Wuwei (武威)

1. Introduction

Wuwei City is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Gansu Province, People's Republic of China. The municipal government is located in Liangzhou District. Situated in the central part of the northwestern region and at the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor, it is known as the "Strategic Pass of the World" and the "Guardian of the Nation." Historically called Liangzhou and Guzang, it is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city and one of the Four Commanderies of Hexi. It served as the capital for the Former Liang, Later Liang, Southern Liang, Northern Liang, Great Liang, and the Western Xia (under Emperor Shenzong of Xia) dynasties, earning it the titles "Northwestern Capital" and "Ancient Capital of Six Dynasties."

Wuwei City borders Baiyin City to the southeast, Lanzhou City and Haidong City of Qinghai Province to the south, Jinchang City, Zhangye City, and Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province to the west, and the Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to the north and east. Located between the Qilian Mountains and the Tengger Desert, its southern part features high mountains such as Lenglong Ridge, Wushaoling Ridge, and Maomao Mountain, along with glacial distributions. The central area consists of the Hexi Corridor, where oases alternate with Gobi deserts. The northern region is characterized by Gobi, deserts, and denuded low mountains with sparse vegetation. Rivers mostly originate from the Qilian Mountains and belong to the Shiyang River system. The city covers a total area of 32,347 square kilometers, with a permanent resident population of 1.4273 million at the end of 2023.

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2. History

2.1 Late Neolithic Period

From 3300 BC to 2050 BC, archaeological discoveries at sites such as Xiashuang Township and Fengle Town in present-day Wuwei City, Peijiaying Township in Gulang County, and Dongping Township in Tianzhu County have unearthed stone tools like stone knives, percussion tools, and stone axes; bone artifacts such as knife handles, bone awls, and bone ornaments; and pottery including painted pottery cups, basins, jars, bowls, and plain sand-tempered pottery jars. These findings indicate that human activity existed in the Wuwei region over five thousand years ago during the Majiayao Culture period.

From 2050 BC to 1135 BC, cultural sites such as Huangniangniangtai and Haizang Temple in present-day Wuwei City belong to the Qijia Culture. Excavations at Huangniangniangtai have revealed joint burial tombs of adult men and women and red copper artifacts. Burial goods include bi discs, huang pendants, turquoise beads, coarse jade pieces, red copper objects, pottery, and pig mandibles. In some cases, over 80 bi discs were concentrated on male bodies. The presence of semi-subterranean houses indicates that three to four thousand years ago, the Wuwei area not only had agriculture and animal husbandry but also handicrafts. The use of red copper artifacts shows that productive forces had developed to a certain level. The abundant appearance of bi discs, symbols of power and wealth, mostly placed on men, suggests the emergence of currency, the establishment of a patriarchal system, and the appearance of wealth disparity.

2.2 Xia, Shang, and Zhou Periods

From approximately the late 21st century BC to the 11th century BC (Xia and Shang periods), the Hexi Corridor was inhabited by the Xirong people.

From 1046 BC to 771 BC (Western Zhou period), the Shangshu (Book of Documents), specifically the "Yu Gong" chapter of the "Xia Shu," contains records of the Zhuye Ze (earliest name: Manye Ze; Xia Dynasty name: Duye Ze; early Han name: Xiutu Ze) within the area of present-day Minqin County, indicating that humans were already using the Zhuye Ze as a fishing and hunting ground.

From approximately 800 BC to 600 BC (Western Zhou period), archaeological discoveries at Shajingzi and Sanjiaocheng in present-day Minqin County, and Nuanquan in Gulang County, have yielded stone tools, painted pottery, and bronze objects. This period is historically referred to as the Shajing Culture, belonging to the Bronze Age culture of northwestern China.

From 770 BC to 256 BC (Eastern Zhou period), the Hexi Corridor was part of Rong territory.

2.3 Qin and Han Periods

From 221 BC to 206 BC, the Hexi Corridor was under the control of the Yuezhi and Wusun peoples.

In the sixth year of Emperor Wen of the Western Han (174 BC), the Xiongnu occupied the Hexi region. In the spring of the second year of the Yuanshou era of Emperor Wu of Han (121 BC), Huo Qubing defeated the Xiongnu, and the Hexi Corridor was incorporated into the Western Han territory. To display the military prowess of the Han Empire, the Wuwei Commandery was established in the former territory of the Xiutu King, giving Wuwei its name. Within the region, the Wuwei Commandery was established under the jurisdiction of the Liangzhou Inspectorate, administering ten counties: Guzang, Zhangye, Wuwei, Xiutu, Xuci, Luan Niao, Puhuan, Wenwei, Cangsong, and Xuanwei, with Guzang (present-day Liangzhou District) as the administrative seat.

In the sixth month of the first year of the Xingping era of Emperor Xian of the Eastern Han (194 AD), Wuwei Commandery was placed under Yong Province, administering fourteen counties: Guzang, Zhangye, Wuwei, Xiutu, Xuci, Luan Niao, Puhuan, Wenwei, Xuanwei, Cangsong, Zhanyin, Zuli, Xianmei, and the office of the Zuoqi Qianren.

2.4 Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties Period

In the tenth month of the first year of the Huangchu era of Emperor Wen of Wei during the Three Kingdoms period (220 AD), Liang Province was re-established, governing seven commanderies including Wuwei. The provincial seat was Guzang County in Wuwei Commandery. Wuwei Commandery administered fourteen counties: Guzang, Xuanwei, Wuwei, Xuci, Cangsong, Xianmei, Liqian, Zuli, Xiutu, Luan Niao, Puhuan, Zhangye, Zhanyin, and Wenwei.

In the early Western Jin Dynasty, the area was under Liang Province, administering seven counties: Guzang, Xuanwei, Xuci, Changsong, Xianmei, Liqian, and Fanhe.

2.5 The "Five Liang" Period

In the fifth month of the second year of the Jianxing era of Emperor Min of Jin (314 AD), Zhang Shi established the Former Liang, adopting the era name Yong'an. He established six provinces: Liang, He, Sha, Ding, Shang, and Qin. Wuwei Commandery belonged to Liang Province, administering nine counties: Guzang, Zuli, Xuanwei, Xuci, Cangsong, Xianmei, Liqian, Zhanyin, and Fanhe.

In the tenth month of the eleventh year of the Taiyuan era of Emperor Xiaowu of the Eastern Jin (386 AD), Lü Guang changed the era name to Tai'an and established his capital at Guzang, historically known as the Later Liang. The Later Liang governed 26 commanderies including Wuwei. Wuwei Commandery administered seven counties: Guzang, Zuli, Xuanwei, Xuci, Xianmei, Liqian, and Zhanyin.

