection District of Guangdong Province (later renamed the Eighth Administrative Inspection District, and in 1948, renamed the Chao'an Administrative Inspection District).

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Jieyang County successively belonged to the Chaoshan Prefecture, the Eastern Guangdong Administrative Region, the Shantou Prefecture, and the city of Shantou.

In July 1965, several communes including Hepo, Liangtian, Pingshang, Longtan, Huizhai, Fengjiang, Dongyuan, Wujingfu, Jingxiyuan, Qiankeng, Jinhe, and Tatou, as well as the town of Mianhu, were separated from Jieyang County. Additionally, Shangsha Commune and Wuyun Commune were transferred from Lufeng County to establish Jiexi County.

Before the establishment of Meizhou City (Meizhou Prefecture) in July 1983, eight Hakka-speaking communes in the northern part of Jieyang County, including Tangkeng, Baxiang, Fengliang, and Pantian, were incorporated into Fengshun County. Thirteen Hakka-speaking communes in the western part formed Jiexi County. By this point, Jieyang County had been divided into three separate counties.

On December 7, 1991, Jieyang County was abolished and the prefecture-level city of Jieyang was established. The Rongcheng area of the former Jieyang County became Rongcheng District, while the remaining areas formed Jiedong County. The municipal government was located on Yanjiang Road in Rongcheng District.

On August 25, 1992, the Jieyang Economic Development and Experimental Zone was established. On May 9, 1994, Rongcheng District was divided into Rongcheng District, Dongshan District, and the Jieyang Economic Development and Experimental Zone.

On December 17, 2012, the towns of Didu, Paotai, and Denggang from Jieyang County were placed under the jurisdiction of Rongcheng District. Jiedong County was abolished and replaced by Jiedong District of Jieyang City, with Pandong Subdistrict from Rongcheng District transferred to Jiedong District.

In February 2013, Lancheng District of Jieyang City was established from part of Jiedong District. In December 2016, Lancheng District was abolished.

As of the end of 2022, Jieyang City administers two districts, Rongcheng District and Jiedong District, and oversees Jiexi County, Huilai County, and Puning City.

3. Geography

Jieyang City is located in eastern Guangdong Province, bordering Shantou and Chaozhou to the east, Shanwei to the west, facing the South China Sea to the south, and adjacent to Meizhou to the north. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its northern part. The land area is 5,240.5 square kilometers. The mainland coastline stretches for 136.9 kilometers, with over 30 coastal islands. The terrain slopes from west to east, featuring an uneven distribution of low mountains, high hills, valleys, and plains. The northwestern and southwestern regions are predominantly hilly and mountainous, while the central, southern, and southeastern areas consist of vast and fertile alluvial plains of the Rong River and coastal sedimentary plains. The highest peak, Liwangzhang, stands at an elevation of 1,222 meters. It is located at the border of northwestern Jiexi and Wuhua, Meizhou, at coordinates 115°51' E, 23°40' N. This peak is the main summit of the Dabeishan range, an eastern branch of the Lianhua Mountains, and faces Hongtuzhang to the northeast.

