Yichang (宜昌)

1. Introduction

Yichang City, abbreviated as Yi, also known as Chuanchang, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. Yichang is located in the southwestern part of Hubei Province. It borders Jingzhou City to the southeast, Jingmen City to the northeast, Xiangyang City and Shennongjia Forestry District to the north, Enshi Prefecture to the west, and Changde City of Hunan Province to the south. Situated in the western Hubei mountainous area and on the western edge of the Jianghan Plain, it is flanked by the Daba Mountains to the northwest, the Wu Mountains to the west, and the Wuling Mountains to the south. The Yangtze River flows from west to east through its central region, with the Xiling Gorge marking the boundary between the upper and middle reaches. Tributaries such as the Qingjiang River, Huangbai River, and Xiangxi River flow into the Yangtze River. The city covers a total area of 21,230 square kilometers, with a permanent resident population of approximately 4.02 million. The Municipal People's Government is located at No. 102 Yanjiang Avenue, Xiling District.

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2. History of Administrative Planning

2.1 Ancient Times

• During the Qin and Han dynasties, Yiling was established as a county, subordinate to Nan Commandery of Jing Province.
• In the first year of the Wu Huangwu era (222 AD) during the Three Kingdoms period, Yiling was renamed Xiling County, subordinate to Xiling Commandery (also known as Yidu Commandery).
• During the Jin Tai Kang era (280-289 AD), it was re-established as Yiling County. By 305 AD at the latest, when the western part of Yiling (between Huangniu Rock and Hei Rock on the south bank of the Yangtze River) was separated to form a new county, it was named "Yichang" (in the area of present-day Sandouping Town, northwest of Yichang City). The name, meaning "conducive to prosperity," was chosen to pray that establishing the new county would benefit the nation's fortune, marking the first appearance of the name "Yichang" in historical records.
• During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, the Song and Qi dynasties followed the Jin system. The Liang dynasty changed Yidu Commandery to Yi Province, the Western Wei changed it to Tuo Province, and the Northern Zhou changed it to Xia Province.
• In the third year of the Sui Daye era (607 AD), Xia Province was changed to Yiling Commandery, governing four counties: Yiling, Yidao, Changyang, and Yuan'an. Yiling County served as the commandery seat, subordinate to the Jing Province Governor's Office.
• In the early Tang dynasty, Yiling Commandery was changed back to Xia Province, governing the aforementioned four counties and belonging to the Shannan East Circuit. In the early Tianbao era, it was renamed Yiling Commandery. In the first year of the Qianyuan era (758 AD), it was reverted to Xia Province, still governing the original four counties and remaining part of the Shannan East Circuit.
• During the Five Dynasties period, Xia Province, along with Jing Province and Gui Province, formed the Nanping Kingdom.
• In the Northern Song dynasty, it was again called Xia Province, belonging to the Jinghu North Circuit and still governing the original four Yiling counties. During the Yuanfeng era (1078–1085 AD), the character "Xia" (硖) was changed to "Xia" (峡).
• In the 17th year of the Yuan Zhiyuan era (1280 AD), Xia Province was elevated to Xia Province Route, governing the original four counties and belonging to the Jinghu North Circuit of the Henan Province Branch Secretariat.
• In the Ming dynasty, Yichang belonged to Jingzhou Prefecture of the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission (present-day Jingzhou). In the ninth year of the Hongwu era (1376 AD), Xia Province was changed to Yiling Subprefecture, governing three counties: Yidu, Changyang, and Yuan'an. The administrative seat was Yiling, subordinate to the Shangjingnan Circuit of Jingzhou Prefecture under the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission.
• In the fourth year of the Qing Shunzhi era (1647 AD), Yiling Subprefecture was subordinate to Jingzhou Prefecture. In the fifth year of Shunzhi, "Yiling" was changed to "Yiling" (彝陵). In the 13th year of the Yongzheng era (1735 AD), Yiling Subprefecture was elevated to Yichang Prefecture, and Yiling County was renamed Donghu County, serving as the seat of Yichang Prefecture. It governed five counties—Donghu, Xingshan, Badong, Changyang, and Changle—and two subprefectures—Gui Subprefecture and Hefeng Subprefecture—belonging to the Jingyishi Circuit. The four counties of Yidu, Zhijiang, Dangyang, and Yuan'an belonged to Jingzhou Prefecture (present-day Jingzhou).

2.2 Modern Era

• In 1876, the Sino-British Treaty of Yantai was signed, opening Yichang as a treaty port. The following year, Yichang established a customs house, officially opening to foreign trade.
• On October 10, 1911, the Xinhai Revolution began with the Wuchang Uprising. On October 13, workers from the Sichuan-Hankou Railway in Yichang initiated a subsequent uprising, making it the first location outside Wuhan to respond to the revolution.
• In the early years of the Republic of China, the prefecture and subprefecture systems were abolished, implementing a three-tier system of province, circuit, and county. In 1912, Donghu County was renamed Yichang County. Along with Xingshan, Zigui, Badong, Changyang, Wufeng, and Hefeng counties, it belonged to the Jingnan Circuit. Dangyang and Yuan'an belonged to the Xiangnan Circuit.
• In 1922, Yichang belonged to the Jingyi Circuit.
• In 1932 and 1936, the eight counties of Yichang, Yidu, Dangyang, Yuan'an, Xingshan, Zigui, Changyang, and Wufeng successively belonged to the 9th and 6th Administrative Inspection Districts, with the Commissioner's Office located in Yichang County town. Zhijiang County successively belonged to Hubei Province's 7th and 4th Administrative Inspection Districts.
• During the Second Revolutionary Civil War period from 1928 to 1932, the Xiang'e Border Base Area, the Ba(Xing)Gui (Zigui) Base Area, and the Jing(Dang)Yuan Base Area in the Yichang region were important components of the Western Hunan-Hubei Soviet Area. The people's revolutionary armed struggle led by the Chinese Communist Party established revolutionary regimes in many places.
• In May 1940, the invading Japanese army launched the Zaoyi Campaign, capturing Yichang on June 12. Although briefly recaptured by the National Revolutionary Army on the 15th, it soon changed hands again, and Yichang remained under Japanese occupation until Japan's surrender in 1945.
• During the Second Chinese Civil War, in July 1948, the CPC Jianghan District Committee decided to formally establish the Fourth Commissioner's Office (also known as the Xiangxi Commissioner's Office). In January 1949, it was renamed the Dangyang Commissioner's Office. On May 20, 1949, the Yichang Commissioner's Office was established in Dangyang, and the Yichang City Party and government leadership was formed there. On June 11, the CPC Yichang City Committee and the Yichang Municipal People's Government were formally established in Lujiawan, Dangyang.

