Huaihua (怀化)

1. Introduction

Huaihua City, also known as Hecheng and Wuxi, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hunan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the western part of Hunan Province. The city borders Xiangxi Prefecture to the northwest, Zhangjiajie City and Changde City to the northeast, Yiyang City, Loudi City, and Shaoyang City to the east, Guilin City and Liuzhou City of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the south, and Qiandongnan Prefecture and Tongren City of Guizhou Province to the west. Situated in the transitional zone between the Xiangxi Mountains and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the area is characterized by continuous mountain ranges, with the Wuling Mountains in the northwest and the Xuefeng Mountains in the east. The Yuan River flows from south to north through the city, converging with tributaries such as the Qushui, Wushui, Wushui, Xushui, Chenshui, and Youshui. The city covers a total area of 27,573 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 4.5207 million. The People's Government of Huaihua City is located at No. 1 Fuqian Road, Hecheng District.

Huaihua City boasts unique geographical conditions and significant transportation advantages. Historically known as the "Gateway to Guizhou and Yunnan" and the "Throat of Chu," it serves as a "bridgehead" connecting central and eastern China to the southwestern region and is an important national railway hub, earning the nickname "the city brought by trains." With a forest coverage rate of 68.7%, the city enjoys a favorable natural ecological environment and is acclaimed as "a city that breathes." It is the only prefecture-level city in Hunan Province to have been awarded the title of "National Ecological Demonstration Zone." Huaihua is also renowned for its pristine botanical gardens, ancient architectural museums, multi-ethnic cultural villages, the birthplace of hybrid rice, and the site of the acceptance of Japan's surrender at the end of the War of Resistance Against Japan.

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2. History

The name Huaihua originated in the Song Dynasty, derived from the phrase "Huairou Guihua" (meaning to pacify and civilize). In the seventh year of the Xining reign (1074 AD), "Man Zhai" was renamed "Huaihua Zhai". In 1942, Huaihua County was established with its seat at Huaihua Post (present-day Luyang Town in Zhongfang County). As the county administration and later the Qianyang Prefectural Commissioner's Office relocated to Yushuwan Town, the name "Huaihua" gradually expanded from a small locality to encompass the entire region as it is known today.

2.1 Ancient Period

As early as the Paleolithic Age 10,000 years ago, the Huaihua area was inhabited by humans. During the Shang and Zhou dynasties, Huaihua belonged to the Jing-Chu region. In the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was part of Qianzhong Commandery, whose seat was at Yaotou Village, Taichang Township, in present-day Yuanling County. In the 30th year of King Zhaoxiang of Qin (277 BC), Qianzhong Commandery was re-established in Yuanling. In 221 BC, after Qin Shi Huang unified China and divided the country into 36 commanderies, the northern part of present-day Huaihua City belonged to Qianzhong Commandery, while the southern part belonged to Xiang Commandery. In 202 BC, with the establishment of the Western Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang set up Wuling Commandery at Yiling (present-day Matianping in Xupu County), governing 13 counties. In the sixth year of Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty (30 AD), the seat of Wuling Commandery was moved from Yiling to Changde. During the Chen state of the Southern Dynasties, Yuanling Commandery was established, and Huaihua City was under its jurisdiction. In the first year of the Zhenguan reign of the Tang Dynasty (627 AD), the country was divided into 10 circuits; Huaihua City belonged to Chenzhou, Wuzhou, and Jinzhou within the Qianzhong Circuit. During the Five Dynasties period, it was part of the territory of Ma Chu. In the Song Dynasty, the country was divided into 15 circuits; Huaihua City belonged to Chenzhou, Yuanzhou, and Jingzhou within the Jinghu North Circuit. The Yuan Dynasty implemented the province system, dividing the country into 11 provinces; Huaihua City was part of the Huguang Branch Secretariat, governing the three routes of Chenzhou, Yuanzhou, and Jingzhou. The Ming Dynasty divided the country into 13 Provincial Administration Commission jurisdictions; Huaihua City belonged to the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission. The northern part established Chenzhou Prefecture, governing Yuanling County, Chenxi County, Xupu County, Luxi County, Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County, Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, Qianyang County (now abolished), Mayang Miao Autonomous County, and Huaihua County. The southern Jingzhou Prefecture governed Huitong County, Yongping County (present-day Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County), Tianzhu County, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, and Suining County. The Qing Dynasty divided the Huguang Provincial Administration Commission into Hunan and Hubei provinces. Huaihua City belonged to the Hunan Provincial Administration Commission, and Tianzhu County was transferred to Guizhou Province.

