Yueyang (岳阳)

1. Introduction

Yueyang City, abbreviated as Yue, historically known as Baqiu, Baling, and Yuezhou, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Hunan Province, the People's Republic of China. It is located in the northeastern part of Hunan Province. The city borders Changsha City to the south, Yiyang City to the west, Jingzhou City of Hubei Province to the north, Xianning City of Hubei Province to the northeast, and Jiujiang City and Yichun City of Jiangxi Province to the southeast. Situated in the eastern part of the Dongting Lake Plain and the northern part of the eastern Hunan mountainous region, Yueyang is flanked by the Mufu Mountains and Lianyun Mountains to the east, while facing the East Dongting Lake and South Dongting Lake to the west. The Xiang River flows from south to north across the entire territory, converging with the meandering Yangtze River along its northern edge in the urban area. The Miluo River flows into the Xiang River in the southern part of the city. The total area of the city is 14,858 square kilometers, with a permanent population of approximately 5.02 million. The People's Government of Yueyang City is located at No. 235, Jin'e Middle Road, Yueyanglou District.

Yueyang is a nationally renowned historical and cultural city. The Yueyang Tower, situated atop the west gate of the ancient city of Yueyang, serves as the city's landmark and is celebrated as "the finest water under heaven is in Dongting Lake, and the finest tower under heaven is Yueyang Tower." It is designated as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and a National 5A-level tourist attraction.

nix

2. History

2.1 Pre-Qin to Qin and Han Dynasties

The area now known as Yueyang has been inhabited for over 3,000 years. During the Xia and Shang dynasties, it was part of the Jingzhou region and the territory of the Sanmiao tribes. In the Spring and Autumn period, it belonged to the State of Chu and also encompassed the lands of the states of Mi and Luo. During the Warring States period, it remained under Chu control. During the reign of King Jing of Zhou, the Western Mi City was constructed here, marking the beginning of city-building within the Yueyang area. After Qin conquered the six states and implemented the commandery-county system, most of the Yueyang region was placed under Luo County in Changsha Commandery. In the Western Han dynasty, present-day Yueyang, Linxiang, Pingjiang, Xiangyin, and Miluo were divided between Xiajun County and Luo County under the Changsha Kingdom (changed from Changsha Commandery), while present-day Huarong County belonged to Huarong County in Nan Commandery and Chanling County in Wuling Commandery. In the Eastern Han dynasty, the Changsha Kingdom was changed back to Changsha Commandery, and Hanchang County was established in the eastern part of Luo County, corresponding to the present-day Pingjiang area. In the 15th year of the Jian'an era (210 AD), Sun Quan established Hanchang Commandery from counties including Hanchang and Xiajun, with its seat at Jinpuguan in present-day Pingjiang County. This marks the beginning of commandery establishment in the Yueyang area. In the first year of the Huanglong era (229 AD), Nan'an County was established from the southern part of Chanling County (present-day Huarong County area), Hanchang Commandery was abolished, and Hanchang County was renamed Wuchang County. Later, Lu Su built the Baqiu City here.

2.2 The Two Jin Dynasties Period

In the first year of the Taikang era of Emperor Wu of Jin (280 AD), Baling County was established from the western part of Xiajun County (present-day Yueyang and Linxiang area). In the first year of the Yuankang era of Emperor Hui of Jin (291 AD), Jianchang Commandery was newly established from the northern part of Changsha Commandery, governing four counties: Puqi, Xiajun, Wuchang, and Baling, with its seat at Baling County town. Nan'an County belonged to Nanping Commandery (changed from Nan Commandery). In the first year of the Xiankang era (335 AD), Jianchang Commandery was abolished and reincorporated into Changsha Commandery. In the 16th year of the Yuanjia era of the Liu Song dynasty (439 AD), Baling Commandery was established from Baling, Puqi, and Xiajun counties in northern Changsha Commandery and Shayang County from Jiangxia Commandery. The commandery seat was set at Baling City, and from then on, the Yueyang urban area consistently served as the commandery seat. However, Wuchang and Luo counties still belonged to Changsha Commandery, and Annan County (renamed from Nan'an County) still belonged to Nanping Commandery. Later, Xiangyin County was established from Luo County and other areas, belonging to Changsha Commandery during the Qi dynasty. During the Liang dynasty, Yushan County, Yueyang County (not the present-day Yueyang County), and Hubin County were newly established from Luo and Wuchang counties, and these five counties along with Xiangyin County formed Yueyang Commandery. The commandery seat was set at Yueyang (present-day Changle Town in Miluo).

