Xingtai (邢台)

1. Introduction

Xingtai City, abbreviated as Xing, historically known as Xingzhou, Julujun, and Shundefu, and nicknamed "Cow City", is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hebei Province, China, located in the southern part of the province. The city borders Shijiazhuang City to the north, Hengshui City, Liaocheng City and Dezhou City of Shandong Province to the east, Handan City to the south, and Jinzhong City of Shanxi Province to the west. Situated in the central part of the North China Plain, at the eastern foothills of the southern section of the Taihang Mountains, its western part is a mountainous and hilly area, the central part is a piedmont plain area, and the eastern part is an alluvial plain area. The rivers belong to the Ziya River and Heilonggang River basins. The Municipal People's Government is located at No. 166 Xinxi Street, Xiangdu District.

Xingtai boasts a history of 3,500 years of city construction. Historically, it served as the capital of Shang Zu Yi, the Western Zhou State of Xing, Zhao State's Xindu, Zhang Er, the King of Zhao in the late Qin and early Han periods, and Shi Le of the Later Zhao.

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2. History

2.1 Historical Evolution

The Daluze, one of the nine great marshes of ancient China, was located in the low-lying area where the alluvial fans of the Taihang Mountain rivers met the old course of the Yellow River in the western part of the Hebei Plain. It was formed by the convergence of waters north of the Zhang River and south of the Zhi River, boasting a vast expanse of water. Its historical scope encompassed the present-day six districts and counties of Longyao, Julu, Renzec District, Pingxiang, Nanhe District, and Ningjin. Legend holds that Chiyou was a leader of the Jiuli tribe near Daluze. The Yellow Emperor's tribe migrated eastward due to drought, leading to conflict with the Jiuli tribe led by Chiyou near Daluze. Chiyou put up fierce resistance, and the Yellow Emperor could not achieve victory after nine battles, so he shifted the conflict to Zhuolu, where he ultimately triumphed. The civilizations of various tribes clashed and fused during these intense wars, leaving behind a series of place names such as Julu, Zhuolu, Huolu, and Shulu.

Legend recounts that Emperor Yao abdicated his throne to Emperor Shun at Yaoshan in Longyao. Emperor Shun tasked Gun with flood control. Gun employed a method of blocking, constructing dikes in the area of present-day Linxi, Xingtai, but his efforts were unsuccessful. After Gun's death, his son Yu adopted a method of channeling and dredging. Starting from Mengjin in Henan, he dredged major tributaries and the main stream to direct the Yellow River's waters into Daluze. He then dredged the Nine Rivers within Daluze to allow the water to flow into the sea, thereby succeeding in controlling the floods.

During the reign of Shang King Zuyi, the capital was moved here. In the 11th century BC, King Cheng of Zhou enfeoffed Dan, the Duke of Zhou's fourth son, as the Marquis of Xing, establishing the State of Xing. In 662 BC, the State of Zhongshan, established by the Di people, attacked Xing. In the summer of 661 BC, the State of Xing moved its capital to Yiyi. In 659 BC, Duke Huan of Qi relocated Xing to the southwestern part of present-day Liaocheng, Shandong. In 635 BC, it was destroyed by the State of Wei. After Wei destroyed Xing, the Marquis of Xing fled to the State of Jin. In 453 BC, Viscount Huan of Wei, Viscount Xiang of Zhao, and Viscount Kang of Han partitioned the Jin territory. In 403 BC, King Weilie of Zhou formally enfeoffed the three families as feudal lords, and the Xing territory became part of the State of Zhao. In 372 BC, Lord Cheng of Zhao constructed the high Tantai platform in the Xing territory to receive homage from feudal lords, hence the name Xingtai.

