Shuozhou (Chinese: 朔州; pinyin: Shuòzhōu) is a city in the north of Shanxi Province in North China, located on the upper reaches 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] Administratively, Shuozhou is a prefecture-level city, with its city seat in Shuocheng District. The Dayun Expressway (Datong—Yuncheng) passes through it, and it has 5 specialized train lines.
[edit] Administrative divisions
| Map |
 |
| # |
Name |
Hanzi |
Hanyu Pinyin |
Population (2003 est.) |
Area (km²) |
Density (/km²) |
| 1 |
Shuocheng District |
朔城区 |
Shuòchéng Qū |
380,000 |
1,793 |
212 |
| 2 |
Pinglu District |
平鲁区 |
Pínglǔ Qū |
190,000 |
2,314 |
82 |
| 3 |
Shanyin County |
山阴县 |
Shānyīn Xiàn |
220,000 |
1,652 |
133 |
| 4 |
Ying County |
应县 |
Yìng Xiàn |
270,000 |
1,708 |
158 |
| 5 |
Youyu County |
右玉县 |
Yòuyù Xiàn |
100,000 |
1,965 |
51 |
| 6 |
Huairen County |
怀仁县 |
Huáirén Xiàn |
250,000 |
1,230 |
203 |
[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.
On 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.Reckless mining has sent millions of tons of coal dust into the air, contaminating both ground and underground water, and transforming natural eco-systems. Destroyed Mountain@党家庙, Polluted water
[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
[edit] External links