2.3 Sui and Tang Dynasties

In the 9th year of the Kaihuang era of Emperor Wen of Sui (589 AD), commanderies were abolished and replaced by prefectures. Wuchang County and Hubin County were abolished and merged into Luo County; Yueyang Commandery was abolished, with Yushan County and Xiangyin County merged into Yueyang County, which was then renamed Xiangyin County. Baling Commandery was abolished and established as Ba Prefecture. In the 11th year of the Kaihuang era (591 AD), Ba Prefecture was renamed Yue Prefecture. In the 18th year of the Kaihuang era (598 AD), Annan County was renamed Huarong County and placed under Yue Prefecture, bringing Huarong into the scope of the Yueyang area. By this time, Yue Prefecture governed five counties: Baling, Luo, Xiangyin, Huarong, and Yuanjiang, encompassing all present-day Yueyang counties (cities) under one prefecture. During the reign of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Luo County was merged into Xiangyin County. During the reign of Emperor Zhongzong, Changjiang County was established from the eastern part of Xiangyin County and remained under Yue Prefecture. During the Five Dynasties period, the Later Tang renamed Changjiang County to Pingjiang County.

2.4 Song and Yuan Dynasties

During the reign of Emperor Taizong of Song, Xiangyin County was transferred to Tan Prefecture. Soon after, Wangchao County was established from the northeastern part of Baling County, later renamed Linxiang County, which remained under Yue Prefecture. During the reign of Emperor Zhezong, Yuanjiang County was transferred to Ding Prefecture, leaving Yue Prefecture to govern four counties: Baling, Linxiang, Pingjiang, and Huarong. In the 25th year of the Shaoxing era (1155 AD), because the government disliked the name sharing the character "Yue" with the surname of the disgraced general Yue Fei, Yue Prefecture was renamed Chun Prefecture, but the old name was soon restored. In the 13th year of the Zhiyuan era of Yuan (1276 AD), Yue Prefecture was changed to Yuezhou Route. Only Xiangyin belonged to Tanzhou Route.

2.5 Ming and Qing Dynasties

In the 2nd year of the Hongwu era of Emperor Taizu of Ming (1369 AD), Yuezhou Route was changed to Yuezhou Prefecture. In the 30th year of the Hongwu era (1397 AD), Lizhou (governing counties like Anxiang, Shimen, and Cili) from Changde Prefecture was transferred to Yuezhou Prefecture. The Qing dynasty continued to call it Yuezhou Prefecture. During the Yongzheng reign, due to the vast territory of Yuezhou Prefecture being divided by Dongting Lake, making administration difficult, Lizhou on the western side of the lake was separated. The Qing implemented a four-level system of province, circuit, prefecture, and county. Hunan Province was divided into four circuits, with Yuezhou Prefecture belonging to the Yue-Chang-Li Circuit. In the 25th year of the Guangxu era (1899 AD), yielding to British pressure, the Qing government opened Yuezhou as a treaty port and moved the seat of the Yue-Chang-Li Circuit, originally stationed in Changde, to Yuezhou.

2.6 Republican Period

In the 2nd year of the Republic of China (1913 AD), prefectures were abolished while counties were retained, and Baling County was renamed Yueyang County. In the 5th year of the Republic of China (1916 AD), the entire province was divided into three circuits. Yueyang, Linxiang, Pingjiang, Xiangyin (including present-day Miluo), and Huarong counties all belonged to the Xiangjiang Circuit. In the 11th year of the Republic of China (1922 AD), the circuit system was abolished, and all counties came directly under Hunan Province. In December of the 26th year of the Republic of China (1937 AD), Hunan established nine Administrative Inspection Districts (later increased to ten). The First Administrative Inspection District was stationed in Yueyang, governing ten counties: Yueyang, Linxiang, Pingjiang, Xiangyin, Changsha, Liuyang, Xiangtan, Liling, Yiyang, and Ningxiang (later adjusted to eight counties, with Yiyang and Ningxiang removed). Huarong County belonged to the Fourth Administrative Inspection District.

2.7 People's Republic of China Period

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Hunan Province was divided into ten Commissioner's Offices. Yueyang, Linxiang, Pingjiang, and Xiangyin belonged to the Changsha Commissioner's Office, while Huarong County belonged to the Changde Commissioner's Office (later transferred to the Yiyang Commissioner's Office). In 1952, the Changsha Commissioner's Office was renamed the Xiangtan Commissioner's Office. In 1960, Yueyang City was established from Yueyang County, but it was abolished in 1962 and reincorporated into Yueyang County. In 1964, Yueyang, Pingjiang, Linxiang, and Xiangyin counties from the Xiangtan Commissioner's Office and Huarong County from the Yiyang Commissioner's Office were separated to establish the Yueyang Commissioner's Office, with its seat in Yueyang. In 1966, Miluo County was established from the eastern part of Xiangyin County. In 1970, the Yueyang Commissioner's Office was renamed the Yueyang Prefecture, with its seat still in Yueyang County. In 1975, Yueyang City was restored, belonging to Yueyang Prefecture. In October 1981, Yueyang County was abolished and merged into Yueyang City. In February 1983, Yueyang City was elevated to a prefecture-level city directly under the province; Yueyang County was re-established; Yueyang Prefecture was abolished, and its four counties—Miluo, Pingjiang, Huarong, and Linxiang—were transferred to Yueyang City; Xiangyin County was transferred to Changsha City. In July of the same year, Yueyang Prefecture was restored, governing Xiangyin County from Changsha City and the four counties of Miluo, Pingjiang, Huarong, and Linxiang from Yueyang City, with its seat in Yueyang City. In 1984, three districts were established within Yueyang City: Southern District, Northern District, and Suburban District. In January 1986, Yueyang Prefecture was abolished, implementing the system of cities governing counties, and the counties from the former prefecture were transferred to Yueyang City. In 1987, Miluo County was abolished and established as Miluo City. In 1992, Linxiang County was abolished and established as Linxiang City. In 1996, the urban area was expanded: the Southern District and Suburban District were abolished, and Yueyanglou District and Junshan District were established; the Northern District was renamed Yunxi District.