In 221 BC, after the Qin dynasty conquered the other six states, it implemented the commandery-county system and established Xindu County. In 210 BC, Qin Shi Huang, returning westward after an inspection tour to the southeast, fell ill and died at Shaqiu (present-day Guangzong, Xingtai) (Records of the Grand Historian: Annals of Qin Shi Huang). In 208 BC, Zhang Er installed Zhao Xie, a descendant of the former Zhao royal family, as King of Zhao, and moved the capital to Xindu. In 207 BC, after Xiang Yu led his troops across the Zhang River, he ordered his entire army: "Sink all boats, smash the cooking pots, burn the huts, carry only three days' rations, to show the soldiers our determination to fight to the death with no thought of return." This is the origin of the phrase "burning one's boats." His army achieved a great victory over the Qin forces at the Battle of Julu, awing the other feudal lords. In 206 BC, Xiang Yu installed Zhang Er as the King of Changshan, governing from Xindu, which was renamed Xiangguo. He was later temporarily driven out by Chen Yu, who restored Zhao Xie. In 203 BC, Liu Bang appointed Zhang Er as the King of Zhao.

In 319 AD, Shi Le declared himself Prince and expanded the city into a large one, naming it Jianping City (commonly known as the "Recumbent Ox City"). In 330 AD, Shi Le declared himself Emperor, establishing the Later Zhao dynasty with its capital at Xiangguo, establishing Xiangguo Commandery, to which the Xing territory belonged. In the ninth year of the Kaihuang era of Emperor Wen of Sui (589 AD), Xiangguo County was renamed Longgang County, belonging to Xiangguo Commandery. In the sixteenth year of the Kaihuang era (596 AD), Xiangguo Commandery was abolished and Xingzhou was established. In the third year of the Daye era of Emperor Yang of Sui (607 AD), Xingzhou was abolished and restored as Xiangguo Commandery. In the first year of the Tianbao era of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (742 AD), Xiangguo Commandery was renamed Julu Commandery. In the second year of the Zhide era of Emperor Suzong of Tang (757 AD), Julu Commandery was restored as Xingzhou. In the first year of the Xuanhe era of Emperor Huizong of Song (1119 AD), Xingzhou was renamed Xindefu Prefecture. In the second year of the Xuanhe era (1120 AD), Longgang County was renamed Xingtai County. In the third year of the Jianyan era of Emperor Gaozong of Song (the seventh year of the Tianhui era of Emperor Taizong of Jin, 1129 AD), Xindefu Prefecture was downgraded to Xingzhou. In the third year of the Zhongtong era of Emperor Shizu of Yuan (1262 AD), Xingzhou was elevated to Shundefu Prefecture. In the second year of the Zhiyuan era (1265 AD), Shundefu Prefecture was changed to Shundelu Circuit. In the first year of the Hongwu era of Emperor Taizu of Ming (1368 AD), Shundelu Circuit was changed to Shundefu Prefecture. The Qing dynasty followed the Ming system without changes.

In 1912, the Xinhai Revolution occurred, Emperor Xuantong abdicated, the Republic of China was established, prefectures were abolished while counties remained, and the area belonged to Zhili Province. In 1914, the Daming Circuit was established, and the area fell under its jurisdiction. In 1936, the 15th Administrative Inspectorate was established. In 1937, Japanese forces occupied Xingtai, establishing the Jinan Circuit, which was soon renamed the Shunde Circuit. In 1945, Xingtai City was established.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, in 1949, the Xingtai Administrative Commissioner's Office was established, and Xingtai City was downgraded to Xingtai Town. In 1953, Xingtai Town was upgraded again to Xingtai City. In 1958, the Xingtai Administrative Region was abolished. In 1961, the Xingtai Administrative Region was re-established. In 1984, Xingtai City was elevated to a province-administered city, separate from the Xingtai Prefecture. In 1993, the Xingtai Prefecture was abolished, implementing a merger of prefecture and city, with all subordinate counties coming under the jurisdiction of Xingtai City.

