Guangyuan, China

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Guangyuan, China

Region: Sichuan


Geographic Coordinates: 32.435300, 105.840000
Temperature Range: -20.0°C to 35.0°C (-4°F to 95°F)
Population: 2484122
Language: Mandarin

Guangyuan is a city located in the northwestern part of Sichuan province in China. It is situated on the edge of the Sichuan Basin and surrounded by mountains on three sides. The city covers an area of 17, 000 square kilometers and has a population of over 3 million people. The history of Guangyuan dates back to over 2, 000 years ago when it was established as a military fortress during the Han dynasty. It played an important role in Chinese history as it was a key transportation hub for goods between northern China and southwestern regions.

In addition, Guangyuan served as an important center for Buddhism during the Tang dynasty. One of the most popular tourist attractions in Guangyuan is Qingcheng Mountain, Which is located about 50 kilometers from the city center. This mountain range has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its cultural significance and natural beauty. Visitors can explore ancient Taoist temples and enjoy breathtaking views from various hiking trails. Another popular attraction in Guangyuan is Douchi Lake Scenic Area, Which covers an area of 60 square kilometers.

This scenic area features stunning landscapes including waterfalls, Forests, And lakes that attract tourists from all over China. Guangyuan also has several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage including Guangyuan Museum which displays artifacts from different periods throughout history such as bronze ware from Shu Kingdom (221-263 BC), Pottery figurines from Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Porcelain wares from Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD) among others.

In terms of cuisine, Local specialties include spicy fish hotpot made with fresh fish caught locally in Jialing River; spicy chicken prepared with chili peppers; pickled vegetables called paocai; bamboo shoots cooked with pork or chicken broth; beef noodles made with handmade noodles are some examples. In recent years, Guangyuan has experienced rapid economic growth and development as it has become a hub for industries such as energy, Metallurgy, And chemical production. With its rich cultural heritage, Stunning natural beauty, And thriving economy, Guangyuan is a city that offers something for everyone.



Important Landmarks

  1. Guangyuan Dinosaur Museum
  2. Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area
  3. Lizhou Ancient City
  4. Guangyuan Confucian Temple
  5. Xingwen Stone Forest Geological Park
  6. Jiange Qianfo Cliff Carvings
  7. Niubei Mountain National Forest Park
  8. Wawu Mountain Scenic Area
  9. Longfeng Gorge Scenic Area
  10. Tiansheng Bridge National Geological Park

Primary Industries

  1. Agriculture
    • Rice
    • Wheat
    • Corn
    • Vegetables
  2. Mining
    • Coal
    • Iron ore
    • Copper
    • Gold
  3. Manufacturing
    • Steel products
    • Machinery equipment
    • Chemicals
    • Pharmaceuticals
  4. Tourism
    • Qingcheng Mountain Scenic Area
    • Dafosi Grottoes
  5. Energy
    • Hydroelectric power stations along the Jialing River
  6. Transportation
    • Highways
    • Railways
  7. Service industry
    • Banking and finance institutions
    • Restaurants
    • Retail stores

Noteable History

  1. The Battle of Guangyuan was a significant event in Chinese history, where the Jin dynasty defeated the Han Zhao dynasty.
  2. Deng Xiaoping, a prominent leader in China’s modernization and opening up to foreign investment, worked in Guangyuan during his early years as a revolutionary.
  3. Liu Bei, a warlord during the Three Kingdoms period who briefly ruled over Shu Han from Chengdu, is believed to have spent time in Guangyuan before entering politics.
  4. The Sichuan Earthquake of 2008 struck Guangyuan city and resulted in widespread damage and over 69,000 deaths across the region.
  5. Huang Tingjian was a famous poet from the Song dynasty known for his contributions to ci poetry during the 12th century AD.
  6. During their retreat from Nationalist forces in 1935-36, Mao Zedong and other Communist Party leaders led their troops through Guangyuan on their way to Yan’an as part of The Long March.
  7. Zhang Fei Temple near Guangyuan city center honors Zhang Fei, one of Liu Bei’s generals during Three Kingdoms period.
  8. The Northern Expedition (1926–1928) was launched by Sun Yat-sen against warlords controlling much of northern China with help from Soviet Union; it passed through Guanyang City.
  9. Liu Xiang was born in Guangyuan and is known for his work on the Book of Han; he was one of the greatest scholars in Chinese history and prominent figure during Western Han dynasty.
  10. The Three Gorges Dam is located near Guangyuan and is one of China’s most ambitious engineering projects that has had significant impacts on economy & environment since its completion in 2012.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Guangyuan Museum showcases the history and culture of Guangyuan, featuring exhibits on local folk customs, archaeology, and art.
  2. Dabashan National Forest Park offers stunning natural scenery with its mountains, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife.
  3. Qianfo Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907) with impressive architecture and intricate carvings.
  4. Sanxingdui Museum houses artifacts from the Sanxingdui archaeological site in nearby Sichuan province that date back over 3,000 years.
  5. Chaoxianzu Cultural Park celebrates the culture of the Korean ethnic minority group residing in Guangyuan.
  6. Xingwen Stone Forest National Geopark features unique rock formations resembling a forest made of stone located about an hour’s drive from Guangyuan city center.
  7. Wangcang Liangdai Mountain Scenic Area is a popular hiking spot with beautiful views of mountains and valleys.
  8. Zhongyan Hot Spring Resort allows visitors to relax in hot springs while enjoying scenic mountain views located near Dabashan National Forest Park.
  9. Shixiang Lake Scenic Area is a serene lake surrounded by lush greenery perfect for boating or picnicking.
  10. Luotuo Mountain Ecological Tourist Area is a nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna as well as scenic spots like waterfalls and caves to explore.