2.3 Contemporary Era

• On July 16, 1949, the urban area of Yichang was liberated. The Yichang Commissioner's Office and the Yichang City Party and government organs subsequently moved from Dangyang to Yichang city.
• On November 15, 1949, the entire area of present-day Yichang City was liberated.
• After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hubei Province was divided into 8 administrative districts. The Yichang Administrative District Commissioner's Office governed nine counties: Yichang, Yidu, Zhijiang, Dangyang, Yuan'an, Xingshan, Zigui, Changyang, and Wufeng. Simultaneously, the urban area and nearby rural areas of the original Yichang County were separated to establish Yichang City, directly under the jurisdiction of the Hubei Provincial People's Government.
• In 1951, the Hubei Yichang Administrative District Commissioner's Office was renamed the Hubei Provincial People's Government Yichang District Commissioner's Office.
• In November 1954, Yichang City was placed under the leadership of the Yichang District Commissioner's Office.
• In 1955, the Yichang District Commissioner's Office was renamed the Yichang Commissioner's Office. At this time, the Yichang Commissioner's Office governed 9 counties and 1 city.
• In February 1955, Zhijiang County was abolished, and its area was merged into Yidu County. At this time, the Yichang Commissioner's Office governed 8 counties and 1 city.
• In December 1958, the Yichang Commissioner's Office was abolished, and the Yidu Industrial District Administrative Office was established.
• In May 1961, the Yidu Industrial District Administrative Office was abolished, and the Yichang Commissioner's Office was re-established.
• In October 1962, Zhijiang County was re-established, still under the jurisdiction of the Yichang Commissioner's Office. By this point, the Yichang Commissioner's Office governed 9 counties and 1 city.
• In January 1968, the Yichang Prefecture Revolutionary Committee was established.
• In January 1971, the Shennongjia Forestry District was placed under the leadership of Yichang Prefecture, but in March 1972, it was returned to provincial jurisdiction.
• In August 1978, the Yichang Prefecture Revolutionary Committee was abolished, and the Yichang Prefecture Administrative Office was established.
• In June 1979, Yichang City was restored as a province-administered city.
• On July 13, 1984, the State Council approved the abolition of Changyang County and Wufeng County, establishing the Changyang Tujia Autonomous County and the Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County respectively, implementing regional ethnic autonomy.
• In March 1985, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council officially issued a notice on establishing the Three Gorges Province Preparatory Group. At that time, Yichang City was planned to be the capital of the Three Gorges Province, but the plan was ultimately abandoned.
• On December 13, 1986, the State Council approved the establishment of three county-level administrative districts in Yichang City: Xiling, Wujiagang, and Dianjun.
• On November 30, 1987, the State Council approved the abolition of Yidu County and the establishment of Zhicheng City (renamed Yidu City on June 11, 1998).
• On October 22, 1988, the State Council approved the conversion of Dangyang County into a county-level city.
• In March 1992, to meet the needs of reform and development, and with central approval, Yichang Prefecture and Yichang City merged, implementing a system where the city leads counties. At this time, Yichang City governed 7 counties (Yichang County, Zhijiang County, Yuan'an County, Xingshan County, Zigui County, Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County), 2 county-level cities (Zhicheng City, Dangyang City), and 3 districts (Xiling District, Wujiagang District, Dianjun District).
• On March 21, 1995, the State Council approved the establishment of Yichang City's Xiaoting District.
• On July 30, 1996, the State Council approved the conversion of Zhijiang County into a county-level city.
• On March 22, 2001, the State Council approved the abolition of Yichang County and the establishment of Yiling District. By this point, Yichang City governed 5 districts, 5 counties, and 3 county-level cities.

3. Geography

Due to its unique geographical location, Yichang lies at the convergence of the Wushan Mountains of the second geographical step and the Jianghan Plain of the third step, tightly guarding the eastern gateway of the Sichuan Basin. Its strategically important terrain has made it a contested military stronghold since ancient times.

Yichang enjoys abundant rainfall and a warm, humid climate, suitable for the growth of diverse organisms. The forest coverage rate within its territory reaches 49%, with a timber stock of 2.4 million cubic meters, ranking first in Hubei Province. In areas like Houhe, Wufeng, over 370,000 mu of primeval forest communities, remnants from the Quaternary glacial period, are still preserved. The region is home to six national forest parks—Dalaoling, Chaibuxi, Yuquan Temple, Longmen River, and Qingjiang—and one national nature reserve, Houhe. More than 20 species of rare animals are active here, and over 3,000 species of rare and precious higher plants thrive. Particularly noteworthy are the rare and precious tree species, such as the dove tree (Davidia involucrata), found within the more than 560 mu of primeval forest in Houhe, Wufeng. These are survivors of plant species from the Quaternary glacial period over 100 million years ago and are hailed as "living fossils" of the world's flora. Additionally, Yichang's local specialties like citrus, tea, shiitake mushrooms, and silkworm cocoons enjoy a high reputation both domestically and internationally.

3.1 Location

Yichang City is located between 29°56'–31°34' north latitude and 110°15'–112°04' east longitude. It sits at the boundary between the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, marking the endpoint of the world-renowned Three Gorges, and at the convergence point of Hubei, Chongqing, and Hunan provinces. Yichang has historically "controlled Bashu (Sichuan) upstream and connected Jingxiang (Hubei) downstream," earning its reputation as the "Gateway to the Three Gorges" and the "Throat of Sichuan and Hubei." Since ancient times, Yichang has been a crucial hub for goods distribution and transportation for western Hubei, northwestern Hunan, and eastern Sichuan (Chongqing).