3. Geography

3.1 Topography

Xingtai City is located at the eastern foothills of the southern section of the Taihang Mountains and the intersection with the North China Plain, forming a terrain that is high in the west and low in the east. From west to east, the topography is arranged as mountains, hills, and plains, with plains being predominant. Among these, mountainous areas account for 14.21% of the city's total area, covering 1,767.31 square kilometers, with elevations above 500 meters. The highest point is the Shizi Geliang peak of the Bulaoqing Mountain, at 1,822 meters. Hills account for 15.29% of the total area, covering 1,901.32 square kilometers, with elevations between 100 and 500 meters. Plains account for 70.50% of the total area, with elevations between 30 and 100 meters and slopes ranging from 1/500 to 1/10,000.

3.2 Climate

Xingtai City Meteorological Data (1971–2000) | Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |------------------|--------|-------|-------|-------|--------|-------|--------|--------|--------|-------|-------|-------|--------| | Record high °C | 20.9 | 27.4 | 30.2 | 35.2 | 39.7 | 41.1 | 40.6 | 38.7 | 39 | 37 | 27.8 | 27.6 | 41.1 | | Record high °F | 69.6 | 81.3 | 86.4 | 95.4 | 103.5 | 106 | 105.1 | 101.7 | 102.2 | 98.6 | 82 | 81.7 | 106 | | Average high °C | 3.9 | 7.3 | 13.6 | 21.9 | 27.5 | 32.1 | 31.9 | 30.3 | 26.9 | 21.1 | 12.4 | 5.9 | 19.6 | | Average high °F | 39 | 45.1 | 56.5 | 71.4 | 81.5 | 89.8 | 89.4 | 86.5 | 80.4 | 70 | 54.3 | 42.6 | 67.2 | | Daily mean °C | −1.6 | 1.5 | 7.9 | 15.7 | 21.4 | 26 | 27 | 25.6 | 21 | 14.7 | 6.5 | 0.4 | 13.8 | | Daily mean °F | 29.1 | 34.7 | 46.2 | 60.3 | 70.5 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 78.1 | 69.8 | 58.5 | 43.7 | 32.7 | 56.8 | |Average low °C | −6.1 | −3.1 | 2.5 | 9.8 | 15.1 | 20.2 | 22.6 | 21.6 | 16.1 | 9.4 | 1.8 | −3.8 | 8.8 | | Average low °F | 21 | 26.4 | 36.5 | 49.6 | 59.2 | 68.4 | 72.7 | 70.9 | 61 | 48.9 | 35.2 | 25.2 | 47.9 | | Record low °C | −20.2 | −15.6 | −10.9 | −4.9 | 5 | 9.9 | 15.7 | 13.2 | 5.6 | −1.7 | −9.2 | −17.4 | −20.2 | | Record low °F | (−4.4) | 3.9 | 12.4 | 23.2 | 41 | 49.8 | 60.3 | 55.8 | 42.1 | 28.9 | 15.4 | 0.7 | (−4.4) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 3.6 | 7 | 13 | 18.2 | 30.8 | 53.3 | 151.9 | 120.2 | 49.5 | 29.6 | 12.2 | 4.1 | 493.4 | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 0.14 | 0.28 | 0.51 | 0.72 | 1.21 | 2.1 | 5.98 | 4.73 | 1.95 | 1.17 | 0.48 | 0.16 | 19.43 | | Average precipitation days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 2.3 | 2.9 | 3.8 | 4 | 6.1 | 8 | 12.9 | 11.1 | 7.3 | 5.3 | 3.9 | 2.1 | 69.7 |

Source: China Weather Network

3.3 Hydrology

There are a total of 21 rivers within the territory of Xingtai City. Except for the Wei Canal, which is a boundary river in the east, all belong to the two major water systems of the Haihe River Basin: the Ziya River and the Heilonggang. The total length of the river channels is 1,052 kilometers, with embankments stretching 1,121 kilometers. There are 16 flood discharge channels and 5 drainage channels. The Fuyang River flows from south to north through the entire city, dividing into the Fuxi and Heilonggang sections. The Wei Canal only skirts the eastern border and has no tributaries flowing into it.