2.2 Early Republic of China Period

In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), Hunan Province implemented the circuit system. The counties and areas under present-day Huaihua's jurisdiction all belonged to the Chenyuan Circuit, with its seat in present-day Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County. In 1920, the Chenyuan Circuit was abolished, and counties were placed under the direct administration of Hunan Province. In 1935, to deal with the Communist Soviet Area in western Hunan, Hunan Province abolished the direct provincial administration of counties in the western Hunan region and established the Western Hunan Pacification District, with its seat in Yuanling County. In 1937, the War of Resistance broke out. In 1938, Hunan established the Administrative Inspection District system. The northern part of Huaihua City was the 9th Administrative Inspection District, with its seat in Yuanling County. The southern part belonged to the 10th Administrative Inspection District, with its seat in Hongjiang. Mayang County belonged to the 8th Administrative Inspection District (later merged into the 9th). Yuanling County, Xupu County, and Chenxi County belonged to the 9th Administrative Inspection District (later changed to the 5th District). Huitong County, Zhijiang County, Qianyang County, Huang County, Jing County, and Tongdao County belonged to the 10th Administrative Inspection District (including Huaihua County established in 1942, later changed to the 1st District).

2.3 War of Resistance Period

After the outbreak of the War of Resistance, the Huaihua region became a major rear area and a protective barrier for the wartime capital, Chongqing. Yuanling County briefly served as the provisional provincial capital of Hunan twice, on November 3, 1938, and in June 1945. A large number of factories, schools, organizations, and government offices relocated to Yuanling, Chenxi, Xupu, and other places, and many refugees from occupied areas also poured in. In 1937, the National Government's Army Mechanization School moved to Luobowan in Hongjiang and established a machinery factory. In June 1938, the 11th Arsenal of the Ordnance Department relocated from Wuhan to Xiaoping in Chenxi. Later, the machinery, power, ammunition, grenade, gunpowder, and machine gun divisions of the Hanyang Arsenal moved to Nanzhuangping in Chenxi and were incorporated into the 11th Arsenal. In 1938, the Southwest Highway Bureau set up an automobile repair factory in Huang County town. In 1939, the Joint Transport Office of the National Government's Ministry of Communications established an automobile repair factory in Yuanling. Factories such as the Yuanling Taishan Sewing Machine Repair Factory and the Jing County Disabled Veterans Production Department Machinery Factory became important suppliers of military supplies for the rear. Simultaneously, many schools from occupied areas moved into the Huaihua region to continue operations. Among them, the National Central Political University moved to Zhijiang, National Hunan University moved to Chenxi, National Normal College and Private Republic of China University moved to Xupu, Hengyang Private Chengzhang Middle School moved to Hongjiang, Beiping Art College and Hangzhou Art College moved to Yuanling and merged to establish the National Academy of Art. The Accounting and Cooperation Department of the National Business College, Hunan Provincial Commercial College, Zhejiang Banking College, and Changsha Yali Middle School also moved to Yuanling to continue their operations. The relocation of these factories and schools, while serving the war effort, elevated the educational and industrial levels of western Hunan, broadened horizons, and directly stimulated the development of industry and agriculture in the region.

During the War of Resistance, Zhijiang became a major military stronghold in southwestern China, hosting the largest air force base in the Far East, Zhijiang Airport. From July 1937 to September 1945, up to 220 military units and institutions were stationed in Zhijiang, including the Army Headquarters, Front Army Command, and units under the Ministry of Military Administration and Military Orders of the National Government. Additionally, there were numerous Allied troops from the United States, the Soviet Union, and other countries. Barracks, warehouses, and shops in places like Zhupingpu and Qiliqiao in Zhijiang County connected to form a bustling "American Street" for a time.