In the first month of the first year of the Long'an era of Emperor An of Jin (397 AD), the Xianbei chieftain Tufa Wugu of Hexi declared himself Grand Commander-in-Chief, Grand General, Great Chanyu, and King of Xiping. He adopted the era name Taichu and established his capital at Xiping (present-day Xining), founding the Southern Liang. In the eleventh month of the fourth year of the Yixi era of Emperor An of Jin (408 AD), Tufa Rutan declared himself King of Liang and moved the capital to Guzang. He established 14 commanderies including Wuwei and the Hanchuan military command. Wuwei Commandery was under Liang Province, administering seven counties: Guzang, Zuli, Xuanwei, Xuci, Xianmei, Liqian, and Zhanyin.

In the fifth month of the first year of the Long'an era of Emperor An of Jin (397 AD), Duan Ye founded the Northern Liang, establishing three provinces: Liang, Qin, and Sha. Wuwei Commandery was under Qin Province, still administering seven counties: Guzang, Zuli, Xuanwei, Xuci, Xianmei, Liqian, and Zhanyin.

In the fourth year of the Long'an era of Emperor An of Jin (400 AD), Li Gao founded the Western Liang. He relocated 10,000 Han households to establish the two commanderies of Kuaiji and Guangxia. The remaining households were divided to establish the three commanderies of Wuwei, Wuxing, and Zhangye. Wuwei Commandery still administered seven counties: Guzang, Zuli, Xuanwei, Xuci, Xianmei, Liqian, and Zhanyin.

2.6 Northern Wei Dynasty

In the fifth year of the Taiyan era of Emperor Taiwu of the Northern Wei (439 AD), Emperor Taiwu Tuoba Tao personally led a campaign to Hexi, destroyed the Northern Liang, and occupied the region. The area remained as Wuwei Commandery, under Liang Province, administering two counties: Linzhong and Xiangcheng. The seat of Liang Province was Linzhong, where the positions of Commander-in-Chief of Guzang Garrison and Commander-in-Chief of Liangzhou Garrison were established.

2.7 Western Wei Dynasty

In the first year of the Datong era of Emperor Wen of the Western Wei (535 AD), the Western Wei destroyed the Northern Wei and occupied Liang Province. They established five commanderies: Wuwei, Changsong, Wei'an, Fanhe, and Guangwu. Wuwei Commandery administered four counties: Guzang, Linzhong, Xiangcheng, and Xianmei.

2.8 Northern Zhou Dynasty

In the second year of the Xiaomin era of Emperor Xiaomin of the Northern Zhou (558 AD), the Liangzhou Chief Military Command was established, with its seat at Guzang, governing the two commanderies of Wuwei and Guangwu. Wuwei Commandery administered eight counties: Guzang, Changsong, Baishan, Ligan, Anning, Guangcheng, Zhanghe, and Yanzhi.

2.9 Sui and Tang Periods

In the first year of the Kaihuang era of Emperor Wen of Sui (581 AD), Wuwei Commandery was abolished, and the Liangzhou Chief Military Command was established, with its seat at Guzang.

In the early years of the Daye era of Emperor Yang of Sui (605 AD), the Liangzhou Chief Military Command was abolished, and Wuwei Commandery was re-established. The commandery seat was Guzang County, administering four counties: Guzang, Changsong, Fanhe, and Yunwu.

In the second year of the Wude era of Emperor Gaozu of Tang (619 AD), Wuwei Commandery was abolished, and the Liangzhou Chief Military Command was established, with its seat at Guzang.

In the seventh year of the Wude era (624 AD), the Liangzhou Chief Military Command was abolished and replaced by the Liangzhou Military Governor's Office.

In the first year of the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong of Tang (627 AD), the country was divided into ten circuits (dao). Liangzhou belonged to the Longyou Circuit. Wuwei Commandery was under Liangzhou, and its administrative scope followed the Sui Dynasty structure.

In the first year of the Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (742 AD), Liangzhou was again renamed Wuwei Commandery, administering five counties: Guzang, Shenniao, Tianbao, Changsong, and Jialin.

In the first year of the Qianyuan era of Emperor Suzong of Tang (758 AD), Wuwei Commandery was changed back to Liangzhou.

In the second year of the Guangde era of Emperor Daizong of Tang (764 AD), Liangzhou was occupied by the Tibetan Empire (Tubo), which established the Xiliang Prefecture.

In the fourth year of the Tianyou era of Emperor Ai of Tang (907 AD), Zhu Wen deposed the emperor and established the Later Liang. Subsequently, the Yellow River basin saw successive regimes: Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou, historically known as the "Five Dynasties" period. During the Five Dynasties, although Xiliang Prefecture nominally administered Shenniao and Jialin counties and intermittently had military governors or acting governors appointed, it remained under the rule of the self-governing Tibetan regime with its own officials.

2.10 Song Dynasties and Western Xia

In the first year of the Jianlong era of Emperor Taizu of Song (960 AD), Tibetan tribes established self-governing regimes in Xiliang Prefecture, such as the Zhebugezhi of Xiliang Prefecture and the Liugu tribal leader Pan Luozhi.

In the seventh month of the second year of the Zhidao era of Emperor Taizong of Song (996 AD), the Northern Song Dynasty gained jurisdiction over Xiliang Prefecture, administering five counties: Guzang, Shenniao, Fanhe, Changsong, and Jialin.

In the first year of the Mingdao era of Emperor Renzong of Song (1032 AD), Li Yuanhao (Emperor Jingzong of Western Xia) captured Ganzhou and Liangzhou. From then on, the Hexi region belonged to the Western Xia territory.

In the third year of the Jingyou era of Emperor Renzong of Song (1036 AD), Xiliang Prefecture was established in Wuwei, under the jurisdiction of the Gansu Military Commission (seat at Ganzhou).

2.11 Yuan, Ming, and Qing Periods

In the fifteenth year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1278 AD), Emperor Shizu of Yuan established Yongchang Route in Yongchang Prefecture and downgraded Xiliang Prefecture to a Zhou (sub-prefecture). Yongchang Route belonged to Gansu Province, governing two county-level administrative units: Xiliang Zhou and Zhuanglang County.

In the fifth year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1372 AD), Ganzhou Guard (present-day Zhangye) and Zhuanglang Guard (present-day Yongdeng) were established to govern the Hexi region.

In the first month of the twelfth year of the Hongwu era (1379 AD), the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission was established in Zhuanglang to oversee all guards and battalions in Hexi.