Rivers passing through the urban area of Xingtai include the Xiao Huanghe, Niuwei River, Chapeng Ditch, and Weizhai River.

3.4 Resources

Xingtai City is rich in mineral resources, including coal, iron, rock salt, construction materials, and geothermal resources. A total of 46 types of minerals have been discovered in the city (including 2 fuel minerals, 8 metal minerals, 34 non-metal minerals, and 2 water and gas minerals). As of the end of 2018, there were 180 mines in the city, including 12 large-scale mines, 36 medium-scale mines, and 132 small-scale mines.

4. Administrative Divisions

Xingtai City currently administers 4 municipal districts, 12 counties, and oversees 2 county-level cities on behalf of the province.

Municipal Districts: Xiangdu District, Xindu District, Renzé District, Nanhe District County-level Cities: Nangong City, Shahe City Counties: Lincheng County, Neiqiu County, Baixiang County, Longyao County, Ningjin County, Julu County, Xinhe County, Guangzong County, Pingxiang County, Wei County, Qinghe County, Linxi County

Additionally, Xingtai City has established the following management zones: Xingtai High-tech Industrial Development Zone, Xingtai Dongxin New Area, and Dacaozhuang Management Zone.

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Permanent Population | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------------|----------------|--------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 130500 | Xingtai City | Xíngtái Shì | 12,433.26 | 7,111,106 | Xiangdu District | 54000 | 26 | 104 | 68 | | 130502 | Xiangdu District | Xiāngdū Qū | 223 | 608,809 | Nanchangjie Subdistrict | 54000 | 7 | 5 | 1 | | 130503 | Xindu District | Xìndū Qū | 1,910 | 798,770 | Gangtielu Subdistrict | 54000 | 8 | 11 | 6 | | 130505 | Renzé District | Rénzé Qū | 434.81 | 342,869 | Rencheng Town | 55100 | | 4 | 4 | | 130506 | Nanhe District | Nánhé Qū | 404.8 | 350,384 | Heyang Town | 54400 | | 3 | 5 | | 130522 | Lincheng County | Línchéng Xiàn | 782.49 | 199,793 | Lincheng Town | 54300 | | 4 | 4 | | 130523 | Neiqiu County | Nèiqiū Xiàn | 786.17 | 258,260 | Neiqiu Town | 54200 | | 5 | 4 | | 130524 | Baixiang County | Bǎixiāng Xiàn | 260.93 | 168,761 | Baixiang Town | 55400 | | 4 | 2 | | 130525 | Longyao County | Lóngyáo Xiàn | 745.32 | 480,447 | Longyao Town | 55300 | | 7 | 5 | | 130528 | Ningjin County | Níngjìn Xiàn | 1,110.52 | 745,389 | Fenghuang Town | 55500 | 1 | 11 | 5 | | 130529 | Julu County | Jùlù Xiàn | 631.24 | 346,007 | Julu Town | 55200 | | 7 | 3 | | 130530 | Xinhe County | Xīnhé Xiàn | 359.18 | 134,095 | Xinhe Town | 55600 | | 2 | 4 | | 130531 | Guangzong County | Guǎngzōng Xiàn | 500.06 | 280,603 | Guangzong Town | 54600 | | 4 | 4 | | 130532 | Pingxiang County | Píngxiāng Xiàn | 403.84 | 323,675 | Zhonghualu Subdistrict | 54500 | 1 | 2 | 4 | | 130533 | Wei County | Wēi Xiàn | 1,012.25 | 496,230 | Mingzhou Town | 54700 | | 11 | 5 | | 130534 | Qinghe County | Qīnghé Xiàn | 500.43 | 421,582 | Gexianzhuang Town | 54800 | | 6 | | | 130535 | Linxi County | Línxī Xiàn | 547.06 | 326,968 | Linxi Town | 54900 | | 6 | 3 | | 130581 | Nangong City | Nángōng Shì | 863.26 | 396,718 | Fenggang Subdistrict | 55700 | 4 | 6 | 5 | | 130582 | Shahe City | Shāhé Shì | 925.9 | 431,746 | Dalian Subdistrict | 54100 | 5 | 6 | 4 |

5. Economy

Food and pharmaceutical manufacturing, equipment manufacturing, textiles and apparel, steel deep processing, new building materials, new energy, and coal chemical industry are known as Xingtai's seven major industries.