3. Geography

Yueyang City is situated in the Dongting Lake Plain and the Mufu Mountain area. It borders Anxiang County, Nan County, Yuanjiang City, and Yiyang City to the west; Wangcheng County, Changsha City, and Liuyang City to the south; Xiushui County and Tonggu County of Jiangxi Province to the east; and Shishou City, Jianli County, Honghu City, Chibi City, and Tongcheng County of Hubei Province to the north.

The eastern part of Yueyang is a hilly region, with Pingjiang County having the largest area of mountains and hills, accounting for over four-fifths of the county's total area. Mount Lianyun, with an elevation of 1600.3 meters, is the highest point in the city. North of Mount Lianyun lies the Mufu Mountain range, stretching over 500 li (approximately 250 kilometers) with an elevation of 1595.6 meters. Other mountains belonging to the Mufu and Lianyun ranges include Yaogu Mountain, Xiangsi Mountain, and Dayun Mountain adjacent to Linxiang and Yueyang, as well as Zhifeng Mountain and Yuchi Mountain bordering Pingjiang and Miluo. These mountains undulate and descend gently westward, forming hills and gentle slopes with elevations below 300 meters in the central region. The western part is a vast lakeside plain, with Huarong and Xiangyin counties having the most extensive plain areas. This area is low-lying, with elevations below 50 meters. Linxiang's Guhuazhou, at an elevation of only 23 meters, is the lowest point in the city. The overall terrain of Yueyang slopes downward from east to west, descending in steps toward the Dongting Lake Plain.

Yueyang has a well-developed water system, with numerous rivers, lakes, and waterways crisscrossing the region. The city's water surface is vast, accounting for about 20% of its total area, with external lakes and rivers making up 70% of the water surface, earning it the nickname "Water Country of Dongting." The Yangtze River flows along its northern border, while the Xiang and Zi rivers approach from the south. There are nearly 1,000 rivers and streams within the city, most originating from the eastern Mufu mountain ranges. Nine of these rivers are over 50 kilometers long. The Miluo River is the longest within the city, stretching 253 kilometers and flowing through Pingjiang and Miluo before emptying into Dongting Lake at Leishi. Other longer rivers include the Xinqiang River (traversing Yueyang County), Taolin River, and Yuantan River (both flowing through Linxiang City), as well as Ouchi River and Huarong River (both flowing through Huarong County). Xiangyin County, located on the southern shore of Dongting Lake at the confluence of the Xiang and Zi rivers, has water surfaces covering 38.6% of its total area. Notable lakes include Hengling Lake, Helong Lake, Huangni Lake, Choutang Lake, North and South Cha Lake, Yanzhi Lake, Bi Lake, and Yangsha Lake. East Dongting Lake, located southwest of the urban area, covers an area of 2,064 square kilometers and is the largest water body in Hunan Province. It converges the waters of the Xiang, Zi, Yuan, and Li rivers before flowing into the Yangtze River at Chenglingji. The lake contains islands such as Junshan, which are popular tourist destinations.

3.1 Climate

Yueyang City features a subtropical monsoon climate, transitioning from central to northern subtropical zones. It is characterized by four distinct seasons, abundant heat, variable spring temperatures, concentrated rainfall, frequent droughts in summer and autumn, and short periods of severe cold. The climate in the region is relatively complex, with differences between mountainous and lake areas. The average temperature in the coldest month ranges from 4–5°C, while the hottest month averages 28–29°C. The annual average temperature is 16.6–17.2°C. The extreme minimum temperature recorded was -18.1°C (January 30, 1969, in Linxiang), with the urban area's extreme minimum being -11.8°C (January 23, 1956). The extreme maximum temperature was 40.3°C (July 26, 1971, in Pingjiang), with the urban area's extreme maximum being 39.3°C (July 21, 1971). The frost-free period lasts about 260–280 days, providing a long growing season favorable for various crops. Sunshine is relatively abundant, with annual sunshine hours ranging from 1,717 to 1,814. Within the year, sunshine hours peak in July and August, which benefits the growth of major crops. However, the "Three Cold Periods" (spring cold, May low temperatures, and September cold dew wind) often cause significant harm to agricultural production. Annual precipitation ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 mm, with mountainous areas receiving more than lake areas and southern regions more than northern ones. Rainfall is concentrated in spring and summer, while autumn and winter are drier. From April to June, influenced by the summer monsoon, rainfall intensity is high, often leading to floods. From July to September, controlled by the Pacific subtropical high-pressure zone, the weather is hot and dry, frequently resulting in summer droughts.