From April to June 1945, the invading Japanese army launched the "Zhijiang Campaign" aimed at capturing Zhijiang Air Base, attacking in three directions towards Hongjiang, Anjiang, and Xupu, but ended in failure. On August 21, 1945, Japanese representative Imai Takeo signed the instrument of surrender in Zhijiang.

2.4 From the Founding of the People's Republic of China to the Present

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in January 1950, Hunan Province established the Western Hunan Administrative Office. The former 1st and 5th Districts of Hunan were renamed Huitong Prefecture and Yuanling Prefecture, which, along with Yongshun Prefecture, belonged to the Western Hunan Administrative Region. On September 2, 1952, the Western Hunan Administrative Region was abolished, and the Western Hunan Miao Autonomous Region and Zhijiang Prefecture were established separately. Zhijiang Prefecture governed Hongjiang City and 12 counties: Zhijiang County, Huitong County, Suining County, Qianyang County, Huang County, Jing County, Tongdao County, Huaihua County, Chenxi County, Yuanling County, Xupu County, and Mayang County. On November 13, 1952, Zhijiang Prefecture was renamed Qianyang Prefecture, governing 1 city and 12 counties: Hongjiang City, Yuanling County, Chenxi County, Xupu County, Huaihua County, Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County, Qianyang County, Huitong County, Jing County, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, and Suining County. On June 20, 1958, Suining County was transferred to Shaoyang Prefecture, forming the present-day territory of Huaihua City. In 1970, Qianyang Prefecture was renamed Qianyang District. On January 25, 1975, Yushuwan Town in Huaihua County was renamed Huaihua Town, Huaihua County (deputy-county level). On February 24 of the same year, the Qianyang District Party Committee and the Qianyang District Revolutionary Committee organs moved from Anjiang to Huaihua. In 1978, the Zhicheng-Liuzhou Railway was completed and opened to traffic, intersecting with the already-built Hunan-Guizhou Railway at Huaihua Town. In April 1979, Huaihua Town of Huaihua County and Yingkou Commune were separated to establish the county-level Huaihua City, coexisting with Huaihua County. On December 24, 1982, Huaihua County was abolished, and its area was merged into Huaihua City. On June 30, 1981, Qianyang District was renamed Huaihua District, governing 2 county-level cities, 5 autonomous counties, and 5 counties. On November 29, 1997, the State Council approved (State Letter [1997] No. 105) the conversion of Huaihua District into a prefecture-level city. Hongjiang City and Qianyang County were merged to form the new Hongjiang City. The former Huaihua City (county-level) governed Hecheng District and Zhongfang County. In 1999, the "Hongjiang Incident" erupted in the new Hongjiang City, leading to the establishment of the deputy-county-level "Hongjiang Management Area of Hongjiang City." In 2002, the "Hongjiang Management Area of Hongjiang City" was upgraded to the county-level "Hongjiang Management Area of Huaihua City."

3. Geography

3.1 Climate

Huaihua City experiences four distinct seasons, with mild winters free from severe cold and summers without intense heat. It is rich in light and heat resources, receives abundant rainfall, and benefits from synchronized rain and heat patterns, characteristic of a subtropical monsoon climate, which is favorable for crop growth. However, influenced by topography, there are significant regional and vertical climatic variations, resulting in diverse climate types. Natural disasters such as droughts and floods occur occasionally.

The city's annual average temperature is 16.4°C. The southwestern mountain basins have relatively higher annual average temperatures, while the northern and southern hilly areas are cooler. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 4.7°C to 5.3°C and the lowest temperatures around -5°C. July is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 28.5°C and the highest temperatures around 39°C. The annual average frost-free period is 287 days.