5.1 Commerce

Zhongxing Avenue, which runs through Xiangdu District and Xindu District, is the traditional commercial area. It features traditional commercial circles such as the Zhongbei-New Century Plaza Xiangdu Business Circle and the Xindu Zhongxing West Avenue Business Circle, as well as the emerging World Trade Sky Street Business Circle.

In recent years, large emerging commercial circles have gradually formed around Tianyi Plaza at the intersection of Xinhua North Road and Tuanjie East Street, and Wanda Plaza at the intersection of Kaiyuan Road and Quannan East Street.

5.2 Enterprises

Major food enterprises in the region include Jinmailang, as well as Hebei Jinshahe Noodle Group, China's largest dried noodle producer founded in 1996.

6. Transportation

6.1 External Transportation

6.1.1 Railway

The main railways within the area are the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway, the Beijing-Kowloon Railway, and the Handan-Huanghua Railway.

The railway stations handling passenger services include:

Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway: Xingtai East Station. Beijing-Guangzhou Railway: Xingtai Station, Lincheng Station, Shahe City Station. Beijing-Kowloon Railway: Qinghecheng Station.

6.1.2 Highway

6.1.2.1 National Expressways

G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, G20 Qingdao-Yinchuan Expressway, G2516 Dongying-Lüliang Expressway, G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway

6.1.2.2 Provincial Expressways

S009 Xingtai-Linxi Expressway, S30 Xingtai-Hengshui Expressway, S75 Taihang Mountain Expressway

6.1.2.3 National Highways

National Highway 106, National Highway 107, National Highway 308, National Highway 340, National Highway 515

6.1.3 Aviation

Main article: Xingtai Dailian Airport Xingtai Dailian Airport commenced operations on July 18, 2024. It is a domestic regional airport with a terminal building area of 6,100 square meters. It is designed for an annual passenger throughput of 450,000, a cargo and mail throughput of 1,300 tons, and 6,080 aircraft movements.

6.2 Urban Transportation

The public bicycle service point located west of the south gate of Dahuoquan Park has ceased operations.

The Xingtai Dingda Travel shared bicycles, which could only be borrowed and returned at fixed service points, have also ceased operations.

6.2.1 Public Bus

See also: Xingtai Public Bus

6.2.2 Taxi

6.2.3 Public Bicycle

In December 2016, Xingtai's public bicycle system was put into use, establishing a total of 50 service points in Xiangdu District and Xindu District, in cooperation with Dingda Travel Company.

During the summer of 2017 and the spring of 2020, ofo and Hello Bike shared bicycles briefly appeared on Xingtai streets but were cleared by the Xingtai Urban Management authorities on the grounds of not being registered.

In November 2017, "shared bicycles" under the "Dingda Travel" brand were added. These were managed using designated borrowing/returning points and electronic fencing, preventing random parking, making their usage method identical to that of the public bicycles.

On December 19, 2021, Xingtai's public bicycle system ceased operations. In the second half of 2022, the "shared bicycles" under "Dingda Travel" also ceased operations.

7. Education

Xingtai City has achieved significant development and progress in the field of education in recent years, mainly reflected in the following aspects:

7.1 Enrichment of Educational Resources and Quality Improvement

Xingtai City has actively responded to the national call for educational reform, continuously enriching educational resources and significantly improving education quality. For example, Xingtai Technician College, as a pillar vocational skills education institution in Xingtai City, has multiple secondary branches and over 50 majors. It has established stable school-enterprise cooperative relationships with more than 200 enterprises in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, maintaining a graduate employment rate above 98%. Furthermore, Xingtai City has actively promoted the expansion and quality enhancement project for compulsory education schools, planning to build, renovate, and expand 19 schools, adding 7,000 student places.