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |-----------|------|------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|-------|------|------|-------|-------| | Record high °C | 22.5 | 28.0 | 32.6 | 33.4 | 35.4 | 36.6 | 39.2 | 37.5 | 37.2 | 32.5 | 29.5 | 23.1 | 39.2 | | Record high °F | 72.5 | 82.4 | 90.7 | 92.1 | 95.7 | 97.9 | 102.6 | 99.5 | 99.0 | 90.5 | 85.1 | 73.6 | 102.6 | | Average high °C | 8.1 | 10.5 | 14.7 | 21.2 | 26.2 | 29.3 | 32.2 | 31.7 | 27.7 | 22.3 | 16.6 | 10.9 | 21.0 | | Average high °F | 46.6 | 50.9 | 58.5 | 70.2 | 79.2 | 84.7 | 90.0 | 89.1 | 81.9 | 72.1 | 61.9 | 51.6 | 69.7 | | Daily mean °C | 5.0 | 7.3 | 11.2 | 17.5 | 22.5 | 25.9 | 29.1 | 28.3 | 24.1 | 18.7 | 13.0 | 7.5 | 17.5 | | Daily mean °F | 41.0 | 45.1 | 52.2 | 63.5 | 72.5 | 78.6 | 84.4 | 82.9 | 75.4 | 65.7 | 55.4 | 45.5 | 63.5 | | Average low °C | 2.7 | 4.8 | 8.6 | 14.6 | 19.6 | 23.3 | 26.6 | 25.7 | 21.4 | 16.0 | 10.3 | 4.9 | 14.9 | | Average low °F | 36.9 | 40.6 | 47.5 | 58.3 | 67.3 | 73.9 | 79.9 | 78.3 | 70.5 | 60.8 | 50.5 | 40.8 | 58.8 | | Record low °C | -5.1 | -5.4 | -1.3 | 2.3 | 10.3 | 14.3 | 20.0 | 16.7 | 11.1 | 5.6 | -1.5 | -5.9 | -5.9 | | Record low °F | 22.8 | 22.3 | 29.7 | 36.1 | 50.5 | 57.7 | 68.0 | 62.1 | 52.0 | 42.1 | 29.3 | 21.4 | 21.4 | | Average precipitation mm | 64.6 | 77.6 | 116.9 | 176.4 | 168.2 | 193.6 | 180.6 | 111.4 | 70.7 | 80.0 | 75.7 | 37.8 | 1,353.5 | | Average precipitation inches | 2.54 | 3.06 | 4.60 | 6.94 | 6.62 | 7.62 | 7.11 | 4.39 | 2.78 | 3.15 | 2.98 | 1.49 | 53.28 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 78 | 77 | 78 | 77 | 76 | 79 | 76 | 78 | 78 | 77 | 74 | 73 | 77 |

4. Administrative Divisions

Yueyang City currently administers 3 municipal districts and 4 counties, and oversees 2 county-level cities on behalf of the province.

• Municipal Districts: Yueyanglou District, Yunxi District, Junshan District
• County-level Cities: Miluo City, Linxiang City
• Counties: Yueyang County, Huarong County, Xiangyin County, Pingjiang County

In addition to the formal administrative divisions, Yueyang City has also established the following economic management zones: the National-level Yueyang Economic and Technological Development Zone, the Dongting Lake Tourism Resort (formerly the Nanhu Scenic Area, renamed in 2011), the Quyuan Management Area (a county-level management area established through the restructuring of the state-owned Quyuan Farm), and the Changling Petrochemical Zone.

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|-------------------|----------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------| | 430600 | Yueyang City | Yuèyáng Shì | 14,857.79 | 5,051,922 | Yueyanglou District | 414000 | 29 | 88 | 14 | | 430602 | Yueyanglou District | Yuèyánglóu Qū | 407.61 | 980,401 | Wulipai Subdistrict | 414000 | 17 | 1 | 2 | | 430603 | Yunxi District | Yúnxī Qū | 377.92 | 153,657 | Yunxi Subdistrict | 414000 | 3 | 2 | | | 430611 | Junshan District | Jūnshān Qū | 627.10 | 201,634 | Liulinzhou Subdistrict | 414000 | 1 | 4 | | | 430621 | Yueyang County | Yuèyáng Xiàn | 2,809.83 | 561,888 | Rongjiawan Town | 414100 | | 12 | 2 | | 430623 | Huarong County | Huáróng Xiàn | 1,590.98 | 553,800 | Zhanghua Town | 414200 | | 12 | 2 | | 430624 | Xiangyin County | Xiāngyīn Xiàn | 1,541.46 | 583,984 | Wenxing Subdistrict | 414600 | 1 | 12 | 2 | | 430626 | Pingjiang County | Píngjiāng Xiàn | 4,114.43 | 951,112 | Hanchang Subdistrict | 414500 | 2 | 18 | 5 | | 430681 | Miluo City | Mìluó Shì | 1,669.85 | 632,246 | Guiyi Town | 414400 | 1 | 17 | 1 |

5. Economy

In 2010, the city's tourism industry successfully surpassed the 13.13 billion yuan mark in total revenue, becoming the city's eighth industry with a scale exceeding 10 billion yuan and firmly ranking among the top three in the province. Throughout the year, the city received 14.625 million domestic tourist visits, a year-on-year increase of 21.5%; it hosted 128,000 inbound tourist visits, generating foreign exchange earnings of $40 million, representing year-on-year growth of 13.1% and 20.1% respectively; the total tourism revenue reached 10.28 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 25.8%. The Yueyang Tower-Junshan Island scenic area received over 3.1 million domestic and international tourists, with its core area hosting more than 1.1 million visits, achieving comprehensive tourism revenue of 1.56 billion yuan, a 58% increase compared to the previous year.