In the twenty-sixth year of the Hongwu era (1393 AD), the Shaanxi Regional Military Commission moved its seat from Zhuanglang to Ganzhou. It governed the five Ganzhou Guards (Left, Right, Front, Rear, and Center), as well as guard households in Yongchang, Liangzhou, Zhuanglang, Xining, Linhe, etc. In the early Qing Dynasty, the Ming system was followed, and it was part of the Xining Circuit, administering Liangzhou Guard, Zhenfan Guard, Yongchang Guard, Zhuanglang Guard, and the Gulang Garrison Battalion.

In the second year of the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty (1663 AD), it was changed to the Liangzhuang Circuit.

In the second year of the Yongzheng era of Emperor Shizong of Qing (1724 AD), Liangzhou Guard was changed to Wuwei County, Yongchang Guard to Yongchang County, Zhuanglang Guard to Pingfan County, Zhenfan Guard to Zhenfan County, and the Gulang Garrison Battalion to Gulang County. Liangzhou Prefecture was established, with its seat at Wuwei County, under the Liangzhuang Circuit. It administered five counties: Wuwei, Yongchang, Zhenfan, Gulang, and Pingfan, as well as the Zhuanglang Tea-Horse Office.

In the thirty-seventh year of the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty (1772 AD), the Liangzhuang Circuit was changed to the Ganliang Circuit, with its seat at Wuwei County. Liangzhou Prefecture was under the Ganliang Circuit, administering five counties: Wuwei, Yongchang, Zhenfan, Gulang, and Pingfan, as well as the Zhuanglang Tea-Horse Office.### 2.12 Republic of China Period In the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922), the Gansu Provincial Government abolished the prefectures and divided the Gansu Circuit into the Ganliang Circuit and the Ansui Circuit. The Ganliang Circuit was administered from Wuwei County and governed nine counties: Wuwei, Yongchang, Zhenfan, Gulang, Pingfan, Zhangye, Minle, Shandan, and Fuyi. In the 18th year of the Republic of China (1929), Zhenfan County was renamed Minqin County. In July of the 25th year of the Republic of China (1936), the Sixth Administrative Inspection District of Gansu Province was established, governing eight counties: Wuwei, Minle, Minqin, Yongchang, Shandan, Zhangye, Linze, and Gulang, with its administrative seat in Wuwei. In the 30th year of the Republic of China (1941), the Sixth Administrative Inspection District of Gansu Province was renamed the Wuwei Commissioner's Office, with its seat in Wuwei County, governing five counties: Wuwei, Minqin, Yongchang, Gulang, and Yongdeng.

2.13 People's Republic of China

On October 14, 1949, the Wuwei Sub-district Administrative Inspection Commissioner's Office of the Gansu Administrative Office was established, governing six counties: Wuwei, Yongdeng, Jingtai, Gulang, Minqin, and Yongchang. In May 1950, the Tianzhu Autonomous Region People's Government was established under the jurisdiction of the Wuwei Sub-district. The Zhangye Sub-district was abolished, and the three counties of Zhangye, Minle, and Shandan were transferred to the Wuwei Sub-district. In October 1955, the Wuwei and Jiuquan Special Districts merged to form the Zhangye Special District. In November 1961, the Wuwei Special District was restored, governing Wuwei, Minqin, Yongchang, Gulang, and the Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County. In October 1963, Yongdeng and Jingtai counties were transferred to the Wuwei Special District. In July 1969, Alxa Right Banner of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was incorporated into the Wuwei Special District.

In October 1969, the Wuwei Special District was renamed the Wuwei Prefecture. In March 1970, Yongdeng County was transferred to Lanzhou City. In July 1979, Alxa Right Banner was returned to the jurisdiction of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In February 1981, Yongchang County was placed under the jurisdiction of Jinchang City. In April 1985, Wuwei County was abolished and the county-level Wuwei City was established. On May 14 of the same year, Jingtai County was transferred to Baiyin City. By then, the Wuwei Prefecture governed the county-level Wuwei City and three counties: Minqin, Gulang, and Tianzhu, totaling one city and three counties.

In May 2001, the State Council of the People's Republic of China approved the abolition of the Wuwei Prefecture and the county-level Wuwei City, establishing the prefecture-level Wuwei City. The former county-level Wuwei City was reorganized into Liangzhou District, which became the seat of the prefecture-level Wuwei Municipal People's Government. Since then, Wuwei City has governed Liangzhou District, Minqin County, Gulang County, and the Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, totaling two counties, one autonomous county, and one district.

3. Geography

3.1 Geographical Location

Wuwei is located at the eastern end of the Hexi Corridor in western Gansu Province. To the south lies the Qilian Mountains, to the northeast is the Tengger Desert, and the central corridor plain connects to the strategic pass of Gulang Gorge in the east. To the west, it adjoins the alluvial fan Gobi of the Dongda River in Yongchang County. To the due north, the Beisha River forms the boundary with Yongchang and Minqin counties. It holds the strategic geographical advantage of "connecting a line to the vast desert and controlling the throat of five prefectures."

3.2 Geographical Features and Resources

Wuwei City is situated at the convergence zone of three major plateaus: the Loess Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the Mongolian-Xinjiang Plateau. The terrain slopes from high in the west to low in the east, with complex local topography. The landform can be divided into three belts. The southern Qilian Mountain area has an altitude between 2,100 and 4,800 meters. The mountain ranges generally run northwest to southeast, featuring a cold climate, abundant precipitation, and favorable conditions for forestry and animal husbandry. The central plain oasis area, with an altitude between 1,450 and 2,100 meters, is flat and fertile, serving as an important production base for grain, oil, melons, fruits, and vegetables in both the province and the country. The northern desert area, at an altitude of around 1,300 meters, is arid with little rain and abundant sunshine, making it a primary production area for psammophytes and valuable medicinal herbs. The highest peak within the city, Lenglong Ridge, is located in the northwest with an altitude of 4,872 meters. The lowest point, Baiting Lake, is in the north of Minqin County at an altitude of 1,020 meters.

3.3 Climate and Meteorological Characteristics

Wuwei City has a temperate continental arid climate with four distinct seasons: cold winters and hot summers, significant daily and annual temperature variations; relatively low and unevenly distributed precipitation; high evaporation and dry climate; strong solar radiation and ample sunlight; and a relatively short frost-free period. Major meteorological disasters include drought, strong winds, sandstorms, torrential rain and floods, hail, and frost. The annual average temperature is 7.7°C, with the coldest month, January, averaging -7.9°C, and the hottest month, July, averaging 21.4°C. The annual temperature range averages 29.4°C. The average annual frost-free period is 171 days, with a maximum of 212 days and a minimum of 118 days. The average annual sunshine duration is 2,876.9 hours, average annual evaporation is 2,163.6 mm, average annual precipitation is 212.2 mm, and the average annual number of rainy days is 65.