7.2 Educational Innovation and Practice

Xingtai City emphasizes educational innovation and practice, promoting the implementation of STEAM education and specialized courses to cultivate students' comprehensive qualities and creativity. Meanwhile, Xingtai University has established strategic cooperative relationships with local governments, primary, and secondary schools to conduct teacher training and collaborative subject teaching research, contributing to the construction of a regional education community. Additionally, Xingtai City showcases educational achievements by organizing various educational activities, such as the Secondary Vocational School Head Teacher Competence Competition and the National High School Biology League.

7.3 Integration of Industry and Education & School-Enterprise Cooperation

Xingtai City deepens the integration of industry and education and school-enterprise cooperation, connecting with high-quality educational resources in the Beijing-Tianjin region to enhance teaching and education levels. For instance, Xingtai Technician College collaborates with enterprises in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to provide skilled talent support for local leading industries. Hebei Vocational University of Technology and Engineering has jointly established a municipal industry-education consortium with the Xingtai Economic Development Zone to meet the skilled talent demands of the park.

7.4 Development of Higher Education and Vocational Education

Xingtai City supports the growth of municipal higher education, promoting Xingtai University and Xingtai Medical College to strengthen the construction of provincial-level first-class undergraduate programs. Xingtai Technician College, as a national demonstration base for high-skilled talent training, has become an important component of vocational education in Xingtai. Xingtai Modern Vocational School, as a national demonstration school for the reform and development of secondary vocational education, has cultivated a large number of secondary specialized talents.

7.5 Teaching Staff and Teacher Training

Xingtai City focuses on enhancing the teaching workforce, introducing incentive policies to attract excellent teachers, and improving teachers' professional capabilities through measures such as organizing provincial-level backbone teacher training programs. The Primary Education College of Xingtai University undertakes the task of training backbone teachers for Hebei Province and has repeatedly received the title of National Advanced Unit in Art Education.

7.6 Integration of Technology and Education

Against the backdrop of technological development, Xingtai City promotes the application of AI tools in education to optimize teaching methods and achieve personalized learning. Furthermore, Xingtai University organizes forums on the innovative and integrated development of science education to explore trends in science education.

7.7 Educational Equity and Social Support

Xingtai City promotes educational equity through various measures, such as increasing the supply of inclusive childcare services and conducting health screenings for primary and secondary school students. Simultaneously, support from all sectors of society for Xingtai's education continues to grow, with universities and enterprises cooperating to carry out educational practice activities, promoting the integration of industry and education.

Xingtai City has made significant progress in educational resources, education quality, educational innovation, integration of industry and education, teaching staff, and the combination of technology and education. These achievements have not only elevated the educational level of Xingtai City but also provided valuable experience and reference for other cities.

8. Population

As of the end of 2022, Xingtai City had a permanent resident population of 7.0256 million, a decrease of 62,300 from the end of the previous year. Among them, the urban permanent resident population was 3.8816 million, accounting for 55.25% of the total population (the urbanization rate of permanent residents), an increase of 0.51 percentage points from the end of the previous year.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 7,111,106. Compared with the 7,104,103 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the total increase over the ten years was 7,003 people, a growth of 0.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.01%. Among them, the male population was 3,589,652, accounting for 50.48% of the total population; the female population was 3,521,454, accounting for 49.52% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 101.94. The population aged 0–14 was 1,714,425, accounting for 24.11% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 4,087,191, accounting for 57.48% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 1,309,490, accounting for 18.41% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 921,416, accounting for 12.96% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 3,846,965, accounting for 54.1% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 3,264,141, accounting for 45.9% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's permanent resident population, the Han ethnic population was 7,081,706, accounting for 99.59%; the population of various ethnic minorities was 29,400, accounting for 0.41%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han ethnic population decreased by 2,175, a decline of 0.03%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.13 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 9,178, a growth of 45.39%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.13 percentage points.

