Shuozhou

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Shuocheng
—  Prefecture-level city  —
Chinese transliteration(s)
 - Characters 朔州
 - Pinyin Shuòzhōu
Location in Shanxi
Location in Shanxi
Shuocheng (China)
Shuocheng
Shuocheng
Location in China
Coordinates: 39°19′N 112°25′E / 39.317, 112.417
Country China
Province Shanxi
Area
 - Total 5,737 km² (2,215.1 sq mi)
Population (2004)
 - Total 1,250,000
 - Density 217.9/km² (564.3/sq mi)
Time zone China Standard (UTC+8)
Website: http://www.shuozhou.gov.cn

Shuozhou (Chinese: 朔州; pinyin: Shuòzhōu) is a Chinese city in the north of the Chinese province Shanxi, upstream of the Fen River. As of 2004, its population is approximately 1.25 million, and the city has an area of approximately 5,737 square kilometres.[1] Shuozhou is a prefecture-level city. Its city seat is Shuocheng District. The Dayun Expressway passes through it, and it has 5 specialized train lines.

Contents

[edit] Administrative divisions

  • Shuocheng District (朔城区)
  • Pinglu District (平鲁区)
  • Shanyin County (山阴县)
  • Ying County (应县)
  • Youyu County (右玉县)
  • Huairen County (怀仁县)

[edit] Economy

It is a centre of industry, and its notable industries are primarily mining of coal and other ores such as iron, bauxite, mica, manganese, and graphite. Other economic sectors include agriculture, chemical industry, ceramics, and fishing.

In March 19, 2005, a mine explosion occurred at the Xishui coal mine, rocking nearby Kangjiayao coal mine, and killing at least 65 miners. It is reported that the mine had resumed operation illegally after having been ordered to suspend work because of safety problems.

[edit] Tourism

Western tourists rarely come to this area of China, but there are some attractions. The Yingxian Tower, built in 1056 during the Liao Dynasty, is one of the main sites of the region. It was built entirely of wood, without using nails, and serves as a museum of calligraphy. There are also some paleolithic ruins, and ancient gravesites from the Yi people.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Shouzhou. Visit China 2004. Retrieved on 2007-12-22.

[edit] External links