3.2 Climate

Yichang experiences four distinct seasons, with relatively long spring and autumn periods. It has a subtropical monsoon climate. The average annual precipitation ranges between 992.1 mm and 1404.1 mm. Rainfall is abundant, primarily concentrated in summer, with longer precipitation processes typically occurring between June and July. The rainy season coincides with the warm season, resulting in high accumulated temperatures throughout the year and a long frost-free period. The annual average temperature ranges from 13.1°C to 18°C, decreasing with increasing altitude at a rate of 0.6°C per 100 meters. The average temperature in July is between 24.1°C and 28.8°C, while in January it ranges from 1.7°C to 6.5°C. The extreme maximum temperature recorded was 41.4°C (August 2, 1969), and the extreme minimum was -9.8°C (January 30, 1977). In the Three Gorges valley and the valleys of the Qingjiang and Xiangxi rivers, due to the presence of towering mountains and flowing water below, an inversion layer exists below 600 meters. This makes winters relatively mild, with only a 5% chance of the extreme minimum temperature dropping below -7°C, creating a uniquely advantageous production base for citrus.

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------------|-----------|-----------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|------------|-----------|-----------|------------|------------| | Record High °C | 22.5 | 27.6 | 33.0 | 36.7 | 38.7 | 39.9 | 40.7 | 41.4 | 39.2 | 35.7 | 29.8 | 24.6 | 41.4 | | Record High °F | 72.5 | 81.7 | 91.4 | 98.1 | 101.7 | 103.8 | 105.3 | 106.5 | 102.6 | 96.3 | 85.6 | 76.3 | 106.5 | | Avg High °C | 8.8 | 11.2 | 16.0 | 22.6 | 27.1 | 30.1 | 32.3 | 32.0 | 28.2 | 22.6 | 17.0 | 11.3 | 21.6 | | Avg High °F | 47.8 | 52.2 | 60.8 | 72.7 | 80.8 | 86.2 | 90.1 | 89.6 | 82.8 | 72.7 | 62.6 | 52.3 | 70.9 | | Daily Mean °C | 5.0 | 7.2 | 11.5 | 17.4 | 22.1 | 25.5 | 27.7 | 27.1 | 23.5 | 18.1 | 12.6 | 7.3 | 17.1 | | Daily Mean °F | 41.0 | 45.0 | 52.3 | 63.3 | 71.8 | 77.9 | 81.9 | 80.8 | 74.3 | 64.6 | 54.7 | 45.1 | 62.8 | | Avg Low °C | 2.2 | 4.1 | 7.9 | 13.4 | 18.1 | 21.8 | 24.3 | 23.8 | 20.1 | 14.8 | 9.4 | 4.3 | 13.7 | | Avg Low °F | 36.0 | 39.4 | 46.0 | 56.1 | 64.6 | 71.2 | 75.7 | 74.8 | 68.2 | 58.6 | 48.9 | 39.7 | 56.6 | | Record Low °C | -9.8 | -4.4 | -1.3 | 0.4 | 8.8 | 14.7 | 18.4 | 17.2 | 11.4 | 3.7 | -0.9 | -5.4 | -9.8 | | Record Low °F | 14.4 | 24.1 | 29.7 | 32.7 | 47.8 | 58.5 | 65.1 | 63.0 | 52.5 | 38.7 | 30.4 | 22.3 | 14.4 |4 | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 24.6 | 39.0 | 56.0 | 89.0 | 124.4 | 142.2 | 222.8 | 199.1 | 115.3 | 82.1 | 48.0 | 18.5 | 1,161 | | Average precipitation inches | 0.97 | 1.54 | 2.20 | 3.50 | 4.90 | 5.60 | 8.77 | 7.84 | 4.54 | 3.23 | 1.89 | 0.73 | 45.71 | | Average precipitation days | 7.5 | 8.7 | 12.2 | 12.9 | 13.5 | 14.1 | 15.1 | 13.1 | 11.4 | 11.4 | 8.6 | 6.9 | 135.4 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 74 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 74 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 75 | 76 | 75 | 73 | 75 | | Mean monthly sunshine hours | 77.0 | 78.9 | 96.8 | 133.2 | 154.1 | 153.0 | 186.2 | 201.3 | 143.6 | 132.6 | 113.6 | 97.2 | 1,567.5 | | Percent possible sunshine | 24 | 25 | 26 | 35 | 37 | 36 | 43 | 49 | 39 | 38 | 36 | 31 | 35 |

3.3 Topography

Yichang is located in the southwestern part of Hubei Province, at the junction of the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and in the transitional zone from the Qinba Mountains and Wuling Mountains of western Hubei to the Jianghan Plain. The terrain is high in the west and low in the east, featuring complex and diverse landforms including mountainous areas, hills, and plains. The total land area of Yichang City is 21,084 square kilometers, of which 14,215 square kilometers are mountainous areas, 4,788 square kilometers are hilly areas, and 2,081 square kilometers are plains.

3.4 Water Resources

3.4.1 Rivers

All rivers in Yichang City belong to the Yangtze River basin. With the main stem of the Yangtze River as the primary artery, the area has numerous rivers, high density, and abundant water flow. Within Yichang, there are 183 rivers with a drainage area exceeding 30 square kilometers, totaling 5,070 kilometers in length. There are 128 rivers with a drainage area exceeding 50 square kilometers, totaling 4,320 kilometers. There are 28 rivers with a drainage area exceeding 200 square kilometers, with a total length of 1,974 kilometers within the city. There are 6 rivers (Yangtze River, Qingjiang River, Juzhang River, Xiangxi River, Huangbai River, Yuyang River) with a drainage area exceeding 1,000 square kilometers, with a total length of 939 kilometers within the city. There are 4 rivers (Yangtze River, Qingjiang River, Juzhang River, Xiangxi River) with a drainage area exceeding 3,000 square kilometers, with a total length of 668 kilometers within the city.