3.2 Resources

Huaihua is abundant in natural resources. It has long been renowned as the "Land of Broad-Leaved Trees," "Land of Fruits," and "Land of Medicinal Herbs." The city has a standing timber stock of 66.9 million cubic meters, ranking first in Hunan Province. It boasts 260,000 mu (approximately 17,333 hectares) of medicinal herbs with over 1,900 varieties, of which 175 are key national-protected medicinal herb species. The production of Poria cocos (Fu Ling) and Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma) is notable, with Tian Ma output ranking first in the country. Annual fruit production exceeds 900,000 tons. Among these, Jingzhou's bayberries, Xupu's candied dates, and Mayang's rock sugar oranges have long enjoyed high reputations. Eleven categories and 45 types of mineral deposits have been verified. Reserves of gold, copper, and phosphorus rank first, third, and fourth respectively in Hunan Province, while reserves of stone coal, silica sand, and barite are among the highest in the country. The theoretical hydropower potential is 5 million kilowatts, of which 4.5 million kilowatts have been developed, making it one of the main areas of China's top ten hydropower bases.

4. Administrative Divisions

Huaihua City administers 1 district, 5 counties, 5 autonomous counties, 1 county-level administrative management area, and has jurisdiction over 1 county-level city.

• District: Hecheng District
• County-level City: Hongjiang City
• Counties: Zhongfang County, Yuanling County, Chenxi County, Xupu County, Huitong County
• Autonomous Counties: Mayang Miao Autonomous County, Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County, Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County, Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County
• County-level Administrative Management Area: Hongjiang Management Area

| Division Code | Division Name | Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Including Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|--------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------|--------------------------------| | 431200 | Huaihua City | Huáihuà Shì | 27,572.54 | 4,587,594 | Hecheng District | 418000 | 11 | 103 | 90 | 19 | | 431202 | Hecheng District | Hèchéng Qū | 672.71 | 712,584 | Hongxing Subdistrict| 418000 | 7 | 1 | 2 | | | 431221 | Zhongfang County | Zhōngfāng Xiàn | 1,515.45 | 233,378 | Zhongfang Town | 418000 | | 11 | 1 | 1 | | 431222 | Yuanling County | Yuánlíng Xiàn | 5,832.75 | 510,054 | Yuanling Town | 419600 | | 8 | 13 | 2 | | 431223 | Chenxi County | Chénxī Xiàn | 1,987.18 | 407,578 | Chenyang Town | 419500 | | 9 | 14 | 5 | | 431224 | Xupu County | Xùpǔ Xiàn | 3,429.11 | 757,797 | Lufeng Town | 419300 | | 18 | 7 | | | 431225 | Huitong County | Huìtóng Xiàn | 2,258.72 | 291,067 | Lincheng Town | 418300 | | 8 | 10 | 6 | | 431226 | Mayang Miao Autonomous County | Máyáng Miáozú Zìzhìxiàn | 1,565.58 | 313,305 | Gaocun Town | 419400 | | 8 | 10 | | | 431227 | Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County | Xīnhuǎng Dòngzú Zìzhìxiàn | 1,502.12 | 220,775 | Xinhuang Town | 419200 | | 9 | 2 | 2 | | 431228 | Zhijiang Dong Autonomous County | Zhǐjiāng Dòngzú Zìzhìxiàn | 2,094.63 | 307,661 | Zhijiang Town | 419100 | | 9 | 9 | | | 431229 | Jingzhou Miao and Dong Autonomous County | Jìngzhōu Miáozú Dòngzú Zìzhìxiàn | 2,207.88 | 233,638 | Quyang Town | 418400 | | 6 | 5 | | | 431230 | Tongdao Dong Autonomous County | Tōngdào Dòngzú Zìzhìxiàn | 2,223.22 | 201,047 | Shuangjiang Town | 418500 | | 9 | 2 | 1 | | 431281 | Hongjiang City | Hóngjiāng Shì | 2,283.19 | 398,710 | Qiancheng Town | 418100 | 4 | 7 | 15 | 2 |

5. Economy

The economic development of Huaihua City can be summarized from multiple aspects:

1. Economic Growth Huaihua City has maintained stable economic growth in recent years. In 2023, the city's GDP reached 194.852 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5.6%, accounting for 3.9% of Hunan Province's GDP. In the first three quarters of 2024, Huaihua's GDP was 148.975 billion yuan, growing by 4.8% year-on-year. Historical data shows that Huaihua's economic growth rate slowed during the "13th Five-Year Plan" period, but overall, it has maintained a medium-to-high growth rate.