In the 2011 provincial assessment for new industrialization, Yueyang entered the top three in the province, ascending to the new level of a "Provincial Red Flag Unit." The city's new industrialization presented six highlights: steady and rapid growth of the industrial economy, continuous improvement in enterprise economic benefits, notable results in energy conservation and consumption reduction, a favorable situation for industrial investment and capital attraction, continuous enhancement of technological innovation capabilities, and strengthened environmental protection efforts.

Preliminary calculations show that in 2011, the city achieved a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 189.949 billion yuan, a 14.2% increase from the previous year, maintaining its position as the second highest in the province, only behind the provincial capital Changsha; this growth rate was several percentage points higher than both the national and provincial averages. Specifically, the added value of the primary industry was 23.018 billion yuan, growing by 3.5%; the secondary industry added value was 107.857 billion yuan, growing by 18.6%; and the tertiary industry added value was 59.074 billion yuan, growing by 14.6%. The per capita GDP, calculated based on the resident population, was 34,658 yuan, an increase of 11.2%. The industrial structure was adjusted to 13.4:55.8:30.8 for the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors respectively; the non-public sector's added value accounted for 58.5% of GDP; energy consumption per 10,000 yuan of GDP decreased by 3% year-on-year; the per capita disposable income of urban residents was 19,558 yuan, an increase of 13.1%; and the per capita net income of farmers was 7,186 yuan, an increase of 20%. The National Bureau of Statistics rated the city 57th in comprehensive national urban strength. Miluo, Huarong, and Yueyang County entered the top 20 in the provincial county-level economy ranking, and Junshan was recognized as a provincial advanced county (city) district in economic development.

The city's industrial structure ratio for the three sectors was 12.1:56.8:31.1. The industrial added value accounted for 51.7% of the GDP, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the previous year; the added value of high-tech industries accounted for 15.3% of GDP, an increase of 2.8 percentage points from the previous year. The contribution rates of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries to economic growth were 3.6%, 71.0%, and 25.4% respectively. Specifically, industry contributed 67.8% to economic growth; the added value of producer services contributed 8.1% to economic growth. The non-public sector achieved an added value of 111.717 billion yuan, growing by 18.6%, which was 4.4 percentage points faster than the GDP growth rate. It accounted for 58.8% of the GDP, an increase of 1.3 percentage points from the previous year, making the non-public sector a vital force in structural adjustment.

The total number of industrial enterprises above designated size reached 1,345 for the year, with their added value growing by 20%. The leading role of industry was further enhanced, contributing 62.3% to economic growth, and industrial enterprises paid 10 billion yuan in taxes. The petrochemical industry became Yueyang's first industry with a scale exceeding 100 billion yuan, with a total output value of 102 billion yuan. There were seven industrial parks with an output value exceeding 10 billion yuan, and the industrial added value from these parks accounted for 41.8% of the city's total industrial added value above designated size.

In 2011, the city completed a total fiscal revenue of 18.58 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 33.1%, maintaining its position as the second highest in the province, only behind Changsha. The city's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 59.57 billion yuan in 2011, with an average annual growth rate of 17.5%, firmly ranking second in the province, again only behind the provincial capital Changsha. The city completed a total fixed asset investment of 85.8 billion yuan for the year 2011, a 35% increase from the previous year, ranking second in the province, only behind Changsha. In 2011, the city's real estate investment surpassed the 10 billion yuan mark.

Preliminary accounting reports for the end of 2017 show that the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was 325.803 billion yuan, ranking second in the province in terms of total volume. It grew by 7.0% compared to the previous year, which was 0.1 percentage points higher than the national average. Specifically, the added values of the primary, secondary, and tertiary industries were 36.235 billion yuan, 142.493 billion yuan, and 147.075 billion yuan respectively, with growth rates of 3.6%, 5.3%, and 10.1%. The added value of the primary industry accounted for 11.1% of GDP, the secondary industry accounted for 43.8%, and the tertiary industry accounted for 45.1%. The city's industrial structure ratio for the three sectors was adjusted to 11.1:43.8:45.1, with the service sector becoming the dominant force in Yueyang's economy.

5.1 Public Finance

In 2018, the city's total public budget revenue was 33.92 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.6%, ranking second in the province in terms of total volume. Tax revenue within this was 28.54 billion yuan, an increase of 17.2%. Local public budget revenue was 14.39 billion yuan, a decrease of 5.4%.