Meteorological Data for Wuwei City (1971–2000)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |----------------------|---------|---------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|--------|---------|---------|---------|---------| | Record high °C | 15.4 | 19.8 | 23.7 | 31 | 34.2 | 35 | 40.8 | 37.3 | 34.9 | 27.8 | 22.6 | 17.9 | 40.8 | | Record high °F | 59.7 | 67.6 | 74.7 | 87.8 | 93.6 | 95 | 105.4 | 99.1 | 94.8 | 82 | 72.7 | 64.2 | 105.4 | | Average high °C | 0 | 3.3 | 9.6 | 17.8 | 22.9 | 26.5 | 28.9 | 27.6 | 22.4 | 15.9 | 8.1 | 1.9 | 15.4 | | Average high °F | 32.0 | 37.9 | 49.3 | 64.0 | 73.2 | 79.7 | 84.0 | 81.7 | 72.3 | 60.6 | 46.6 | 35.4 | 59.7 | | Daily mean °C | −7.8 | −4.2 | 2.5 | 10.4 | 15.7 | 19.3 | 21.5 | 20.4 | 14.9 | 7.8 | 0.1 | −5.8 | 7.9 | | Daily mean °F | 18.0 | 24.4 | 36.5 | 50.7 | 60.3 | 66.7 | 70.7 | 68.7 | 58.8 | 46.0 | 32.2 | 21.6 | 46.2 | | Average low °C | −13.8 | −10.2 | −3.8 | 3.0 | 8.0 | 11.6 | 14.2 | 13.7 | 8.8 | 1.6 | −5.6 | −11.3 | 1.3 | | Average low °F | 7.2 | 13.6 | 25.2 | 37.4 | 46.4 | 52.9 | 57.6 | 56.7 | 47.8 | 34.9 | 21.9 | 11.7 | 34.4 | | Record low °C | −24.0 | −24.0 | −18.1 | −7.7 | −3.0 | 2.8 | 7.2 | 4.3 | −0.8 | −14.4 | −22.7 | −32.0 | −32.0 | | Record low °F | (−11.2) | (−11.2) | (−0.6) | 18.1 | 26.6 | 37.0 | 45.0 | 39.7 | 30.6 | 6.1 | (−8.9) | (−25.6) | (−25.6) | | Average precipitation mm | 1.4 | 2.3 | 6.1 | 7.9 | 15.8 | 28.4 | 30.2 | 34.0 | 24.1 | 10.8 | 3.6 | 1.2 | 165.8 | | Average precipitation inches | 0.06 | 0.09 | 0.24 | 0.31 | 0.62 | 1.12 | 1.19 | 1.34 | 0.95 | 0.43 | 0.14 | 0.05 | 6.54 | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 2.1 | 2.6 | 3.6 | 4.1 | 5.9 | 8.2 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 7.7 | 4.4 | 1.6 | 1.8 | 61.4 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Wuwei City currently administers 1 municipal district, 2 counties, and 1 autonomous county.

Municipal District: Liangzhou District Counties: Minqin County, Gulang County Autonomous County: Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (persons) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|---------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 620600 | Wuwei City | Wǔwēi Shì | 32,347.09 | 1,464,955 | Liangzhou District | 733000 | 9 | 84 | 9 | | 620602 | Liangzhou District | Liángzhōu Qū | 4,907.11 | 885,277 | Dongdajie Subdistrict | 733000 | 9 | 37 | - | | 620621 | Minqin County | Mínqín Xiàn | 15,835.15 | 178,470 | Sanlei Town | 733300 | - | 18 | - | | 620622 | Gulang County | Gǔlàng Xiàn | 5,046.54 | 250,177 | Gulang Town | 733100 | - | 15 | 4 | | 620623 | Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County | Tiānzhù Zàngzú Zìzhìxiàn | 6,558.28 | 151,031 | Huazangsi Town | 733200 | - | 14 | 5 |

5. Economy

5.1 Regional Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

In 2023, the regional GDP of Wuwei City reached 70.808 billion yuan, an increase of 7.0% over the previous year. Specifically, the value added of the primary industry was 23.235 billion yuan, up by 6.4%; the secondary industry added 12.791 billion yuan, up by 7.6%; and the tertiary industry added 34.782 billion yuan, up by 7.1%. The ratio of the three industries was 32.8:18.1:49.1. Calculated based on the resident population, the per capita GDP was 49,302 yuan, an increase of 7.6% over the previous year. Throughout the year, the value added of the city's ten major ecological industries reached 30.704 billion yuan, accounting for 43.4% of the regional GDP, an increase of 4.6 percentage points year-on-year.

Overview of Wuwei City's GDP Data Over the Years (in RMB)

| Year | Total GDP (Billion) | Growth Rate | Per Capita GDP (Yuan) | Growth Rate | Primary Industry GDP (Billion) | Growth Rate | Secondary Industry GDP (Billion) | Growth Rate | Tertiary Industry GDP (Billion) | Growth Rate | |----------|------------------------|-----------------|---------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------|-----------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------| | 2023 | 708.08 | 7.00% | 49,302 | 7.60% | 232.35 | 6.40% | 127.91 | 7.60% | 347.82 | 7.10% | | 2022 | 663.4 | 6.00% | 45,932 | 6.50% | 215.2 | 6.50% | 121.3 | 7.50% | 327 | 5.20% | | 2021 | 600.2 | 8.10% | 41,361 | 10.20% | 187.4 | 10.80% | 104 | 8.40% | 308.9 | 6.40% | | 2020 | 526.41 | 4.30% | 37,532* | 40.3%*# | 161.71 | 5.70% | 85.1 | 3.60% | 279.59 | 3.90% | | 2019 | 488.46 | 4.00% | 26,744 | 4.00% | 144.06 | 6.00% | 76.11 | 1.10% | 268.28 | 3.90% | | 2018 | 469.27 | 4.80% | 25,691 | N/A | 120.53 | 6.50% | 131.71 | 3% | 217.01 | 5.20% | | 2017 | 439.58 | -2.80% | N/A | N/A | 112.76 | 6.10% | 127.93 | -17.30% | 198.89 | 5.40% |

#The high growth rate is related to population figures. The 2019 population base used the Sixth National Population Census standard, approximately 1.825 million. The 2020 population base used the Seventh National Population Census standard, approximately 1.464 million. If calculated using the same base, the actual growth rate is approximately 10%.

5.2 Consumer Price Index (CPI)

In 2023, the city's annual Consumer Price Index was 99.4%, a decrease of 0.6% compared to the previous year.