Sports Teams

  1. Basketball: Basketball is a popular sport in Guangyuan, with many schools and universities having their own basketball teams.
  2. Football (Soccer): Football is also played widely in Guangyuan, and there are several amateur clubs that participate in local leagues.
  3. Volleyball: There are many volleyball courts throughout the city of Guangyuan, and the sport is enjoyed by both young and old alike.
  4. Table Tennis: Table tennis is a national sport of China and has a significant following in Guangyuan as well.
  5. Martial Arts: Kung Fu has its roots in China, and many martial arts schools teach traditional Chinese martial arts like Tai Chi Chuan, Wing Chun Kung Fu etc., which are quite popular among locals.

Note: The above list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of some popular sports played in the region.



Cultural Events

  1. Guangyuan Lantern Festival is a 15-day celebration that takes place during Chinese New Year. It is known for its colorful lanterns, dragon dances, and fireworks.
  2. The Qiang Ethnic Minority Torch Festival occurs in June or July each year and celebrates the traditional customs of the Qiang ethnic minority group through torchlight parades, folk dances, and singing performances.
  3. The Guangyuan International Dragon Boat Race happens annually on the Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day) and attracts teams from all over China to compete in dragon boat races on the Jialing River.
  4. The Guangyuan Peony Flower Festival showcases beautiful peony flowers that grow abundantly in Guangyuan’s countryside every April or May.
  5. The Sichuan Opera Festival brings together performers from across Sichuan Province to showcase traditional opera styles like face-changing and fire-spitting.
  6. Huangze Temple Fair takes place during Mid-Autumn Festival at Huangze Temple every year with cultural activities such as lion dances, folk songs and dances, and local food specialties.
  7. Guanyin Cultural Tourism Festival highlights Buddhist culture with activities such as chanting ceremonies and temple fairs showcasing local handicrafts and delicacies at Guanyin Mountain Scenic Area every September.

Cuisine

  • Guangyuan Roast Duck (广元烤鸭) – a famous local dish that is roasted to perfection with crispy skin and tender meat.
  • Spicy Fish Hot Pot (麻辣鱼火锅) – a popular Sichuan-style hot pot dish made with fresh fish, vegetables, and spicy broth.
  • Ma La Tang (麻辣烫) – a type of hot pot soup that is made with various ingredients such as meatballs, vegetables, tofu, and noodles.
  • Huangcheng Laoma Lamb Soup (黄城老妈羊肉汤) – a traditional lamb soup served in a clay pot that is slow-cooked for hours to achieve its rich flavor.
  • Shujiuxiang Restaurant (蜀九香饭店) – a popular restaurant known for its authentic Sichuan cuisine such as mapo tofu and kung pao chicken.
  • Yufengshan Restaurant (玉峰山食府) – specializes in local dishes like Guangyuan Roast Duck and Spicy Fish Hot Pot.
  • Xinglongmen Restaurant (兴隆门大酒店) – offers traditional Sichuan dishes like boiled fish in chili oil sauce and dan dan noodles.
  • Xiangxiangxiang Beef Noodle Soup Restaurant (香香香牛肉面店)- serves delicious beef noodle soup with tender meat slices and flavorful broth.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Guangyuan Xishan National Forest Park is a 300-hectare park situated in the western suburbs of Guangyuan. It is a well-known spot for hiking, camping, and enjoying the natural beauty.
    2. Guangyuan Fuxi Cultural Park honors the legendary Chinese emperor Fuxi, who was believed to have invented writing, fishing, and other significant cultural practices. The park features statues of Fuxi and his family as well as gardens and pavilions.
    3. Wuhou Temple Park houses the ruins of an ancient temple devoted to Zhuge Liang, a renowned military strategist from China’s Three Kingdoms period. Visitors can explore the temple’s remains and learn about its history.
    4. Donghu Lake Scenic Area is located on the outskirts of Guangyuan city; it boasts a large lake surrounded by mountains and forests where visitors can enjoy boating or hiking through nature.
    5. Qianfo Mountain Scenic Area lies in northern Guangyuan; it has several peaks that offer breathtaking views of its surroundings’ landscape. Visitors can hike up these peaks or explore nearby temples and shrines.
    6. Jialing River Wetland Park sits along Jialing River near downtown Guangyuan; it offers various water-based activities such as birdwatching, fishing, boating amongst others.
    7. Longdong Ecological Tourism Area is in southern Guangyuan near Longdong village; this tourism area comprises hot springs, waterfalls, caves, hiking trails, and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

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