3.4.2 Lakes

A total of 11 lakes in Yichang City are included in the first and second batches of Hubei Province's lake protection lists. They are mainly distributed in the eastern plain area. Among them, there are 4 lakes with a water surface area exceeding 1 square kilometer: Taojia Lake located in Wen'an Town and Qixingtai Town of Zhijiang City; Donghu Lake located in Majiadian Subdistrict, Wen'an Town, and Xiannü Town of Zhijiang City; Taiping Lake located in Wen'an Town of Zhijiang City; and Liujia Lake located in Majiadian Subdistrict and Wen'an Town of Zhijiang City. There are 7 lakes with a water surface area below 1 square kilometer: Yangjiadang Lake and Wuliu Lake located in Majiadian Subdistrict of Zhijiang City; Dangjia Lake and Qingming Lake located in Wen'an Town of Zhijiang City; Jijia Lake located in Caobuhu Town of Dangyang City; and Nanzhuangqiao Lake and Guizi Lake located in Gaobazhou Town of Yidu City.

3.5 Hydropower Resources

The theoretical hydropower potential of Yichang exceeds 30 million kilowatts, making it one of the most hydropower-intensive regions in China and globally. By the end of 2018, 469 hydropower stations were operational within the city, with a total installed capacity of 27.69 million kilowatts and an average annual power generation of 110.5 billion kilowatt-hours.

3.6 Mineral Resources

A total of 89 types of minerals across 10 categories have been discovered in Yichang, accounting for 51.4% of the mineral types discovered nationwide and 59.3% of those in Hubei Province. Reserves have been verified for 48 types. The main mineral types include phosphorus, iron, coal, manganese, vanadium, gold, copper, lead, zinc, silicon, gypsum, graphite, quartz sand, limestone, marble, barite, etc. The city has discovered 740 mineral occurrences, with reserves verified for 297 of them. Industrial reserves have been verified for 48 mineral types, among which 16 are advantageous minerals for Yichang: phosphorus, manganese, silver-vanadium ore, flux limestone, metallurgical dolomite, metallurgical sandstone, graphite, garnet, cement limestone, glass sandstone, kaolin, potassium-bearing shale, chemical dolomite, fertilizer peridotite, fertilizer serpentinite, and etched granite. The cumulative verified phosphate ore reserves are 4.385 billion tons, with retained reserves of 4.055 billion tons, accounting for 54.16% of the province's retained reserves. The cumulative verified crystalline graphite reserves are 1.749 million tons, with retained reserves of 1.456 million tons, making it the only flake graphite deposit in central-south China. The glass sandstone deposit is one of the four major high-quality silica sand deposits in China. Survey results from the China Geological Survey indicate that the western Hubei region has enormous shale gas resource potential, with geological resources of shale gas reaching 11.68 trillion cubic meters, providing a resource foundation for building a 10-billion-cubic-meter resource base. Mineral resources are widely distributed, with advantageous mineral occurrences relatively concentrated, showing distinct regional characteristics. Minerals are distributed across all counties and cities in the municipality, but with significant regional differences. Major minerals are relatively concentrated, forming 12 mineral concentration areas: phosphate ore is mainly distributed in Yiling District, Xingshan County, and northern Yuan'an County; graphite is concentrated in Zaijinping Village and surrounding areas of Yiling District; iron ore is concentrated in the Huoshaoping and Qinggangping areas of Changyang; manganese ore is concentrated in Gucheng, Changyang; silver-vanadium ore is concentrated in Baiguoyuan, Xingshan and Xiangjialing, Changyang; dolomite and limestone are concentrated in Yidu, Changyang, Zigui, etc.; silica is concentrated in Guanzhuang, Yiling District; glass sandstone is concentrated around Yanwumiao, Dangyang; gypsum ore is concentrated around Herong, Dangyang; chromite, peridotite, and serpentinite are concentrated around Taipingxi, Yiling District; clay minerals are concentrated in Yidu City and Zhijiang City; coal is concentrated in Yuan'an, Zigui, Changyang, Yidu, Dangyang, etc. The city has 330 publicly listed mines, including 26 coal mines, 49 phosphate mines, and 255 others such as graphite, manganese, gold, copper, vanadium, gypsum, calcite, barite, kaolin, and various quarries. The city has 48 publicly listed exploration rights, including 18 for phosphate, 2 for coal, 6 for ferrous metals, 4 for non-ferrous metals, 10 for precious metals, 6 for non-metallic minerals, and 2 for geothermal resources. The mining and mineral processing industries hold a pivotal position in Yichang's national economy. A number of strong mineral development and processing enterprises have been established, such as Hubei Yihua Group, Yichang Xingfa Group, Hubei Dongsheng Company, Sanxia New Materials, Huaxin Cement, and Changyang Manganese Industry. A production and processing base primarily focused on phosphorus, graphite, quartz sand, stone materials, and cement raw materials has been basically formed, making Yichang a significant production base for phosphorus chemical industry and building materials within the province and even nationwide.

4. Administrative Divisions

Yichang City administers 5 municipal districts, 3 counties, 2 autonomous counties, and has jurisdiction over 3 county-level cities.

• Municipal Districts: Xiling District, Wujiagang District, Dianjun District, Xiaoting District, Yiling District
• County-level Cities: Yidu City, Dangyang City, Zhijiang City
• Counties: Yuan'an County, Xingshan County, Zigui County
• Autonomous Counties: Changyang Tujia Autonomous County, Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County Additionally, the Yichang High-tech Industrial Development Zone is a national-level high-tech industrial development zone established by Yichang City.