6. Transportation

6.1 Highways

The total mileage of highways open to traffic is 15,315 kilometers. This includes 386 kilometers of national highways (3 routes), 701 kilometers of Hunan provincial highways, 2,317 kilometers of county roads, 4,913 kilometers of township roads, and 6,998 kilometers of village-access roads. 98.3% of townships and 66.2% of administrative villages are now connected by asphalt or cement roads. The city's road network has basically formed a multi-level highway system. It uses national and provincial highways as the backbone, a "five vertical and six horizontal" grid as the main framework, county roads as branches and sub-frameworks for counties/districts, and township and village roads as the "capillaries".

• National Highways 107, 240, and 353 pass through the area.

Expressways National expressways include the G4 Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Expressway and its parallel route G0421 Xuguang Expressway (known as the Suiyue and Yuewang Expressways within Hunan), and the G56 Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway (locally known as the Linyue and Yuechang Expressways). A Hunan provincial expressway is the Pingyi Expressway. The Yuewang Expressway (vertical line) is under construction. Planned expressway vertical lines include the Tongping Expressway (Hunan Expwy S11, also known as the Pingru Expressway; part of National Expressway G0422 Wushen Expressway), the Yihua Expressway (Huachang Expressway Yueyang section), and the proposed Huami Expressway. The total length of expressways within the city is expected to reach 500 kilometers by 2017.

Highway Passenger Transport The main bus stations in Yueyang's urban area are the Dongting Bus Station and the Yueyang Passenger Transport Station. A new Yueyang East Passenger Transport Hub is planned during the renovation of the Yueyang East Railway Station.

Highway Bridges Yueyang borders rivers and lakes, so its external expressways to the northwest are mostly connected by bridges. Major highway bridges include the Dongting Lake Bridge (Provincial Highway 306), the Jingyue Yangtze River Highway Bridge (G0421 Xuguang Expressway), and the Dongting Lake Bridge (on the G56 Hangzhou–Ruili Expressway).

6.2 Railway

As of the 2016 timetable, there were 210 scheduled passenger trains serving Yueyang's urban area: 87 at Yueyang Station and 123 at Yueyang East Station. There were 12 at Miluo Station and 32 at Miluo East Station. Conventional Railway The China State Railway Group's Beijing–Guangzhou Railway is the city's only conventional railway. Stations handling passenger service are Yueyang Station and Miluo Station. The Jingyue and Yueji sections of the Mengxi–Huazhou Railway are currently under construction, with a new connecting line to Yueyang North Station. High-Speed Railway The China High-Speed Railway's Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway has a length of 161 kilometers within the city. Stations handling passenger service within the city are Yueyang East Station and Miluo East Station. In 2015, Yueyang East Station's passenger departures reached 7.651 million. As it cannot meet demand, plans have been made to expand the station building by 15,000 square meters. After expansion, Yueyang East Station will be able to handle a daily average of 80,000 passenger departures. Railway Bridges The Dongting Lake Bridge (on the Mengxi–Huazhou Railway) is already open to traffic.

6.3 Water Transport

Waterways There are 10 main waterways within the city, with a navigable length of 1,274 kilometers and classified waterways totaling 682 kilometers. This includes 160 kilometers of Class II waterways (Yangtze River waterway) and 130 kilometers of Class III waterways (Xiang River and Dongting Lake waterways). Others include the Zishui Waterway, Miluo River Waterway, Xinqiang River Waterway, Huarong River Waterway, Huahong Canal Waterway, Beisanganqu Waterway, and Ouchi River Waterway.

Ports The city currently has 26 ports with 113 various wharves. There are 187 berths (including county, city, and district ports), including 2 berths of 5,000 tons, 17 berths of 3,000 tons, and 29 berths of 1,000 tons. Chenglingji Port is the city's earliest and largest port by throughput. Located at the confluence of three rivers where "the Dongting flows south, the Shu waters come from the west, and the great river flows east," it has deep water and a wide harbor, making it one of the Yangtze River's eight major foreign trade ports. Its throughput exceeded 100 million tons for the first time in 2012, making it one of the world's 50 ports with over 100 million tons of throughput. Additionally, the Yueyang Port in the urban area and the Tashiyi Port in Huarong County are also important ports in the city.

Shipping Routes The main port, Chenglingji Port, has routes to Ningbo, Nantong, Taicang, and Shanghai. In 2012, routes to Hong Kong operated by the Lianfa 66 and 67 were opened. In January 2016, a relay route to Australia was developed.

6.4 Aviation

Yueyang Sanhe Airport is located in Sanhe Township, Yueyang Economic Development Zone. The airport is planned as a 4D standard facility but was constructed to 4C standards. It was approved on July 31, 2013. Its feasibility was approved by the National Development and Reform Commission on August 5, 2015. The foundation was laid on December 10, 2015. On August 24, 2018, the first test flight was successfully conducted, with a China Southern Airlines A320 passenger aircraft taking off from Changsha Huanghua International Airport and arriving at Yueyang Sanhe Airport at 7:40. It was fully opened to air traffic on December 26 of the same year. As the only city in Hunan with access to rivers and the sea, this marks Yueyang's official entry into an era of integrated land, water, and air transportation development.

