Xinmin, China
Region: Liaoning
Geographic Coordinates: 41.995200, 122.822000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F)
Population: 680000
Language: Mandarin
Xinmin is a city located in the northeastern part of China under the jurisdiction of Shenyang City in Liaoning Province. It sits at the intersection of three major rivers: Hunhe River, Liaohe River and Taizi River. The city covers an area of 1, 824 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 700, 000 people. The history of Xinmin dates back to the Neolithic age when it was inhabited by ancient tribes. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), It was established as a county and served as an important transportation hub due to its strategic location.
Today, It is known for its rich cultural heritage which can be seen in its numerous historical sites such as Xinglong Temple and Yuhuang Pavilion. The economy of Xinmin is largely driven by agriculture with crops such as corn, Wheat, Soybeans and cotton being grown extensively in the region. In recent years however, There has been significant growth in other sectors such as manufacturing and services which have contributed to the city’s economic development. One notable feature of Xinmin is its natural beauty which attracts tourists from all over China.
The city boasts several scenic spots including Taizi Mountain National Forest Park which covers an area of over 50 square kilometers and features stunning landscapes including waterfalls and dense forests. In terms of education, Xinmin has several higher education institutions including Liaoning University School Of Medicine – Xinming Campus which offers medical courses to students from all over China. The local cuisine in Xinmin is also worth mentioning with dishes like stewed chicken with mushrooms being particularly popular among locals and visitors alike. Other traditional dishes include Liaoning-style boiled dumplings made with pork filling wrapped in thin dough skins.
Overall, Whether you are interested in history or nature or simply looking for good food; there’s something for everyone at Xinmin!
Important Landmarks
- Shenyang Imperial Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most well-preserved imperial palaces in China.
- Fuling Tomb: The mausoleum of Nurhachi, the founder of the Qing Dynasty.
- Shenyang Zhongshan Square: A public square with historical significance and beautiful architecture.
- Beiling Park: A large park with gardens, lakes, and historical monuments.
- Liaoning Provincial Museum: A museum showcasing Chinese history and culture.
- Marshal Zhang’s Mansion Museum: The former residence of Zhang Zuolin, a warlord during China’s early 20th century.
- Hunhe River Scenic Area: A scenic area with natural beauty and cultural landmarks along the Hunhe River.
- Qipanshan Ice & Snow World: An amusement park featuring ice sculptures and winter activities during colder months.
- Liaozhong Forest Park: A perfect place for hiking, biking, and outdoor activities.
Primary Industries
- Agriculture: Xinmin is renowned for its agricultural production, which includes crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat, and vegetables.
- Manufacturing: The city has numerous manufacturing facilities that produce various products like textiles, machinery parts, and electronic components.
- Mining: Xinmin has significant coal reserves that make the mining industry an essential part of the local economy.
- Construction: Due to its growing population and expanding infrastructure needs, construction is also an important industry in Xinmin.
- Retail and services: As with many cities experiencing rapid economic growth in China, retail stores and service providers are becoming increasingly common in Xinmin.
- Tourism: Although not yet a major industry in the area, there are several scenic spots around Xinmin that are starting to attract tourists from other parts of China.
Noteable History
- The Battle of Xinmin occurred in 1948 during the Chinese Civil War. The Communist People’s Liberation Army (PLA) attacked Nationalist forces in Xinmin resulting in a decisive victory for the PLA.
- Wang Zhaojun, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, was from Xinmin during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). She played an important role in forging political alliances between Han China and nomadic tribes to the north.
- Li Hongzhang was a prominent statesman and general who helped modernize China’s military and economy during his career under several emperors during the late Qing dynasty (1644–1912).
- Zhang Xueliang, known as the Young Marshal, fought against both Nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek and Japanese invaders during World War II.
- In 1929, Zhang Xueliang orchestrated a coup against Chiang Kai-shek’s Nationalist government which marked a turning point in Chinese history paving way for Japan’s invasion of Manchuria later that year.