The city's current built-up area is mainly concentrated along the river in Xiling District, Wujiagang District, Xiaoting District, and Dianjun District, as well as in Xiaoxita Subdistrict Office, Longquan Town, Yaque Ridge Town of Yiling District, and the Three Gorges Dam area. Compared to 2007, the city's built-up area in 2008 increased by 3 square kilometers. The newly added built-up area in 2008 was primarily in the Shenzhen Industrial Park of the High-tech Zone and the Tangjiawan area along Fazhan Avenue. The newly added built-up area in 2014 was concentrated in the Biological Industry Park area of the High-tech Zone, the Qili New Village area in Xiaoting District, and the Jiangbei area in Wujiagang and Jiangnan area in Dianjun of the Yichang New District. | Division Code | Division Name | Hanyu Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |--------------|--------------------|----------------------|----------------------|----------------------------|----------------|--------------|----------------|--------|--------| | 420500 | Yichang City | Yíchāng Shì | 21,293.14 | 4,017,607 | Xiling District | 443000 | 24 | 67 | 19 | | 420502 | Xiling District | Xīlíng Qū | 78.40 | 537,686 | Xiling Subdistrict | 443000 | 10 | | | | 420503 | Wujiagang District | Wǔjiāgǎng Qū | 84.77 | 338,294 | Wujiagang Subdistrict | 443000 | 4 | 1 | | | 420504 | Dianjun District | Diǎnjūn Qū | 538.00 | 101,649 | Dianjun Subdistrict | 443000 | 1 | 2 | 2 | | 420505 | Xiaoting District | Xiāotíng Qū | 118.52 | 68,728 | Gulaobei Subdistrict | 443000 | 3 | | | | 420506 | Yiling District | Yílíng Qū | 3,419.57 | 560,383 | Xiaoxita Subdistrict | 443100 | 1 | 9 | 2 | | 420525 | Yuan'an County | Yuǎn'ān Xiàn | 1,739.59 | 181,174 | Mingfeng Town | 444200 | 6 | 1 | | | 420526 | Xingshan County | Xīngshān Xiàn | 2,317.16 | 153,886 | Gufu Town | 443700 | 6 | 2 | | | 420527 | Zigui County | Zǐguī Xiàn | 2,273.92 | 328,642 | Maoping Town | 443600 | 8 | 4 | | | 420528 | Changyang Tujia Autonomous County | Chángyáng Tǔjiāzú Zìzhìxiàn | 3,419.81 | 338,922 | Longzhouping Town | 443500 | 8 | 3 | | | 420529 | Wufeng Tujia Autonomous County | Wǔfēng Tǔjiāzú Zìzhìxiàn | 2,368.77 | 171,026 | Yuyangguan Town | 443400 | 5 | 3 | | | 420581 | Yidu City | Yídū Shì | 1,352.52 | 367,374 | Lucheng Subdistrict | 443300 | 1 | 8 | 1 | | 420582 | Dangyang City | Dāngyáng Shì | 2,149.69 | 430,465 | Yuyang Subdistrict | 444100 | 3 | 7 | | | 420583 | Zhijiang City | Zhījiāng Shì | 1,374.42 | 447,378 | Majiadian Subdistrict | 443200 | 1 | | |

5. Economy

Since the reform and opening-up, Yichang's economy has developed rapidly, with its comprehensive strength growing steadily. The industrial sector has initially formed an industrial structure dominated by advantageous industries such as hydropower, electricity-consuming industries, chemicals, food and pharmaceuticals, and new building materials. Yichang's investment environment has been continuously optimized, and an all-round opening-up pattern has taken shape.

5.1 Overview

In 2020, the city's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 426.142 billion yuan, a decrease of 4.7% compared to the previous year. By sector, the value added of the primary industry was 45.968 billion yuan, an increase of 2.3% year-on-year; the value added of the secondary industry was 182.846 billion yuan, a decrease of 7.6% year-on-year; and the value added of the tertiary industry was 197.328 billion yuan, a decrease of 2.9% year-on-year. The structure of the three industries adjusted from 9.3:46.1:44.6 in the previous year to 10.8:42.9:46.3, with the proportion of the tertiary industry's value added in GDP increasing by 1.7 percentage points compared to the previous year. The consumer price index for urban residents in the city increased by 2.7% compared to the previous year. The retail price index for commodities increased by 2.3% year-on-year. The number of registered market entities in the city reached 440.7 thousand, an increase of 10.1% year-on-year. Newly established market entities numbered 63.2 thousand, a decrease of 12.1% year-on-year, including 15.4 thousand newly registered private enterprises and 46.6 thousand newly registered individual businesses. The number of new urban jobs created throughout the year was 65.6 thousand, 30.2 thousand fewer than the previous year. The number of registered urban unemployed persons at year-end was 54.1 thousand, an increase of 25.3 thousand year-on-year. The registered urban unemployment rate at year-end was 3.5%, an increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to the previous year.

5.2 Primary Industry

In 2019, agricultural production remained generally stable. The city's total output value of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery reached 71.919 billion yuan, an increase of 3.6% over the previous year calculated at comparable prices. Annual grain output was 1.5105 million tons, a decrease of 1.9% year-on-year. Cotton output was 8.1 thousand tons, an increase of 1.8% year-on-year. Oilseed output was 210.3 thousand tons, an increase of 3.6% year-on-year. Tea output was 93.3 thousand tons, an increase of 4.0% year-on-year. Garden fruit output was 3.7711 million tons, a decrease of 2.1% year-on-year; of which citrus output was 3.654533 million tons, a decrease of 2.4% year-on-year. Vegetable output was 4.8729 million tons, an increase of 4.0% year-on-year. Aquatic product output was 177.8 thousand tons, an increase of 5.0% year-on-year. The number of slaughtered hogs was 4.2509 million, a decrease of 23.5% year-on-year; the number of slaughtered cattle was 47.1 thousand, an increase of 18.0% year-on-year; the number of slaughtered sheep was 1.2338 million, an increase of 2.7% year-on-year. The city's effective irrigated area was 139.77 thousand hectares, an increase of 1.8% year-on-year. The total power of agricultural machinery reached 3.1055 million kilowatts, an increase of 2.9% year-on-year. By year-end, the number of villages benefiting from tap water reached 1,241, an increase of 2 compared to the previous year, accounting for 92.9% of the total number of administrative villages in the city. Annual rural electricity consumption was 1.157 billion kilowatt-hours, an increase of 8.4% year-on-year.