2. Industrial Structure The structure of Huaihua's three major industries continues to optimize. In 2023, the added values of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries were 28.21 billion yuan, 56.538 billion yuan, and 110.104 billion yuan, respectively, accounting for 14.5%, 29%, and 56.5% of the GDP. The significant growth of the tertiary industry highlights the important role of the service sector in the economy. Additionally, Huaihua City focuses on developing characteristic and advantageous industries such as modern agriculture and eco-cultural tourism.

3. Per Capita GDP In 2023, Huaihua's per capita GDP was 43,335 yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.6%, but still below the national average. This indicates that there is room for improvement in per capita income in Huaihua.

4. Fixed Asset Investment and Consumption Fixed asset investment in Huaihua City continues to grow, increasing by 10.1% in the first three quarters of 2024. The total retail sales of consumer goods also maintained stable growth, rising by 5.7% in the first three quarters of 2024. These figures indicate a relatively active domestic demand market in Huaihua.

5. Foreign Trade Huaihua's total foreign trade import and export volume reached 10 billion yuan in the first three quarters of 2024, a year-on-year increase of 65.2%, demonstrating strong export-oriented economic characteristics.

6. Urban-Rural Income Gap There is a significant income gap between urban and rural residents in Huaihua City. In 2023, the per capita disposable income for all residents was 24,555 yuan, with urban residents at 35,945 yuan and rural residents at 15,352 yuan. Despite this, both urban and rural residents' incomes have shown relatively rapid growth.

7. Infrastructure and Transportation Huaihua's transportation infrastructure is continuously improving, with the total road mileage reaching 21,006 kilometers and the total railway length increasing from 451 kilometers in 1978 to 890.2 kilometers. This provides strong transportation support for economic development.

8. Ecological Environment and Sustainable Development While pursuing economic development, Huaihua City also emphasizes ecological and environmental protection. Research shows that the coupling coordination degree between economic development and ecological environmental protection in Huaihua has been increasing year by year, but issues of regional development imbalance still exist.

The economic development of Huaihua City shows a steady and progressive trend, with the industrial structure gradually optimizing and the tertiary industry becoming a key driver of economic growth. However, challenges such as relatively low per capita income levels, a significant urban-rural income gap, and regional development imbalances still need to be further addressed.

6. Transportation

6.1 Railway Transportation

The development of Huaihua is closely linked to major railway arteries, earning it the nickname "the city pulled by trains." The Shanghai-Kunming Railway, Jiaozuo-Liuzhou Railway, and Chongqing-Huaihua Railway converge in the urban area, forming a shape resembling the Chinese character "大" (big). The Hangzhou-Changsha-Kunming Passenger Dedicated Line passes through Huaihua, with stations including Huaihua South Station, Xupu South Station, Zhijiang Station, and Xinhuang West Station. The Huaihua-Shaoyang-Hengyang Railway, connecting Huaihua and Hengyang, was fully opened to traffic on December 25, 2018. The Zhangjiajie-Jishou-Huaihua Railway, linking Jishou and Zhangjiajie, commenced construction on December 28, 2016, and began operation in December 2021.

6.2 Highways

Due to its mountainous location, Huaihua was the last prefecture-level city in Hunan to be connected by expressways. Through recent years of construction, as of 2015, the total length of expressways in the city reached 612 kilometers, ranking first in Hunan Province.

National highways and expressways within the city include:

• National Highway 209
• National Highway 320
• G56 Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway
• G60 Shanghai-Kunming Expressway
• G65 Baotou-Maoming Expressway
• Louhuai Expressway
• S7001 Huaihua Ring Expressway

6.3 Airport

Huaihua Zhijiang Airport was originally one of the largest Allied air force bases in the Far East during World War II. It has since been renovated and expanded into a 4C-class civilian airport, with flights to cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Shenzhen, Fuzhou, Xi'an, Haikou, and Sanya.

Transportation to and from the airport within the city:

1. Take the airport shuttle bus at Huaihua West Bus Station.
2. Drive via National Highway G209 or the Airport Expressway (Huaihua-Zhijiang Expressway, under construction).
3. Take a CRH train from Huaihua South Station to Zhijiang Station.

