Linfen, Shanxi Province, China
The city of
Linfen is situated in the
southwestern part of the Shanxi Province, at the lower reaches of the
Fen
River, covering an area of 1,304 square kilometers and with a population of
about 680,000.Geographical coordinates are: northern latitude from 35º23’ to 36º37’, eastern longitude from 110º22’ to 112º34. The whole region features offers open spaces and various, diversified terrain.
| Linfen is always busy except during lunch time (about 12:30 - 2:00) when the streets empty out, making shopping easier.. |
Linfen region has a semidry monsoon climate. The annual average temperature is from 8.9 C to 13 C, average rainfall from 334.3 to 595.5 mm, with 125 to 191 frost-free days. The region has four distinct seasons and a mild climate. Green areas amount to about 20% of the city area. Thousands of trees line the streets; including: pear, persimmon, pomegranate, hawthorn, cherry and other fruit trees
The scenery changes with the seasons. In the spring you can see hundreds of different flowers vying with each other in beauty. In the summer the whole city seems to be cowered with lush foliage, sending off a delicate fragrance so charming and pleasant that the visitors are reluctant to leave. Linfen is a “Fruit and Flower” city!
|
Linfen in the Fall |
In ancient times Linfen was called
Pingyang. It
has a long history and is rich in cultural relics. According to legend,
Yaodi (an emperor, c. 23rd century B.C.) once established his capital here.
The historic relics, such as, the Yao Miao temple, the
Yao Tomb, the place
where Changjie composed his writings, the
Iron-Buddha Monastery, the stage
fro
m Yuan Dynasty, the Gushe Fairy Cave . . . all were built in ancient
times, but are still well preserved, retaining their original style. They
are the precious heritage bequeathed by the ancestors.
This ancient city is also the political,
economic and cultural center of the Linfen Prefecture. [In the year, 2000
the district changed its name to Linfen (Shi) municipal government.] With
the implementation of the economic reforms and the openness policy, the
city’s economic construction is forging ahead and bringing about changes
every day.
|
Hukou Falls, pictured on the old 50 RMB note, is a famous location in Shanxi Province. |
In recent years the city has come into contact with many foreign countries in various fields and the exchange-activities are increasing daily. The tourist trade in the city, in particular, has shown great potential.
Outside the city there are many scenic spots, as well as historic sites; such as the Glazed Flying Rainbow Pagoda, which is the best of its kind in China; and the Su San Prison from the Ming Dynasty, which is the most intact and the earliest one in the country; also: the site of the Old Cypress, where people from all over China seek their ancestors; the Western Minor Paradise, which possess unique hanging sculptures; the inferno hall of the Dong Yue temple; Ding Chun culture, representing the stone age; Jin Kingdom relics in Hou Ma City; and the Yellow River Waterfalls (Hukou), the second largest in the country.