- During Japan’s occupation of Manchuria from 1931 to 1945, thousands of civilians were killed or tortured by Japanese soldiers throughout northeast China including Shenyang near Xinmin where hundreds were killed and mutilated resulting in what came to be known as the Mukden Incident.
Museums and Things To See
- Xinmin Museum showcases the history and culture of Xinmin City.
- Xiangshan Temple is a Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and scenic views.
- Shenyang Imperial Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the imperial palace of the Qing dynasty.
- Liaoning Provincial Museum displays artifacts from ancient times to modern-day, including pottery, jade, and bronze objects.
- Fuling Tomb is the final resting place of Emperor Nuirhaci, founder of the Qing dynasty.
- Benxi Water Cave National Park features underground rivers, waterfalls, and stalactites in a natural cave system.
- Shenyang Botanical Garden is home to over 3000 species of plants from around China and other parts of Asia.
- Hunhe River Scenic Area is a beautiful park with walking trails along the riverbank and scenic views of mountains in the distance.
- Mausoleum of Huang Taiji is another tomb for an emperor who was instrumental in founding Manchu rule over China.
- Shenyang Zhongshan Park is a large park that has been around since 1926 with lots to see including temples, lakes etc.
Cultural Events
- Lantern Festival: This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month and marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. It’s known for its colorful lantern displays.
- Qingming Festival: Also called Tomb Sweeping Day, this festival takes place on April 4th or 5th and is a time for families to pay their respects to their ancestors by cleaning their gravesites.
- Dragon Boat Festival: Held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually in June), this festival features dragon boat races and commemorates a famous poet who drowned himself in protest against government corruption.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month (usually in September or October), this festival is known for its mooncakes and lantern displays.
- Spring Festival: Also known as Chinese New Year, this festival falls between January 21st and February 20th each year (depending on the lunar calendar). It’s celebrated with fireworks, dragon dances, and family gatherings.
Cuisine
- Shenyang Fried Rice Cake (沈阳炒年糕) – This is a famous street food in Xinmin made by frying sliced rice cakes with vegetables and meat.
- Spicy Chicken (辣子鸡) – A Sichuan-style dish that is popular in many parts of China and can be found at various restaurants in Xinmin.
- Hotpot (火锅) – A popular Chinese dish where diners cook raw ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering broth at the table.
- Laobian Dumplings (老边饺子馆) – A well-known dumpling restaurant chain from Shenyang that has several locations in Xinmin.
- Jinyue Restaurant (金悦饭店) – A high-end restaurant that serves traditional Chinese dishes as well as Western cuisine.
- Xiaonanmen Restaurant (小南门美食城) – A large food court with dozens of stalls offering a variety of Chinese dishes from different regions.
- Dicos Fried Chicken (德克士炸鸡店) – A fast-food chain that originated in Taiwan but has become popular throughout China for its fried chicken sandwiches and burgers.
- Xingxing Seafood Restaurant (星星海鲜大排档) – A seafood restaurant located near the river that offers fresh fish and other seafood dishes cooked to order.
- Xinmin City Sports Center offers a range of indoor sports facilities, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, and table tennis.
- Xinmin Forest Park is an ideal spot for hiking and picnicking with its scenic trails through the forest and a lake that provides paddle boat rentals.
- Shenyang Botanical Garden showcases thousands of plant species from around the world, located just outside of Xinmin.
- Xincheng Park features a large lake where visitors can rent paddle boats or go fishing while enjoying walking paths and exercise equipment stations.
- Tianshui Lake Scenic Area is perfect for those who love water activities with its large lake offering boat rentals and hiking trails through nearby hills.
- Xinglongshan Ski Resort opens during winter months to cater to skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts of all skill levels.
- Liaohe River Wetland Park is situated along the Liaohe River showcasing diverse wildlife species like birds and fish in its wetlands area.
- Huanggu District Sports Center is another sports center in Xinmin that offers various sporting facilities such as basketball, volleyball, badminton as well as swimming pool among other activities available there.