5.3 Secondary Industry

Yichang's unique geographical location and abundant hydropower resources determine that the focus of its industrial development is the electricity-consuming industry. This refers to a market-oriented industry that leverages Yichang's hydropower energy advantages, relies on technological progress and innovation, and develops electricity-consuming industries characterized by high energy consumption, high water consumption, and environmental friendliness. An electricity-consuming industrial system has been formed with power transmission and distribution, electronic components, phosphorus chemical industry, organic chemical industry, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, and new building materials as pillar industries. To encourage industrial agglomeration, areas such as the Dianjun Electricity-Consuming Industrial Pilot Zone, the Xiaoting Taiwanese Industrial Park, and the Yichang National High-Tech Industrial Development Zone have been established.

By the end of 2020, the city had 1,284 industrial enterprises above designated size, with 136 new enterprises added. The value added of industrial enterprises above designated size in the city decreased by 5.0% compared to the previous year, which was 1.1 percentage points higher than the provincial average growth rate. The value added of the four leading industries—chemicals, food and bio-pharmaceuticals, equipment manufacturing, and new materials—decreased by 7.7% year-on-year. Specifically, the chemical industry's value added decreased by 2.2%; the food and bio-pharmaceutical industry's value added decreased by 6.9%; the equipment manufacturing industry's value added decreased by 13.0%; and the new materials industry's value added decreased by 9.9%. The value added of these four leading industries accounted for 57.6% of the total value added of industrial enterprises above designated size in the city. The operating revenue of industrial enterprises above designated size in the city decreased by 10.3% year-on-year; total tax payments decreased by 2.1% year-on-year; and total profits increased by 6.3% year-on-year. The comprehensive energy consumption of industrial enterprises above designated size in the city was 9.1412 million tons of standard coal, a decrease of 11.0% year-on-year; raw coal consumption was 10.2213 million tons, a decrease of 17.1% year-on-year. Construction enterprises with qualifications or above in the city completed an output value of 114.891 billion yuan, a decrease of 11.3% year-on-year; the value added of the construction industry was 25.847 billion yuan, a decrease of 14.0% year-on-year.

5.4 Tertiary Industry

In 2019, Yichang City achieved a total retail sales of consumer goods of 171.043 billion yuan, with a growth rate of 12.2%. This included 139.805 billion yuan from wholesale and retail trade and 31.237 billion yuan from accommodation and catering.

• Yiling Plaza Business District (also known as Railway Dam Business District): Located in the city center, represented by the Guomao Group (four main stores), CBD Shopping Center (including Walmart supermarket), and Dayang Department Store, it is the core business district of Yichang City, ranking first in both popularity and consumption capacity.
• Jiefang Road Business District: Represented by the commercial pedestrian street, it was originally the most prosperous area in Yichang City. However, since the completion of Yiling Plaza, its central status has been severely challenged, and it currently ranks second. The pedestrian street emphasizes Ba-Chu culture and Three Gorges characteristics, but due to outdated planning, its commercial atmosphere is relatively poor.
• Jiumatou (Nine Docks) Business District: Represented by Wanda Plaza, facing the Three Gorges Tourist Center. Located in the dock area of Yichang Port, it sees many travelers, which promotes the economy of Jiumatou to some extent.
• Sanhuan Plaza Business District: Represented by Shuiyue City, located in the Dongshan Development Zone. Multiple completed/under-construction shopping malls have attracted several international brands.
• Gezhouba Business District: Represented by Huaxiang Commercial Center, situated at the golden intersection of areas 330, 403, 827 (formerly codes for national key projects, now used as place names) and Three Gorges University. With huge pedestrian flow, it is highly likely to become another major business district in Yichang City in the future.
• Wuyi (May 1st) Plaza Business District: Located in the heart of Wujiagang, centered around Yichang East Railway Station and Wuyi Plaza. With the completion of Guomao Xiangshan Fujiuyuan, it is highly likely to become another major business district in Yichang City in the future.
• Xiaoxita Business District: Centered around Xiaoxita, including the Yangtze River Market, it is the district center of Yiling District. It has a certain level of competitiveness within the greater Yichang area.
• Xiaoting Business District: Represented by "Shengshi Tianxia," the Guomao Group has decided to enter, indicating future commercial development in Xiaoting District.
• Dianjun Business District: Centered around Zhushi Street (including Wulong), it focuses on agricultural development. The development level of commerce (tertiary industry) is low, with weak radiating capacity, small customer flow, and immature development. The Yichang Zhixi Yangtze River Bridge is now open, potentially leading to rapid development in this area in the future.
• Zhongnan Road (Chengdong Avenue) Business District: Centered around the intersection of Chengdong Avenue and Zhongnan Road, the four corners of the intersection host four commercial plazas—Yuexing Three Gorges Global Harbor, Xinhua Plaza, Xingfa Plaza, and Ziyuan Boya Yangtze River Plaza—making it an emerging commercial center in Wujiagang District.

6. Transportation

Today's Yichang has formed a new transportation pattern featuring a highway main framework, railway arteries, major waterway channels, air corridors, and integrated port-station intermodal transport, becoming an important transportation hub and modern logistics center at the junction of central and western China. Currently, the first phase of the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system has been completed in the urban area of Yichang.

6.1 Water Transport

Mileage from Yichang to Major Domestic Cities Yichang - Shanghai: 1,751 km Yichang - Jiangyin: 1,563 km Yichang - Fuling: 528 km Yichang - Nantong: 1,623 km Yichang - Wanzhou: 321 km Yichang - Zhenjiang: 1,446 km Yichang - Zhangjiagang: 1,581 km Yichang - Chongqing: 648 km Yichang - Nanjing: 1,359 km

The golden waterway of the Yangtze River traverses Yichang from west to east. Ten-thousand-ton fleets can travel west to Chongqing and east to Shanghai. The Yichang Port, a key project built leveraging the Yangtze River's golden waterway, has become the Three Gorges shipping transshipment center.

The navigable waterway mileage within Yichang reaches 678.5 km, including 232 km of the Yangtze River trunk line and 446.44 km of inland rivers.

There are 7 river-crossing channels and 21 ports with an annual throughput exceeding 10,000 tons, of which 13 have an annual throughput exceeding 200,000 tons, totaling 354 berths.