7. Education

7.1 Higher Education

Huaihua currently has two full-time undergraduate institutions: Huaihua University and Hunan University of Medicine; two full-time higher vocational colleges: Huaihua Vocational and Technical College and Huaihua Normal College. Social and adult higher education is primarily undertaken by institutions such as Huaihua Radio and Television University and the Party School of the Huaihua Municipal Committee of the CPC.

7.2 Basic Education

7.2.1 Senior High Schools

• Huaihua No. 1 Middle School
• Huaihua No. 3 Middle School
• Huaihua No. 5 Middle School
• Huaihua Railway No. 1 Middle School
• Huaihua Hutian Middle School

7.2.2 Junior High Schools

• Huaihua No. 2 Middle School
• Huaihua Hongyu Middle School (formerly the Junior High School Division of Huaihua No. 3 Middle School)
• Huaihua No. 4 Middle School
• Huaihua Wuling Middle School (formerly the Junior High School Division of Huaihua Railway No. 1 Middle School)
• Huaihua Railway No. 2 Middle School
• Huaihua Hexi School

8. Population

According to the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the resident population of Huaihua City was 4,741,948, accounting for 7.22% of Hunan Province's population, ranking 7th in the province. The population density was 172 persons/km². The sex ratio was 106.66 males per 100 females. By educational attainment, individuals with a college degree or above accounted for 5.46% of the total population, while those with a junior high school education or above accounted for 58.15%. The illiteracy rate was 4.33%. There were 1,361,512 family households in the jurisdiction, with a household population of 4,585,838, accounting for 96.71% of the total population. The average household size was 3.37 persons. In terms of age composition, the population aged 14 and below was 811,093, accounting for 17.10% of the total; the population aged 15-64 was 3,434,567, accounting for 72.43%; and the elderly population aged 65 and above was 496,288, accounting for 10.47%.

According to the 2020 Seventh National Population Census, the city's resident population was 4,587,594. Compared with the 4,741,673 people from the Sixth National Population Census, this represents a decrease of 154,079 people over ten years, a decline of 3.25%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.33%. Among them, the male population was 2,361,817, accounting for 51.48% of the total population; the female population was 2,225,777, accounting for 48.52%. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 106.11. The population aged 0-14 was 928,746, accounting for 20.24% of the total; the population aged 15-59 was 2,691,590, accounting for 58.67%; and the population aged 60 and above was 967,258, accounting for 21.08%, of which the population aged 65 and above was 728,519, accounting for 15.88%. The urban population was 2,164,261, accounting for 47.18% of the total population; the rural population was 2,423,333, accounting for 52.82%.

At the end of 2022, the city's resident population was 4.5207 million, a decrease of 0.9%. By urban-rural division: the urban population was 2.2048 million, an increase of 0.5%; the rural population was 2.3159 million, a decrease of 2.1%. By sex: the male population was 2.3380 million, a decrease of 0.9%; the female population was 2.1827 million, a decrease of 0.9%.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

Huaihua is one of the areas in Hunan Province with a concentrated distribution of ethnic minorities. The city had a total of 1,832,289 ethnic minority people (2010 census), accounting for 38.64% of the total population, ranking 2nd in the province for total minority population. The indigenous ethnic minorities include the Dong, Miao, Tujia, Yao, and Bai ethnic groups. Huaihua is the concentrated distribution area for the Dong population in Hunan, the second-largest concentrated distribution area for the Miao, Yao, and Bai populations, and the third-largest distribution area for the Tujia population.