3.1 Climate

Jieyang has a subtropical monsoon humid climate, characterized by ample sunshine and abundant rainfall. There is no snow and little frost throughout the year. The annual average temperature is 21.4°C, with an average annual precipitation of 1,723 mm. The area is often struck by severe tropical storms during summer and autumn. Occasionally, due to abnormal monsoon activity or cold wave intrusions, droughts in winter and spring or periods of low temperatures and overcast rainy weather in early spring may occur. | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Annual | |-----------------|-----------|-----------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------|-----------|------------|------------| | Record high °C | 29.5 | 30.5 | 33.0 | 35.3 | 36.2 | 39.2 | 39.7 | 38.9 | 37.8 | 35.9 | 33.7 | 33.0 | 39.7 | | Record high °F | 85.1 | 86.9 | 91.4 | 95.5 | 97.2 | 102.6 | 103.5 | 102.0 | 100.0 | 96.6 | 92.7 | 91.4 | 103.5 | | Average high °C | 19.3 | 19.6 | 21.6 | 25.6 | 28.9 | 31.2 | 33.3 | 33.0 | 31.5 | 29.0 | 25.3 | 21.2 | 26.6 | | Average high °F | 66.7 | 67.3 | 70.9 | 78.1 | 84.0 | 88.2 | 91.9 | 91.4 | 88.7 | 84.2 | 77.5 | 70.2 | 79.9 | | Daily mean °C | 14.5 | 15.3 | 17.5 | 21.6 | 25.0 | 27.4 | 29.0 | 28.8 | 27.5 | 24.6 | 20.5 | 16.2 | 22.3 | | Daily mean °F | 58.1 | 59.5 | 63.5 | 70.9 | 77.0 | 81.3 | 84.2 | 83.8 | 81.5 | 76.3 | 68.9 | 61.2 | 72.2 | | Average low °C | 11.5 | 12.6 | 14.9 | 18.9 | 22.4 | 24.9 | 26.0 | 26.0 | 24.7 | 21.7 | 17.3 | 12.9 | 19.5 | | Average low °F | 52.7 | 54.7 | 58.8 | 66.0 | 72.3 | 76.8 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 76.5 | 71.1 | 63.1 | 55.2 | 67.1 | | Record low °C | 2.3 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 9.6 | 15.2 | 19.0 | 21.6 | 22.7 | 18.4 | 12.5 | 7.0 | 0.9 | 0.9 | | Record low °F | 36.1 | 38.7 | 39.4 | 49.3 | 59.4 | 66.2 | 70.9 | 72.9 | 65.1 | 54.5 | 44.6 | 33.6 | 33.6 | | Average precipitation mm | 32.6 | 76.5 | 117.6 | 170.9 | 203.7 | 291.6 | 293.2 | 283.2 | 203.7 | 39.1 | 32.5 | 29.4 | 1,773.9 | | Average precipitation inches | 1.28 | 3.01 | 4.63 | 6.73 | 8.02 | 11.48 | 11.54 | 11.15 | 8.02 | 1.54 | 1.28 | 1.16 | 69.84 | | Average Relative Humidity (%) | 74 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 80 | 80 | 78 | 74 | 73 | 71 | 78 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Jieyang City administers 2 municipal districts, 2 counties, and has jurisdiction over 1 county-level city.

• Municipal Districts: Rongcheng District, Jiedong District
• County-level City: Puning City
• Counties: Huilai County, Jiexi County

Additionally, Jieyang City has established the following administrative units with partial county-level authority: Jieyang Industrial Transfer Industrial Park (formerly Lancheng District), Jieyang Airport Economic Zone (formerly Jieyang Economic Development and Experimental Zone), Jieyang Dananhai Petrochemical Industrial Zone, Puning Overseas Chinese Management Area, and Dananshan Overseas Chinese Management Area.

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (Nov 1, 2020) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|---------------------|----------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 445200 | Jieyang City | Jieyang Shi | 5,265.38 | 5,577,814 | Rongcheng District | 522000 | 20 | 61 | 2 | | 445202 | Rongcheng District | Rongchéng Qū | 337.27 | 931,868 | Xinxing Subdistrict | 522000 | 10 | 4 | | | 445203 | Jiedong District | Jiedong Qū | 709.74 | 931,719 | Quxi Subdistrict | 515500 | 2 | 11 | | | 445222 | Jiexi County | Jiexi Xiàn | 1,347.29 | 674,829 | Hepo Subdistrict | 515400 | 1 | 15 | 1 | | 445224 | Huilai County | Huilái Xiàn | 1,251.00 | 1,040,779 | Huicheng Town | 515200 | | 14 | | | 445281 | Puning City | Puning Shì | 1,620.08 | 1,998,619 | Liushabei Street | 515300 | 7 | 17 | 1 |

5. Economy

In 2023, the regional GDP of Jieyang City was 245.503 billion yuan, ranking 13th among prefecture-level cities in Guangdong Province. The private economy is relatively developed, with main industries including hardware, jade processing, and clothing.