The city operates 289 passenger ships and 402 cargo ships. Water transport completed passenger trips of 2.66 million and freight volume of 22.09 million tons. Port passenger and cargo throughput reached 1.868 million trips and 33.32 million tons, respectively.

6.2 Highways and Bridges

East-west expressways include G42 Shanghai-Chengdu Expressway, G50 Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway, G4223 Wuhan-Chongqing Expressway (under construction, including existing S54 Yaxiao Expressway, S68 Jiangnan Fanba Expressway, etc.), S48 Jiangbei Fanba Expressway, S58 Three Gorges Expressway, and S64 Yilai Expressway. North-south expressways include G59 Hohhot-Beihai Expressway, G3612 Pingyi Expressway (under construction), G5016 Yihua Expressway (i.e., S88 Yueyi Expressway), G5912 Fangwu Expressway (under construction, i.e., S79 Shiyi Expressway), Chengxi Expressway, Yichang Expressway (under construction, also known as Dangzhisong Expressway), and the Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway to Jiangnan Fanba Expressway Link (planned). Nine Yangtze River bridges connect both sides of the river. National Highways such as G318 (Shanghai-Nyalam Highway), G347 (Nanjing-Delingha Highway), G348 (Wuhan-Dali Highway), G351 (Taizhou-Xiaojin Highway), G209 (Sonid Left Banner-Beihai Highway), and G241 (Hohhot-Beihai Highway), along with numerous provincial highways, form the main highway framework network.

By the end of 2009, the expressway mileage within the city was 224 km. The total road mileage reached 24,862.06 km, including 277 km of national highways, 1,467 km of provincial highways, and 1,314 km of county roads. 100% of townships are connected by asphalt roads, and 84.4% of administrative villages are connected by classified roads. The road density is 117.92 km per 100 square kilometers. There are 88 highway passenger and freight stations, operating 4,186 passenger vehicles and 23,993 freight vehicles. Annual passenger volume reached 78.48 million trips, and freight volume reached 4.63 million tons. Urban areas operate 821 public transit vehicles on 72 routes and 2,795 taxis, with an annual passenger volume of 183.509 million trips.

Yichang City currently has 9 Yangtze River bridges completed or under construction (Note: the Sanjiang Bridge only spans the Sanjiang navigation channel, not the entire width of the Yangtze River). There are 6 planned Yangtze River bridges (river-crossing channels).

6.3 Railway

Key national railway lines, including China State Railway Group's Jiaozuo-Liuzhou Railway, Yichang-Wanzhou Railway, and Hankou-Yichang Railway, converge in Yichang, forming its railway arteries. After the final section of the Shanghai-Wuhan-Chengdu High-Speed Railway, the Chongqing-Lichuan High-Speed Railway, opened on December 28, 2013, Yichang has become an important link connecting Chengdu, Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing, and Shanghai.

Yichang currently has two first-class passenger and freight railway stations: Yichang Station and Yichang East Station. However, since the completion of Yichang East Station, Yichang Station no longer handles passenger services.

By the end of 2014, the city's railway mileage was 481.6 km, with an annual passenger volume of 9.71 million trips. Currently, 180 pairs of trains pass through Yichang East Station daily, ranking among the top in the province.

Railway Mileage from Yichang to Major Domestic Cities Yichang East - Beijing West: 1,421 km Yichang East - Shanghai Hongqiao: 1,121 km Yichang East - Guangzhou: 1,245 km Yichang East - Hangzhou East: 1,066 km Yichang East - Chongqing North: 776 km Yichang East - Chengdu: 908 km Yichang East - Wuhan: 291 km Yichang East - Xi'an: 1,005 km

6.4 Aviation

Yichang has one 4D-class (planned for 4E-class) airport, which is one of China's 57 open aviation ports.

Three Gorges Airport is the second largest airport in Hubei Province. Located in the eastern part of Xiaoting District, it was formerly known as Huanglongsi Airport. Its service area covers cities in western Hubei. It has opened flights to over 30 large and medium-sized cities in China. In 2016, Yichang Three Gorges Airport handled 1.536 million passenger trips, 14,324 aircraft movements, and transported 10,988.7 tons of cargo, mail, and baggage. Aircraft movements and passenger throughput increased by over 22% compared to the previous year, and cargo, mail, and baggage increased by over 10%. In 2016, international flight passenger throughput reached 31,600 trips, with an average seat occupancy rate of 76.9%, of which 17,400 were Korean passengers, accounting for 55%. Three Gorges Airport has become the largest civil airport in the Three Gorges region, entering the ranks of medium-sized domestic airports. In June 2014, it was rated a four-star airport by SKYTRAX.

6.5 Urban Transportation

Yichang Public Transit Yichang Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services Yichang Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Yichang Rail Transit Yichang Ferry

7. Education

Preschool Education
In 2019, Yichang City had 452 preschool education institutions with an enrollment of 87,019 students.

Compulsory Education
In 2019, Yichang City had 257 primary schools with an enrollment of 172,813 students, and 136 junior high schools with an enrollment of 78,821 students.

Senior Secondary Education
In 2019, Yichang City had 52 senior high schools (including complete secondary schools) with an enrollment of 75,625 students; 34 secondary vocational schools with an enrollment of 44,590 students; and 15 technical schools with an enrollment of 25,788 students.

Special Education
In 2019, Yichang City had 3 special education schools with an enrollment of 5,247 students.

Higher Education
Yichang City has six higher education institutions. In 2019, these institutions admitted 16,153 new students, graduated 19,189 students, had a total enrollment of 60,008 students, employed 5,464 faculty and staff, including 3,156 full-time teachers.

• China Three Gorges University: A full-time regular undergraduate institution located at No. 8 University Road.
• Three Gorges University College of Science and Technology: An independent college with independent legal person status, located at No. 18 University Road.
• Hubei Three Gorges Polytechnic: A full-time regular higher vocational college located at No. 31 Stadium Road.
• Three Gorges Electric Power Vocational College: A full-time regular higher vocational college located at No. 36 Lüluo Road.
• Three Gorges Tourism Polytechnic: A full-time regular higher vocational college located at No. 205 Hanyi Avenue.
• Yichang Vocational College of Science and Technology: A full-time regular higher vocational college located at No. 205 Hanyi Avenue.