Overview of Wuwei City's CPI Data Over the Years (Compared to Previous Year %)

| Year | CPI | Category CPI | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | **** | |----------|---------|------------------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------| | **** | | Food, Tobacco & Alcohol | Clothing | Housing | Household Services | Transportation & Communication | Education, Culture & Entertainment | Healthcare | Others | | 2023 | 99.4 | 98.5 | 100.4 | 94 | 100 | 100.3 | 100.1 | 109 | 102.9 | | 2022 | 101.5 | 102.8 | 100.7 | 99.4 | 102 | 104 | 100.5 | 100 | 99.9 | | 2021 | 100.5 | 99.5 | 100.3 | 100 | 101.4 | 104.1 | 100.8 | 99.8 | 100.3 | | 2020 | 101.6 | 106.5 | 100.9 | 97.5 | 100 | 98 | 100.9 | 101 | 102.7 | | 2019 | 102.2 | 103.5 | 101.9 | 102.2 | 100.8 | 99.3 | 103 | 102.5 | 101.4 | | 2018 | 102.2 | 100.2 | 102.4 | 104 | 102.1 | 102.6 | 101.9 | 105.4 | 99.6 |

In 2011, the annual GDP was 27.285 billion yuan, an increase of 13.1% over the previous year calculated at comparable prices. Specifically: the value added of the primary industry was 6.7 billion yuan, up by 5.3%; the secondary industry added 11.553 billion yuan, up by 18.6%; and the tertiary industry added 9.032 billion yuan, up by 12.7%.

6. Transportation

6.1 Railways

A total of three railway lines traverse Wuwei City, all running east-west. They are the Lanzhou–Xinjiang Railway (Lanzhou–Ürümqi), the Gantang–Wuwei South Railway (Gantang–Wuwei South), and the partially operational Lanzhou–Zhangye High-Speed Railway (Zhongchuan Airport–Wuwei East). As there are no north-south railway lines passing through Wuwei City, Minqin County, located in the northern part of the urban area, has no railway lines passing through it and no railway stations.

There are numerous railway stations within Liangzhou District, Gulang County, and Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County. Among them, Wuwei Station (Class II) is currently the railway station with the largest passenger traffic volume in Wuwei City. It is located 303 kilometers east of Lanzhou Station and 1,589 kilometers west of Ürümqi Station. Wuwei Station was reconstructed at its original site between 2009 and 2010 and now has a scale of three platforms and ten tracks.

Wuwei East Station is the first high-speed railway station in the Wuwei urban area, with a scale of three platforms and seven tracks. It commenced operations on June 29, 2024.

6.2 Railway Stations in Wuwei City

Major Railway Stations in Wuwei City

| Station Name | County/District | Station Class | Railway Line(s) | Services | Passenger Train Type | |----------|----------|----------|-----------|----------|----------| | Wuwei Station | Liangzhou District | Class II | Lanzhou–Xinjiang Railway, Gantang–Wuwei South Railway | Passengers, Luggage, Parcels | Conventional Rail | | Wuwei South Station | Liangzhou District | Class I | Lanzhou–Xinjiang Railway, Gantang–Wuwei South Railway | Passenger Boarding/Alighting | Conventional Rail | | Wuwei East Station | Liangzhou District | - | Lanzhou–Zhangye High-Speed Railway | Passenger Boarding/Alighting | High-Speed Rail | | Gulang Station | Gulang County | Class IV | Lanzhou–Xinjiang Railway | Passenger Boarding/Alighting | Conventional Rail | | Gulang North Station | Gulang County | - | Lanzhou–Zhangye High-Speed Railway | Passenger Boarding/Alighting | High-Speed Rail | | Tianzhu Station | Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County | Class III | Lanzhou–Xinjiang Railway | Passenger Boarding/Alighting | Conventional Rail | | Tianzhu West Station | Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County | - | Lanzhou–Zhangye High-Speed Railway | Passenger Boarding/Alighting | High-Speed Rail |

6.3 Highways

Wuwei City boasts a superior geographical location, connecting to Lanzhou to the east, bordering Xining to the south, adjacent to Yinchuan and Inner Mongolia to the north, and leading to Xinjiang to the west. It occupies a pivotal position on the Eurasian Land Bridge and lies at the central section of the West Longhai–Lanzhou–Xinjiang Economic Belt.

Major Highways within Wuwei

| Category | Full Name | Abbreviation | Wuwei Section Start–End | Length (KM) | Status | |----------|--------------|-----------|----------------|------------|----------| | National Expressway | Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway | G30 Lianhuo Expy | Gulang–Yongchang | 113.913 | Operational | | **** | | | Xujiamo–Gulang | 145.462 | Operational | | **** | Wuwei–Jinchang Expressway | G3017 Wujin Expy | Wuwei–Jinchang | 85 | Operational | | **** | Dingbian–Wuwei Expressway | G2012 Dingwu Expy | Jingtai–Shuangta | 119.477 | Operational | | Provincial Expressway | Wuwei Ring Expressway | S04 Wuwei Ring Expy | Sunjiazhuang–Sunjiazhuang | 65 | Operational | | **** | Beishan–Xianmisi Expressway | S55 Beixian Expy | Beishan Township, Minqin–Wunan Town | 91.41 | Operational | | **** | | | Liangzhou District–Luotuokou | - | Under Construction | | **** | Minqin–Hongshagang Expressway | S48 Minhong Expy | Minqin–Hongshagang | 71 | Operational | | **** | Leitai–Xiying Expressway | S61 Leixi Expy | Leitai East Road–Xiying | 123 | Under Construction | | National Highway | Shanghai–Khorgas Highway | G312 National Highway | Yongdeng–Yongchang | 234 | Operational | | **** | Mandula–Datong Highway | G569 Mandatong Highway | Shenkengjing–Luotuokou | 297 | Under Construction | | **** | Wuwei–Dingxi Highway | G667 Wuding Highway | Wuwei–Jingtai | | Operational |