6. Transportation

6.1 Railway

Guangmeishan Railway Jieyang South Station, Xiashen Railway Kuitan Station and Puning Station, Meishan Railway Jieyang Station and Jieyang Airport Station, Shanshan Railway Huilai Station, Jiehui Railway (under construction), Eastern Guangdong Intercity Railway (under construction)

6.2 Aviation

Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport

6.3 Highway

Ordinary Highways: National Highway 206 (Yantai-Shantou), National Highway 324 (Fuzhou-Kunming), Provincial Highway S1923 (Neilong Line), Provincial Highway S1929 (Kuihe Line), Provincial Highway S1930 (Shanzhang Line), Provincial Highway S1932 (Jielu Line), Provincial Highway S1940 (Huawu Line), Provincial Highway S1941 (Anqian Line) Expressways: Jiepu-Hui Expressway, Shan-Mei Expressway, Shen-Shan Expressway, Jie-Hui Expressway, Shan-Zhan Expressway, Chao-Wan Expressway

6.4 Bridges

Laobeihe Bridge, Meidong Bridge, Ronghua Bridge, Nanhe Bridge, Jieyang Bridge, Jinxianmen Bridge

6.5 Public Transportation

As of the end of 2018, there were 22 bus routes in Jieyang urban area: Loop 1, Loop 2, Loop 3, Route 1, Route 2, Route 3, Route 4, Route 5, Route 6, Route 7, Route 8, Route 9, Route 10, Route 11, Route 12, Route 17, Route 18, Route 19, New Energy Line 1, New Energy Line 2, New Energy Line 3, High-Speed Rail Express

7. Education

7.2 Higher Education

Guangdong University of Technology Jieyang Campus, Jieyang Polytechnic, Chaoshan Vocational and Technical College, Wuhan University of Technology Jieyang Campus (under preparation).

7.3 Secondary Education

Jieyang No.1 Middle School, Jieyang No.2 Middle School, Dongshan Middle School, Xianqiao Middle School, Jieyang Qiuzhong Middle School, Jieyang Overseas Chinese Middle School, Qishan Middle School, Jiedong No.1 Middle School, Yuhu Middle School, Lantian Middle School, Xichang Middle School, Meigang Middle School, Yunlu Middle School, Jiedong No.2 Middle School, Jiexi No.1 Middle School, Hepo Middle School, Wuyun Middle School, Huizhai Middle School, Beishan Middle School, Mianhu Middle School, Nanqiao Middle School, Qiankeng Middle School, Shangsha Middle School, Mianhu No.2 Middle School, Lintian Middle School, Huilai No.1 Middle School, Huilai Overseas Chinese Middle School, Huilai No.2 Middle School, Longjiang Middle School, Kuitan Middle School, Shenquan Middle School, Shikeng Middle School, Ciyun Experimental Middle School, Puning No.2 Middle School, Puning No.1 Middle School, Puning Overseas Chinese Middle School, Xingwen Middle School, Meifeng Middle School, Meilin Middle School, Yingcai Overseas Chinese Middle School, Jianxin Middle School, Minde Middle School, Hongye Middle School, Peiqing Middle School, Lihu Middle School, Daping Middle School, Puning No.3 Middle School, Chengdong Middle School, Dachanglong Middle School, Guoxian School, Qinjian School, New World School, Puning No.2 Experimental School, Huamei Experimental School, Puning Normal School, Yuhu Middle School, Denggang Middle School, Xinhua Middle School, Didu Middle School, Konggang No.1 Middle School, Jieyang No.3 Middle School, Baita Middle School, Linpan Middle School, Cailin Middle School, Pandong Middle School, etc.

8. Population

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 5,577,814. Compared with the 5,884,347 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was a total decrease of 306,533 people over the ten years, a decline of 5.21%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.53%. Among them, the male population was 2,852,630, accounting for 51.14% of the total population; the female population was 2,725,184, accounting for 48.86% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 104.68. The population aged 0–14 was 1,424,146, accounting for 25.53% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 3,255,037, accounting for 58.36% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 898,631, accounting for 16.11% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 630,554, accounting for 11.3% of the total population. The urban population was 2,825,237, accounting for 50.65% of the total population; the rural population was 2,752,577, accounting for 49.35% of the total population.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

The Han ethnic group accounts for over 99.99% of the total population, with a very small number of ethnic minorities such as Hui, Manchu, Miao, Zhuang, Li, Dai, and Jing.