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9. Culture

9.1 Xing Kiln White Porcelain

"Xingzhou white porcelain is unparalleled under heaven." The Xing Kiln is the foremost of the four famous kilns in Hebei and the birthplace of Chinese white porcelain. The invention and production of Xingzhou white porcelain broke the situation where celadon had dominated since the Shang Dynasty, forming the pattern of "celadon in the south, white porcelain in the north." Lu Yu, the Tea Sage of the Tang Dynasty, recorded that "Xing porcelain resembles silver and is like snow"; Li Zhao of the Tang Dynasty said, "It is used universally by all, noble and common alike." The Tang poet Pi Rixiu described it as "round like the fallen soul of the moon, light as the rising soul of a cloud." The Xing Kiln began its firing in the late Northern Dynasties. After rapid development during the Sui Dynasty, it reached its peak in the Tang Dynasty, becoming China's early center for white porcelain production. The Xing Kiln holds a very important position in the history of ancient Chinese ceramics, laying the foundation for the later emergence of decorative and colored porcelain, and stands as a glorious milestone in ceramic history. The Xingzhou white porcelain kiln sites have been successively listed as National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, included in the National Key Major Site Protection Plan, and recognized as one of the Top Ten Archaeological Discoveries.

9.2 Xingzhou Iron Smelting

As early as two thousand years ago, people in Xingtai knew that "where there is red ochre on the mountain, there is iron beneath." Xiangguo was one of the three major iron smelting bases during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han. Records in the Shunde Prefecture Gazetteer, Book of Sui: Geography, and Yuanhe Maps and Records of Commanderies and Counties state, "Shahe has the Qing Mountain, which was the site of the old iron official office of the Han and Wei dynasties." During the Eastern Wei of the Northern Dynasties, Qi Wuhuaiwen, a metallurgy expert from Xingzhou, successfully invented the "guan gang" (pouring steel) technique and forged extremely sharp "Su iron knives." The guan gang technique was the world's most advanced steelmaking method before the 17th century. According to statistics, the Qicun Iron Smelting Office in Shunde Prefecture paid an annual tax quota of over 2.17 million jin (approximately 1.3 million kilograms) to the state in the first year of the Yuanfeng era (1078). It was the largest smelting center in the Northern Song Dynasty, ranking first in the nation for annual iron output. Xingzhou iron smelting, particularly the steel smelting of Qi Wuhuaiwen, played a significant and undeniable role in promoting the development and progress of Chinese society and history.

9.3 Intangible Cultural Heritage List

Xingtai Plum Blossom Boxing, Shahe Rattan Shield Formation, Longyao Yangge, Xingtai Sigu Xian (Four-Stringed Instrument), Pear Blossom Drum, Weixian Luan Tan (Opera), Guangzong Taiping Dao Music, Guangzong Willow Weaving, Longyao Zhaozigu Drum, Longyao Zepan Tai Ge (Carrying Platform Performance), Plum Blossom Boxing (Weixian), Xing Kiln Ceramic Firing Technique, Weixian Handwoven Cloth Technique, Wang Qihe Style Tai Chi Quan

National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units | | | | |-------|----------|---------| | Xing Kiln Site | Song Jing Stele | Nanjaxiang Stone Pagoda | | Puli Temple Pagoda | Site of the Yihetuan (Boxers) Council Hall | Tianning Temple Front Hall | | Dongxianxian Site | Buyao Village Site | Pingxiang Confucian Temple Dacheng Hall | | Xing State Cemetery | Boren City Site | Putong Pagoda | | Longyao Tang Ancestral Mausoleum | Luchenggang City Site | Xingtai Daodejing Stone Pillar | | Bian Que Temple | Houdige Site | | | Xingtai Kaiyuan Temple | Linqing Ancient City Site | |

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Xiangdu District

Xindu District

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Sophora japonica

Rose