6.4 Public Transportation

Urban Bus Routes Operational Routes| Route | Operating Section | Partial Stops | ¥ | |-----------|---------------|---------------------------------------|-------| | 1 | Railway Station～Baigeda Substation | Leitao Park Intersection, Kumarajiva Temple, South Gate Square, Passenger Transport Center, Wuwei Railway Station, No.1 Middle School, No.21 Middle School | 1 | | 2 | Yafeng Comprehensive Wholesale Market～Railway Station | Passenger Transport Center, Wuwei Railway Station, Jinyang Health Center, Songtao Temple, No.9 Middle School, No.15 Middle School, No.18 Middle School | 1 | | 3 | Yijing Lisha～West of Liangzhou Hospital | West Suburb Park, Liangzhou Hospital, District Government, Municipal Government, District Government Office Building, Wuwei Vocational College, No.8 Middle School, No.9 Middle School | 1 | | 4 | Tongxinyuan Park～West Gate of Huangtai Area 1 | West Suburb Park, Municipal Procuratorate, Wuwei People's Hospital, No.18 Middle School, Huangtai Nine-Year School | 1 | | 5 | Jinxia Community～Zaoyuan Intersection | Wuwei People's Hospital, Human Resources Building, Health Building, Tax Bureau, No.6 Middle School, No.9 Middle School, No.18 Middle School, No.212 Primary School | 1 | | 6 | East of Haizang Park～Tongxinyuan Park | Haizang Park, Leitao Park Intersection, Kumarajiva Temple, Energy Building, Health Building, Vehicle Management Office, No.1 Middle School | 1 | | 7 | Bus Group～Xigan Sizha | Heping Town Government, Bus Group, No.9 Middle School, No.18 Middle School, Heping Middle School | 1 | | 8 | 943 Hospital～943 Hospital | Wuwei Confucian Temple, Botanical Garden, Wuwei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.8 Middle School, No.13 Middle School, No.19 Middle School, No.23 Middle School | 1 | | 9 | Wanjia International Plaza～High-Speed Railway Station | Municipal Museum, Kumarajiva Temple, Wuwei East Station, District Government, Municipal Government, Fafang Town, Municipal Maternal and Child Health Hospital | 1 | | 10 | West Gate of Artillery School～Railway Station | South Gate Square, Wuwei Railway Station, Municipal Government, District Government, Botanical Garden, District Media Center, No.1 Middle School | 1 | | 11 | Eastern Market～West Gate of Huangtai Area 1 | Kumarajiva Temple, District Government, Municipal Government, District Government Office Building, No.8 Middle School | 1 | | 12 | West Gate of Artillery School～Railway Station | Leitao Park (Hantang Tianma City), Botanical Garden, Tianma Lake Park, Municipal Procuratorate, Wuwei Railway Station, Passenger Transport Center | 1 | | 13 | Bus Company～Jinxiu Tiancheng | Wuwei Confucian Temple, Haizang Park, Bus Company, Vocational Secondary School, No.9 Middle School, No.18 Middle School | 1 | | 14 | Wangfumo Bridge～Railway Station | West Suburb Park, Haizang Park, Wuwei Railway Station, Passenger Transport Center, No.15 Middle School | 1 | | 15 | Agricultural Materials Center～Jinsha Logistics Park | Leitao Park (Hantang Tianma City), Wuwei Confucian Temple, Library, Stadium, Wuwei People's Hospital | 1 | | 16 | Liangzhou Hospital～Jinxiu Tiancheng | Leitao Park (Hantang Tianma City), Wuwei Confucian Temple, Haizang Park, Liangzhou Hospital | 1 | | 17 | Wunan～Railway Station | Wuwei Railway Station, Passenger Transport Center, Wuwei South Station, Wunan Town Government, Municipal Second People's Hospital, Vocational Secondary School | 2 | | 18 | Hongxing Times Square～Aviation School | Wuwei People's Hospital, Beihe Station, Huangtai Distillery, Huangtai Nine-Year School | 1 | | 19 | Bus Group～Railway Station | West Suburb Park, Wuwei People's Hospital, Liangzhou District People's Court, Wuwei Railway Station, Passenger Transport Center, Bus Group | 1 | | 20 | Jinxia Community～Railway Station | Wuwei People's Hospital, Passenger Transport Center, Wuwei Railway Station, Wuwei Vocational College, No.15 Middle School | 1 | | 22 | Liangzhou Hospital～No.6 Middle School | Haizang Park, Public Security Building, Heping Town Government, Liangzhou Hospital, No.6 Middle School | 1 | | 25 | No.6 Middle School～Danyang Square | Kumarajiva Temple, Wuwei Confucian Temple, Haizang Park, Government Service Center, Polytechnic School, No.1 Middle School, No.8 Middle School | 1 | | 26 | North Gate of Huangtai Area 1～High-Speed Railway Station | Kumarajiva Temple, Botanical Garden, Beiguan Market, Wuwei East Station, No.8 Middle School, No.23 Middle School | 1 | | 27 | Bus Group～Railway Station | Wuwei Railway Station, Passenger Transport Center, Bus Group, Health Building, Human Resources Building, No.13 Middle School | 1 | | 28 | Railway Station～High-Speed Railway Station | Tianma Lake Park, South Gate Square, Wuwei Railway Station, Wuwei East Station, Passenger Transport Center, Maternal and Child Health Hospital, No.15 Middle School | 1 | | 30 | Wufu Community～Huaningyuan Residential Area | Leitao Park (Hantang Tianma City), Wetland Park, Haizang Temple, Botanical Garden, No.6 Middle School, No.19 Middle School | 1 | | Night 1 | Railway Station～Railway Station (Inner Loop) | Kumarajiva Temple, South Gate Square, Passenger Transport Center, Wuwei Railway Station, No.8 Middle School, No.9 Middle School, No.15 Middle School | 1 | | Night 2 | Railway Station～Railway Station (Outer Loop) | Kumarajiva Temple, South Gate Square, Passenger Transport Center, Wuwei Railway Station, No.8 Middle School, No.9 Middle School, No.15 Middle School | 1 | | Night 8 | 16th Hospital～16th Hospital (Loop) | Wuwei Confucian Temple, Botanical Garden, Wuwei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.8 Middle School, No.13 Middle School, No.19 Middle School, No.23 Middle School | 1 | | 24 Special Line | High-Speed Railway Station～Heavy Ion Hospital | Heavy Ion Hospital, Wuwei East Station, No.24 Middle School (Suspended from June 3, 2024 to August 3, 2024) | 1 |

Special Bus Routes| Route Name | Operating Route | Operating Dates | Schedule | Fare | |-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------| | Binggou River Scenic Area Tourist Line | Leitai Scenic Area ~ Nanguan Shizi ~ Xinhua Town ~ Nanying Reservoir ~ Binggou River Tourist Scenic Area | Holidays and weekends | Depart from Leitai: 9:00/10:30/14:00/15:00 | ¥25 | | **** | | | | | | **** | | | Depart from Binggou River: 11:00/12:30/16:00/18:00 | | | Heavy Ion Hospital Special Line | Bus Group ~ Cancer Hospital ~ Leitai Scenic Area ~ Han & Tang Tianma City (Guzang Market) ~ Gonghanglv Jinling Hotel ~ Binhu Bridge East ~ Fafang Community ~ No. 24 Middle School ~ Heavy Ion Hospital. | Daily | Depart from Bus Group (7:30～17:30) | | | **** | | | | | | **** | | | Depart from Heavy Ion Hospital (8:30～18:30) every 30 minutes | ¥10 | | **** | | | | |