8. Population

By the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 3.92 million, and the registered population was 3.8654 million. The annual number of births was 16,700, with a birth rate of 4.3‰; the number of deaths was 26,000, with a death rate of 6.7‰, resulting in a natural population growth rate of 2.4‰.

According to the results of the Seventh National Population Census, as of 00:00 on November 1, 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 4,017,607. Compared with the 4,059,686 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the permanent resident population decreased by 42,079. By the end of 2020, the city's registered population was 3.899 million. The annual number of births was 24,500, with a birth rate of 6.3‰; the number of deaths was 26,500, with a death rate of 6.8‰; and the natural growth rate was -0.5‰.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

According to the Sixth National Population Census, Yichang City has a total ethnic minority population of 472,000, comprising 45 ethnic groups. Among them, the Tujia ethnic group accounts for 464,000 people, the Miao ethnic group for 2,420, the Hui ethnic group for 2,175, the Manchu ethnic group for 908, and the Zhuang ethnic group for 664. There are 6 ethnic groups with populations between 100 and 500, 16 ethnic groups with populations between 10 and 100, and 18 ethnic groups with populations below 10. Yichang City administers two Tujia autonomous counties, Changyang and Wufeng; one ethnic township (Panjiawan Tujia Ethnic Township in Yidu City); and three ethnic villages (Chexi Tujia Village in Tucheng Township, Dianjun District; Hejiaping Tujia Village in Gaoqiao Township, Xingshan County; and Shizhu Tujia Village in Jiuwanxi Town, Zigui County).

9. Religion

Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism, and Christianity all have places of worship and followers in Yichang. The city has four municipal-level patriotic religious organizations: the Municipal Buddhist Association, the Municipal Taoist Association, the Municipal Catholic Patriotic Association, and the Municipal Christian "Two Committees" (the Municipal Christian Council and the Municipal Christian Three-Self Patriotic Movement Committee). Additionally, the Urban Mosque and Hui Ethnic Management Committee perform the functions of the Islamic Association. There are 60 legally registered religious activity sites in the city, including 28 temples, churches, and mosques, and 32 other fixed religious activity venues. These comprise 11 Buddhist temples and 4 fixed venues, 5 Taoist temples and 2 fixed venues, 2 Islamic mosques, 3 Catholic churches and 8 fixed venues, and 7 Christian churches and 18 fixed venues. There are 138 certified religious clergy members, including 64 Buddhists, 40 Taoists, 2 Muslims, 16 Catholics, and 16 Christians. The city has over 40,000 religious followers, including approximately 13,000 Buddhists, 5,500 Taoists, 6,400 Catholics, 12,000 Protestants, and 4,000 Muslims.

• Buddhism: Ancient Buddha Temple, Yuquan Temple
• Taoism: Changyang Zhongwudang Taoist Temple, Yuan'an Mingfeng Mountain Taoist Temple
• Protestantism: St. James' Church
• Catholicism: St. Francis Cathedral, Yichang Diocese

10. Culture

10.1 Cuisine

Located between Chongqing and Wuhan, Yichang's culinary tastes are similar to those of the Sichuan Basin, favoring spicy flavors. However, compared to Sichuan cuisine, it uses less Sichuan pepper (which provides a numbing sensation) and incorporates more sweetness. Relative to Wuhan, the flavors tend to be spicier and more sour. Like Wuhan, Yichang also colloquially refers to eating breakfast as "guozao." Long influenced by the culinary culture of Jingzhou, Yichang has developed local snacks under this influence, such as Liangxia (a cold dessert), Radish Dumplings, Jingutiao (fried dough sticks), Shaosu (sweet potato crisps), and Lazy Tofu Pudding.

10.2 Tourism

Yichang City boasts enchanting scenery and is renowned for the Three Gorges tourism, integrating majestic mountains and great rivers, historical sites and modern engineering, natural landscapes and cultural attractions. The Gezhouba Hydropower Station and the myriad lights of Yichang's urban area complement each other. Scenic spots like Huangling Temple, Sanyou Cave, Longquan Cave, Xialao Stream, Peach Blossom Village, and Golden Lion Cave are scattered throughout. The perilous Xiling Gorge winds through like a roaming dragon. The city's tourism image of "Golden Three Gorges, Silver Dam, Green Yichang" is shaped by:

• Ancient celebrity culture represented by poet Qu Yuan, beauty Wang Zhaojun, sage Guan Yu, and scholar Yang Shoujing.
• Folk culture represented by Ba people's legacy and Tujia ethnic customs.
• Historical relics represented by the ancient Three Kingdoms battlefield and Sanyou Cave.
• Eco-tourism destinations represented by Dalangling and Chaibuxi National Forest Parks.

Yichang City is rich in tourism resources. As of July 2020, it had 51 key open tourist attractions (rated A-level), including 3 at the 5A level, 20 at 4A, 26 at 3A, and 2 at 2A. In 2019, Yichang received 89.01 million tourist visits, including 88.53 million domestic visits and 475,300 inbound visits. Total tourism revenue reached 98.6 billion yuan, comprising 97.2 billion yuan from domestic tourism and $198.05 million in tourism foreign exchange earnings. The "2017 Hubei Province Tourism Development Evaluation Report" indicated that Yichang City ranked second in the province across multiple indicators, including the prefecture-level city tourism development level index, industrial competitiveness, development environment index, and tourist satisfaction.

11. Sister Cities

Metz, France (January 28, 1991) Port of Söder, Sweden (October 22, 1994) Ludwigsburg County, Germany (May 3, 1995) Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine (October 16, 1997) Valenciennes, France (April 23, 1998) Kashiwazaki City, Japan (November 1998) Charleston, Australia (August 10, 2001) Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil (July 24, 2006) Washington County, USA (August 31, 2006) Yokkaichi City, Japan (May 2011)

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Xiling District

Yiling District

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Orange tree, goldenrain tree

Lilium leucanthum, Wintersweet