Data from the 2000 Fifth National Population Census show that Huaihua City had a Han population of 2,845,777, accounting for 61.33% of the regional population. The ethnic minority population was 1,793,961, accounting for 27.98% of the province's ethnic minority population, ranking 2nd in Hunan; this represented 38.67% of the regional population. Among China's 55 ethnic minorities, 45 are distributed in the city. The Dong population in the city was 808,155, accounting for 17.42% of the regional population, 95.97% of Hunan's total Dong population, and 27.28% of the national Dong population, making it the concentrated distribution area for the Dong in the province. The Dong are distributed in Xinhuang, Zhijiang, Tongdao, and Jingzhou. The Miao population was 725,057, accounting for 15.63% of the regional population, 37.73% of Hunan's total Miao population, and 8.11% of the national Miao population, with the total Miao population second only to Xiangxi Prefecture. The Miao are distributed in Mayang and Jingzhou. The Tujia population was 162,105, accounting for 3.49% of the regional population, 6.14% of Hunan's Tujia population, and 2.02% of the national Tujia population, ranking 3rd after Zhangjiajie and Xiangxi Prefecture. The Yao population was 71,952, accounting for 1.55% of the regional population and 10.21% of Hunan's Yao population, ranking 2nd after Yongzhou. The Bai population was 16,718, accounting for 0.36% of the regional population and 13.31% of Hunan's Bai population, ranking 2nd after Zhangjiajie. Ethnic groups in Huaihua with populations over one thousand include the Hui and Mongolian, with 4,115 and 2,045 people respectively. Ten ethnic groups, including Zhuang and Manchu, have populations over one hundred.

In 2020, among the city's resident population, the Han population was 2,837,177, accounting for 61.84%; the total ethnic minority population was 1,750,417, accounting for 38.16%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population decreased by 72,397, a decline of 2.49%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.48 percentage points. The total ethnic minority population decreased by 81,682, a decline of 4.46%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.48 percentage points. Specifically, the Dong population decreased by 18,648, a decline of 2.28%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.17 percentage points; the Miao population decreased by 60,461, a decline of 7.8%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.77 percentage points; the Tujia population decreased by 7,815, a decline of 5.54%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.07 percentage points; the Yao population increased by 4,385, a growth of 5.92%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.15 percentage points.

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9. Culture

9.1 Attractions

Huaihua's terrain is predominantly mountainous, with high vegetation coverage and exceptional natural resources. The main attractions in the urban area include Zhongpo National Forest Park and Wuxi Square. Located in Jingzhou, Paiya Mountain Forest Park and in Xinhuang, Huangjiagong Forest Park are provincial-level forest parks. The Simeng Mountains and Waters in Xupu, Yanzi Cave in Chenxi, and Wanfo Mountain in Tongdao are all famous scenic areas within the province.

Huaihua's long history and culture, multi-ethnic settlements, and vast geographical span have endowed the area with rich cultural landscape resources. Matian Drum Tower and Huangdu Dong Ethnic Cultural Village in Tongdao, Longjin Wind-Rain Bridge and Dong Cultural City in Zhijiang are excellent places to experience Dong ethnic culture. Furong Tower and Daxing Zen Temple in Hongjiang, Jingping Ancient Cultural Village and Huangxi Village Ancient Architectural Complex in Zhongfang, and Longxing Lecture Temple in Yuanling are treasures of ancient architecture within the region. Tianhou Palace in Zhijiang is the largest Mazu Temple inland. The Ancient Commercial Town of Hongjiang witnesses the germination of Chinese capitalism and is the only well-preserved ancient commercial town from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. Fenghuang Temple in Yuanling, where General Zhang Xueliang was once imprisoned, the Zhijiang Surrender Site and Surrender Memorial Archway commemorating the victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan in Zhijiang, the Cemetery for Martyrs of the War of Resistance Against Japan in Xupu, and the Memorial Hall for the Victory in Bandit Suppression in Yuanling District, Chenxi, all bear witness to important historical events in modern Chinese history. The former residences of Su Yu in Huitong, Xiang Jingyu in Xupu, and Teng Daiyuan in Mayang are all sites commemorating important modern historical figures.

9.2 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Longxing Temple
• Matian Drum Tower
• Xiang Jingyu's Former Residence
• Ancient Architectural Complex of Yutou Dong Village
• Gaomiao Site
• Ancient Architectural Complex of Gaoyi Village
• Ancient Architectural Complex of Hongjiang
• Pingtan Wind-Rain Bridge
• Zhijiang Surrender Site (Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan)
• Anjiang Agricultural School Memorial Park
• Ancient Architectural Complex of Jingping Village
• Ancient Architectural Complex of Qiancheng
• Zhijiang Tianhou Palace
• Gongcheng Academy
• Furong Tower
• Bingshu Pavilion and Wenxing Bridge
• Baiyi Guan

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Huairou Pacification

Heqcheng District Fuqian Road

Xupu County

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