6.5 Posts and Telecommunications

Yueyang City is one of the earliest areas in Hunan Province to establish postal and telecommunications services. In the 25th year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1899), Hunan established the Yuezhou and Changsha postal districts, opening post offices in Yuezhou, Changsha, Xiangtan, and Changde, managed by the customs. Currently, the total number of fixed-line telephone subscribers in the city has reached 980,000; the total number of PHS (Xiaolingtong) users has reached 230,000; the total number of broadband internet users has reached 135,000; and the total number of mobile phone users has reached 1.593 million. The annual revenue of the postal and telecommunications industry exceeded 2 billion yuan for the first time.

In 2017, the total business volume of posts and telecommunications completed was 6.897 billion yuan, an increase of 19.1% compared to 2016. Of this, postal business volume was 1.070 billion yuan, an increase of 30%; telecommunications business volume was 5.827 billion yuan, an increase of 17.3%.

7. Education

Yueyang has six universities and colleges, as well as several medical schools. Among them, Hunan Institute of Science and Technology is the city's only regular higher education undergraduate institution.

As of 2010, the city had a total of 949 primary schools, 189 teaching sites; 216 junior high schools, 33 regular senior high schools, 17 combined secondary schools, 56 nine-year consistent schools, and 7 special education schools.

By the end of 2017, secondary vocational education enrolled 22,000 students, with 60,900 students in school and 14,700 graduates. Regular senior high schools enrolled 29,200 students, with 85,500 students in school and 27,400 graduates. Junior high schools enrolled 53,900 students, with 160,200 students in school and 52,700 graduates. Primary schools enrolled 61,500 students, with 347,200 students in school and 53,200 graduates. Special education enrolled 108 students, with 1,179 students in school and 67 graduates. Kindergartens had 175,800 children enrolled.

8. Population

At the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 5.0175 million. Among them, the urban population was 3.1157 million, with an urbanization rate of 62.10%. The male population was 2.5624 million, accounting for 51.1%; the female population was 2.4551 million, accounting for 48.9%. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100, the ratio of males to females) was 104.37.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's permanent resident population was 5,051,922. Compared with the 5,476,084 people from the Sixth National Population Census, the population decreased by 424,162 over the ten years, a decline of 7.75%, with an average annual growth rate of -0.8%. Among them, the male population was 2,586,621, accounting for 51.2% of the total population; the female population was 2,465,301, accounting for 48.8% of the total population. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 104.92. The population aged 0-14 was 932,382, accounting for 18.46% of the total population; the population aged 15-59 was 3,095,500, accounting for 61.27% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 1,024,040, accounting for 20.27% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 757,815, accounting for 15% of the total population. The population residing in urban areas was 3,064,474, accounting for 60.66% of the total population; the population residing in rural areas was 1,987,448, accounting for 39.34% of the total population.

8.1. Ethnic Groups

Yueyang is predominantly populated by the Han ethnic group, with ethnic minorities living scattered throughout. Data from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000 shows that the Han population in Yueyang city was 5,003,464, accounting for 99.84% of the regional population; ethnic minorities numbered 7,952, accounting for only 0.16% of the regional population. Yueyang is one of the areas with the fewest ethnic minorities, with its total ethnic minority population ranking 13th in the province. Among China's 55 ethnic minority groups, 42 are represented in Yueyang.

The ethnic minorities in Yueyang with populations exceeding one thousand are the Tujia and Miao, with 1,813 and 1,231 people respectively, accounting for 22.80% and 15.48% of the regional ethnic minority population. The three ethnic groups with populations exceeding five hundred are Mongolian, Hui, and Manchu, with 967, 844, and 521 people respectively, accounting for 12.16%, 10.61%, and 6.55% of the regional ethnic minority population. The Dong, Tibetan, and Yao ethnic groups have populations exceeding three hundred; the Zhuang, Yi, Korean, and Bouyei ethnic groups have populations exceeding two hundred; the Uyghur and Bai ethnic groups have populations exceeding one hundred; seven ethnic groups including Tu and Dai have populations above ten, while the rest have populations below ten.

In the city's permanent resident population in 2020, the Han population was 5,032,122, accounting for 99.61%; the total population of all ethnic minorities was 19,800, accounting for 0.39%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population decreased by 433,895, a decline of 7.94%, and its proportion of the total population decreased by 0.21 percentage points. The total population of all ethnic minorities increased by 9,733, a growth of 96.68%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.21 percentage points.

nix

9. Culture

Strategically located along the Yangtze River, Yueyang has historically been a gathering point for exiled officials and literati who were then transferred elsewhere. Traveling upstream along the Yangtze leads to the Ba and Shu regions, while going downstream via the Xiang River reaches the Nanyue area. This unique convergence fostered a distinctive culture of exiled officials. The Yueyang Tower, one of the three famous towers south of the Yangtze, symbolizes the city. It houses stele inscriptions by renowned poets such as Du Fu and Liu Yuxi, but its greatest fame comes from Fan Zhongyan's timeless masterpiece, Memorial to Yueyang Tower, written during the Northern Song Dynasty.