Suspended Routes

| Route | Operating Section | Remarks | |-----------------|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21 | Wufu Community ~ Huaningyuan Community | Suspended since October 26, 2021, not yet resumed. | | 23 | Qingting Happy Farm ~ Wuli New Village | Suspended since March 31, 2022. | | 24 | Danyang Square ~ Gaoba Louzhuang | Operations paused since August 8, 2021. | | 26 Branch | Liuguang Intersection ~ Zhoufu Village | Suspended since March 31, 2022. | | 29 | Baihong Community ~ South Gate Square | Originally a peak-hour line of Route 2, suspended since March 31, 2022. | | 31 | Bus Group ~ Shuangshu Court | Suspended since August 1, 2022. | | 32 | No. 1 Middle School ~ No. 1 Middle School (Circular) | Launched on April 28, 2021, suspended since October 26, 2021, not yet resumed. | | Night Line 3 | North City Hospital ~ East Library ~ West Pedestrian Street Entrance | Suspended since March 31, 2022. | | Night Line 4 | West City Hospital ~ Cancer Hospital ~ West Pedestrian Street Entrance | Suspended since March 31, 2022. | | Industrial Park Special Line | Bus Group ~ Yili Clean Energy | Suspended since October 26, 2021, not yet resumed. |

7. Education

The higher education and secondary school system in Wuwei City is relatively well-developed, covering multiple levels from basic education to higher education.

7.1 Higher Education Institutions

Wuwei Vocational College: This is a full-time public higher vocational college with a long history, traceable back to the Wuwei Normal School established in 1915. The college covers an area of 1,765.85 mu, with a building area of 412,950 square meters and fixed assets totaling 1.289 billion yuan. It offers 54 majors, including 10 national key backbone majors, forming a comprehensive development layout characterized by clean energy majors such as nuclear energy and hydrogen energy. School of New Energy and Power Engineering, Lanzhou Jiaotong University: This school was jointly established by Lanzhou Jiaotong University and the Wuwei Municipal Government, focusing on research and teaching in the fields of new energy and power engineering.

Gansu Animal Husbandry Engineering Vocational and Technical College: This college is also located in Wuwei City, specializing in education related to animal husbandry engineering.

7.2 Secondary Schools

Wuwei No.1 Middle School: Founded in 1875, it is a provincial-level exemplary regular high school in Gansu Province, covering an area of 113.58 mu, with 300 faculty and staff and 3,638 students. The school enjoys a high reputation in Gansu Province and is one of the top secondary schools in Wuwei City. Wuwei No.6 Middle School: Located north of the new Wuwei urban area, it has complete teaching facilities and abundant library resources, with 210 faculty and staff and the capacity to accommodate 4,000 fully boarding students.

Wuwei No.2 Middle School: As a key municipal secondary school in Wuwei City, it covers an area of 135 mu, with a building area of over 50,000 square meters, 215 faculty and staff, and strong teaching resources.

Minqin County No.1 Middle School: Established in 1933, it covers an area of 68,000 square meters, with a building area of 44,000 square meters, 246 faculty and staff, and over 3,800 students. It is renowned as a prestigious school in the Longyuan region.

Gulang County No.1 Middle School: This is a provincial-level exemplary regular high school, covering an area of 58,000 square meters, with a building area of 40,000 square meters, 210 faculty and staff, and 2,541 students.

7.3 Overview of Educational Development

In recent years, the Wuwei Municipal Government has placed great emphasis on the development of education, investing significant funds to improve school conditions and enhance teacher benefits. The city currently has 863 schools of various types, with 265,000 students and 23,800 faculty and staff. Educational investment has increased year by year, with general public budget expenditure on education reaching 11.366 billion yuan over the past three years. Additionally, Wuwei City actively promotes the development of vocational education, supports the application for Wuwei Vocational and Technical University, and enhances the quality of vocational education through school-enterprise cooperation and other means.

7.4 Special Education Programs

Campus Football: Wuwei City vigorously promotes campus football, achieving full coverage of sports facilities in primary and secondary schools, with a 100% compliance rate for sports equipment. Furthermore, Wuwei City has been designated as a national high-level comprehensive reform pilot zone for youth campus football. Smart Education: Wuwei City actively carries out pilot applications of the National Smart Education Platform for Primary and Secondary Schools, promotes the creation of "Smart Campuses," and significantly improves the level of digital application in schools. The higher education and secondary school system in Wuwei City is relatively well-developed, covering multiple levels from basic education to higher education, and has achieved significant progress in terms of educational investment, school conditions, and teaching resources.

8. Population

8.1 Resident Population

| Census Count/Year | **** | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth | Sixth | Seventh | |-----------------|---------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-------------|-------------| | Administrative Division | | 1953 | 1964 | 1982 | 1990 | 2000 | 2010 | 2020 | | Currently Administered | Liangzhou Districta | 510,241 | 520,094 | 763,719 | 876,020 | 946,506 | 1,010,295 | 885,277 | | **** | Minqin County | 220,022 | 179,061 | 241,510 | 258,947 | 302,085 | 241,251 | 178,470 | | Administrative Division | Gulang County | 139,238 | 186,267 | 287,269 | 323,507 | 367,048 | 388,718 | 250,177 | | **** | Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County | 58,731 | 118,625 | 184,410 | 210,845 | 221,347 | 174,790 | 151,031 | | Whole Region/City (Including Formerly Administered Areas) | | 1,810,588 | 1,534,010 | 1,646,766 | 1,669,319 | 1,836,923 | 1,815,054 | 1,464,955 | | Formerly Administered | Jingtai County | 65,518 | 93,862 | 169,858 | - | - | - | - | | **** | Yongchang County | 125,578 | 174,221 | - | - | - | - | - | | Administrative Divisionb | Yongdeng County | 264,787 | 261,880 | - | - | - | - | - | | **** | Minle County | 106,675 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | **** | Shandan County | 64,898 | - | - | - | - | - | - | | **** | Zhangye County | 254,900 | - | - | - | - | - | - |

a Originally Wuwei County, changed to county-level Wuwei City in 1985, and later changed to Liangzhou District after 2001.

b Jingtai County was transferred to Baiyin City in 1985; Yongchang County was transferred to Jinchang City in 1981; Yongdeng County was transferred to Lanzhou City in 1970; Zhangye County (now Ganzhou District), Shandan County, and Minle County were transferred to Zhangye Prefecture (now Zhangye City) in 1955.