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic population was 5,537,113, accounting for 99.27%; the combined population of various ethnic minorities was 40,701, accounting for 0.73%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic population decreased by 339,557 people, a decline of 5.78%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.6 percentage points; the combined population of various ethnic minorities increased by 33,024 people, a growth of 430.17%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.6 percentage points.

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9. Culture

9.1 Handicrafts

Chaozhou embroidery, drawnwork, Jieyang wooden clogs, Jieyang paper-cutting, Hepo palm-leaf hats, Mianhu scissors, Qiankeng wood carving, Huilai shell carving, Changmei pottery bowls.

9.2 Specialty Foods

Changmei millet cakes, Doren candy, rice noodle rolls, beef kway teow, kuay chap, green olives, Putian bamboo shoots, Kuidi Wuye lychees, Zoutang green-skinned pears, Huaqing bamboo shoots, lion's head Indian gooseberries, Puning Chaozhou oranges, Puning sugarcane, Gaopu green plums, Huilai pineapples, Puning olives, Yonghua fine tea. Chaozhou Gongfu tea, Jieyang ping pong fruit, Jieyang soy sauce, Xinxiang preserved radish, Didu winter vegetables, Dongyuan salted vegetables, Paotai southern candy, Qiankeng soup dumplings, Qiankeng handmade noodles, Mianhu melon strips, Hepo vegetable cakes, Wujingfu ginger candy, Jiexi ground tea, Puning thread noodles, Puning fried tofu, Puning bean paste, Ronghu brand MSG, Rongjiang MSG, oyster omelet, red heart plantains, pearl glutinous rice balls, braised pork trotters, Jinghai abalone.

9.3 Cultural Centers

Jieyang Cultural Center: The cultural center mainly consists of the cultural square, broadcasting and television center, library, museum, art gallery, mass art center, youth activity center, Jieyang Theater, and other projects, forming an enclosed layout centered around the cultural square.

9.4 Public Media

According to the "Notice on Issuing the Organizational Structure Plan for Jieyang Broadcasting and Television Station under the Southern Broadcasting, Film, and Television Media Group" (Jie Shi Ji Bian [2005] No. 57), Jieyang Broadcasting and Television Station is a full-department-level public institution directly under the leadership of the Jieyang Municipal Party Committee's Propaganda Department and a member unit of the Southern Broadcasting, Film, and Television Media Group. Its self-produced radio and television programs use the call signs "Jieyang People's Radio Station" and "Jieyang Television Station," respectively. By 2009, it had fixed assets worth over 80 million yuan, one television transmission tower, an optical fiber transmission network exceeding 450 kilometers, and an average radio and television population coverage rate of 97%. The radio station's comprehensive broadcast frequency is FM 103.9 MHz, and its agricultural and traffic broadcast frequency is FM 106.5 MHz. The television station's transmission frequency is 535.25 MHz (Channel 21) with a transmission power of 10 kilowatts. The cable radio and television network has a bandwidth of 750 MHz, transmitting a total of 125 programs (including 125 digital and 44 analog channels). In terms of the press, the Jieyang Daily Press publishes the official newspaper of the Jieyang Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Jieyang Daily.

9.5 Tourism

Jieyang is a provincial-level historical and cultural city. Its scenic spots and historical sites include the Jieyang Confucian Temple, Zifeng Mountain Zifeng Temple, Zimo Mountain, Jinxian Gate, Three Mountain Kings Ancestral Temple, Qiankeng Shiling Temple, Shuangfeng Temple, West Lake Park, Sangpu Mountain, Huangqi Mountain Scenic Area, Fengmen Ancient Path Scenic Area, Guizhuyuan Zoo, etc.

10. Sister Cities

10.1 International

Lampang City, Lampang Province, Thailand Chachoengsao City, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand Ontario City, California, USA

10.2 Domestic

Hegang City, Heilongjiang Province Tieling City, Liaoning Province

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Jieyang Ridge among the ancient Five Ridges

Rongcheng District

Puning City

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