9.1 Customs and Specialties

• Junshan Silver Needle Tea
• Dongting Xiang Lotus

9.2 Tourism

"Dongting boasts the finest water under heaven, Yueyang the finest tower." Since ancient times, Yueyang has been a renowned scenic tourist destination. The city boasts 193 scenic spots and historical sites, including 6 national key cultural relics protection units and 17 provincial-level ones. The Yueyang Tower, originally built as a military review tower by the Wu general Lu Su during the Three Kingdoms period over 1,700 years ago, is the only one among the three famous towers south of the Yangtze that retains its original site and appearance as a national key cultural relics protection unit. The Miluo River is where Qu Yuan, a world-renowned cultural figure, drowned himself for his country. In the late Warring States period, Qu Yuan, a senior official of the Chu state, was exiled to the Dongting Lake and Miluo River area. After composing immortal poems like Li Sao, Nine Songs, and Nine Pieces, he drowned himself in the Miluo River, leaving behind historical sites such as the Quzi Temple and the Sao Altar. Consequently, the Miluo River became the birthplace of Chinese dragon boat culture and successfully hosted the first World Dragon Boat Championships in 1995. Junshan Island in the vast Dongting Lake, considered the 11th blessed land of Taoism, is said to be the burial place of Emperor Shun's consorts, Ehuang and Nüying. The island is dotted with ancient sites and boasts enchanting scenery, praised by the Tang poet Liu Yuxi as "a green snail on a silver plate." Additionally, Yueyang features the East Dongting Lake National Nature Reserve, where tens of thousands of birds take flight, listed under the Ramsar Convention; the Zhangguying Village ancient architectural complex, a settlement where clans live together, hailed as a "living fossil of Hunan-Chu Ming and Qing folk residences" by former Vice Minister of Construction Zheng Kaoxie; the South Lake, described as "autumn waters smoke-free at night"; the Tuan Lake with its miles of lotus flowers; and cultural and natural landscapes such as the Dayun Mountain National Forest Park, Wujian Mountain Provincial Forest Park, the tomb of the Poet Sage Du Fu, and the Yaoshan site of the Yao ancestors in Linxiang, as well as revolutionary historical memorial sites like the Pingjiang Uprising旧址 and Ren Bishi's former residence.

In 1979, Yueyang was designated as a tourist city open to the outside world. In 1992, it was approved by the State Council as a key open city along the Yangtze River. In 1988, the Yueyang Tower and Dongting Lake Scenic Area were announced by the State Council as a national key scenic area. The East Dongting Lake Nature Reserve joined the Ramsar Convention in 1992 and was listed as a national nature reserve by the State Council in 1994. In January 1994, Yueyang City was designated as a National Historical and Cultural City. In 1996, Dayun Mountain Forest Park was upgraded to a national forest park. In 1999, Yueyang was also approved by the state as one of the first batch of China's Excellent Tourist Cities and an advanced unit for National Civilized Cities.

In 2017, Yueyang received a total of 48.9279 million tourist visits, generating tourism revenue of 42.777 billion yuan. It hosted 303,000 inbound tourists, with tourism revenue reaching 139 million US dollars.

9.3 Ten Scenic Spots of Yueyang

• Admiring the Sage at the Famous Tower (Yueyang Tower)
• Dongting's Floating Verdure (Junshan Island)
• Boating on South Lake (South Lake)
• Golden Eagle's Layered Greenery (Golden Eagle Mountain)
• Lotus Picking at Tuan Lake (Tuan Lake)
• Chanting Li Sao at Yusi (Quzi Temple)
• Wujian's Competing Splendor (Wujian Mountain)
• Ancient Village's Lingering Charm (Zhangguying Village)
• The Poet Sage's Traces (Du Fu's Tomb)
• Exploring the Secluded Dayun Mountain (Dayun Mountain)

9.4 Other Scenic Spots and Historical Sites

• Xiao Qiao's Tomb
• Cishi Pagoda
• Lu Su's Tomb
• Sheng'an Ancient Temple

9.5 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Ren Bishi's Former Residence
• Pingjiang Uprising旧址
• Yueyang Tower
• Quzi Temple
• Yueyang Confucian Temple
• Zhangguying Village Ancient Architectural Complex
• Tonggu Mountain Site
• Luoziguo City Site
• Dajitou Site
• Longjiaoshan Stone Heap Tombs
• Cishi Pagoda
• Xiangyin Confucian Temple
• Lord Zuo Wenxiang's Temple
• Yuezhou Customs House
• Yueyang Mission School -旧址 of the CPC Pingjiang County Committee
• Dayun Mountain "Three Battles, Three Victories" Cliff Carvings

10. Sister Cities

• Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan (April 5, 1985)
• Titusville City, Florida, USA (May 12, 1988)
• Castlegar City, British Columbia, Canada (October 2, 1992)
• Stara Zagora City, Bulgaria (December 4, 1992)
• City of Cockburn, Western Australia, Australia (November 28, 1998)
• Sainte-Foy-la-Grande City, Gironde, France (June 1, 2017)

nix

nix

nix

nix

Yueyanglou District

Yueyanglou District

nix

Elaeocarpus

Gardenia