8.2 Household Population

| Census Count | Number of Family Households | Family Household Population | Persons per Household | Number of Collective Households | Collective Household Population | |----------|----------|-----------|----------|----------|-----------| | Fifth | Data N/A | Data N/A | 3.95 | Data N/A | Data N/A | | Sixth | 467,040 | 1,748,588 | 3.74 | Data N/A | 66,466 | | Seventh | 529,119 | 1,383,397 | 2.61 | 16,151 | 81,558 |

8.3 Gender Composition

| Census Count | Male Population | Male Percentage | Female Population | Female Percentage | Sex Ratio | |----------|----------|----------|----------|----------|---------| | Fifth | 949,435 | 51.69% | 887,488 | 48.31% | 106.98 | | Sixth | 933,482 | 51.43% | 881,572 | 48.57% | 105.89 | | Seventh | 740,306 | 50.53% | 724,649 | 49.47% | 102.16 |

8.4 Age Composition| Census Count | Seventh Census | **** | Sixth Census | **** | Fifth Census | **** |

|--------------|-------------|--------|-------------|---------|-------------|---------| | Age Group (years) | Male | Female | Male | Female | Male | Female | | 0-4 | 44,485 | 40,263 | 48,981 | 39,046 | 70,504 | 48,496 | | 5-9 | 46,339 | 40,519 | 53,974 | 41,208 | 100,743 | 84,294 | | 10-14 | 47,440 | 39,429 | 73,286 | 56,878 | 109,253 | 100,793 | | 15-19 | 42,418 | 33,600 | 98,852 | 86,983 | 75,924 | 72,156 | | 20-24 | 31,309 | 29,028 | 81,607 | 82,949 | 50,148 | 50,967 | | 25-29 | 42,722 | 42,670 | 58,238 | 58,222 | 90,740 | 90,367 | | 30-34 | 50,031 | 52,066 | 50,724 | 47,871 | 107,026 | 108,502 | | 35-39 | 42,347 | 42,627 | 86,543 | 86,548 | 85,427 | 86,072 | | 40-44 | 39,740 | 38,369 | 100,781 | 102,535 | 52,819 | 48,012 | | 45-49 | 70,821 | 74,010 | 78,779 | 81,645 | 56,282 | 51,909 | | 50-54 | 83,149 | 87,007 | 48,773 | 44,674 | 42,428 | 41,012 | | 55-59 | 64,464 | 67,021 | 50,627 | 48,153 | 35,440 | 33,260 | | 60-64 | 38,398 | 35,821 | 35,973 | 36,379 | 30,846 | 29,633 | | 65-69 | 40,668 | 40,442 | 28,436 | 28,213 | 22,239 | 22,436 | | 70-74 | 26,799 | 28,670 | 20,116 | 20,960 | 10,766 | 10,577 | | 75 and above | 29,176 | 33,107 | 17,797 | 19,308 | 8,466 | 9,449 |

8.5 Educational Attainment

| Education Level | College (including associate degree) | **** | High School (including technical secondary) | **** | Junior High School | **** | Primary School | **** | Illiterate | **** | |----------|---------------|--------|---------------|--------|----------|--------|----------|--------|---------|--------| | Census Count | Number | Percentage% | Number | Percentage% | Number | Percentage% | Number | Percentage% | Number | Percentage% | | Fifth | 33,927 | 2.08% | 182,774 | 11.22% | 504,999 | 31.01% | 738,388 | 45.34% | 168,499 | 10.35% | | Sixth | 98,932 | 5.84% | 257,772 | 15.23% | 681,562 | 40.26% | 540,193 | 31.91% | 114,475 | 6.76% | | Seventh | 184,994 | 13.69% | 207,940 | 15.38% | 456,779 | 33.79% | 418,200 | 30.94% | 83,812 | 6.20% |

*Data are estimates; original data show the number of educated persons per 100,000 population. The numbers per 100,000 for college, high school, junior high school, and primary school education are 1,847, 9,950, 27,491, and 40,197 respectively.

8.6 Urban Population

| Census Count | Urban Population | Urbanization Rate | |----------|----------|----------| | Fifth | 370,008 | 20.14% | | Sixth | 500,528 | 27.56% | | Seventh | 688,697 | 47.01% |### 8.7 Ethnic Population | Administrative Division | Han Ethnicity | Proportion | Ethnic Minorities | Proportion | |-----------------------------|-------------------|----------------|------------------------|----------------| | Liangzhou District | 870,610 | 98.30% | 14,667 | 1.70% | | Minqin County | 176,789 | 99.10% | 1,681 | 0.90% | | Gulang County | 246,503 | 98.50% | 3,674 | 1.50% | | Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County | 89,762 | 59.40% | 61,269 | 40.60% | | City Total | 1,383,664 | 94.50% | 81,291 | 5.50% |

8.8 Birth Rate, Death Rate, and Growth Rate

| Year | Birth Rate | Death Rate | Growth Rate | Year | Birth Rate | Death Rate | Growth Rate | |------------|----------------|----------------|-----------------|----------------|----------------|----------------|-----------------| | 2000 | 13.33 | 5.57 | 7.76 | 2014 | 10.61 | 5.28 | 5.33 | | 2001 | 11.97 | 5.21 | 6.76 | 2015 | 10.81 | 5.31 | 5.5 | | 2002 | * | * | 6.28 | 2016 | 10.83 | 5.81 | 5.02 | | 2003 | * | * | 5.59 | 2017 | 11.38 | 6.22 | 5.16 | | 2004 | * | * | 5.61 | 2018 | 9.42 | 6.18 | 3.24 | | 2005 | * | * | 5.81 | 2019 | 9.21 | 6.32 | 2.89 | | 2006 | * | * | 6.29 | 2020 | * | * | -2.12 | | 2007 | * | * | 6.43 | 2021 | 8.93 | 10.21 | -1.98 | | 2008 | * | * | 6.69 | 2022 | 7.84 | 10.55 | -2.72 | | 2009 | * | * | 6.69 | 2023 | 7.13 | 11.22 | -4.08 | | 2010 | * | * | 5.36 | 2024 (Forecast) | 7.66 | 11.45 | -3.79 | | 2011 | * | * | 5.28 | 2025 (Forecast) | 7.34 | 12.08 | -4.73 | | 2012 | 10.52 | 5.23 | 5.29 | 2028 (Forecast) | 6.63 | 13.32 | -6.7 | | 2013 | 10.57 | 5.26 | 5.31 | Note | *No data available | | |

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9. Sister Cities

• Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, Japan
• Slutsk District, Minsk Region, Belarus
• Vallée de l'Hérault, Hérault Department, France

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Named after the Wuwei Commandery, it means "military prowess and martial prestige."

Liangzhou District

Liangzhou District

Han
Tibetan
Hui
Mongolian

Sophora japonica

Rose