Xianning
(travelchinaguide.com, chinatravel.com, wikipedia)
Updated: 2011-11-21
Xianning city is located on the south bank of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, a city in southeastern Hubei province. It is bound on the southeast by Ruichang, Wuning, and Xiushui, Jiangxi , on the southwest by Yueyang, Hunan, and on the northwest to northeast by Jingzhou Region, Wuhan , Huangshi, and Huanggang region.
Xianning governs four counties, one city, and one district. They are Jiayu county, Tongcheng county, Chongyang county, Tongshan county, Chibi city, and Xian’an district. Its total area is 12,631 square kilometers and its total population is 2.8 million.
During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the central government established Yong'an town in the area, and it was promoted as Yong'an county. This was in order to avoid mistaking it with the Yong'an Mausoleum of the Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty (960-1279), the region was named after Xian'an with similar meaning with the former one, Yong'an.
Xianning City Plaza (photo from nipic.com) |
The southern part of the city is higher than the north. Lake and river alluvial plains are found in the north-west. Xianning city also has low mountains and hill regions in its center, with medium high mountains lying in its southern part.
The city bears a subtropical continental monsoon climate featuring rich rainfall and sunshine, and enjoys four seasons. The annual average temperature falls around 16.8℃ (62.2℉). There are northerly winds in the winter when the weather is dry and cold, while summer is quite the opposite, with the weather being torrid and wet. The best seasons to travel to Xianning are spring and autumn.
Star Bamboo Forest Park (photo from nipic.com) |
Xianning abounds in forest special products and is especially famous for Nan Bamboo, Pine and Juniper Timber, Tea, Laurel Blossom, Tangerine, and Kiwi-fruit etc. Xianing is well known for “The Home of Laurel Blossom” in China. The quality of its laurel blossom ranks the first in China and the output ranks the second. “Brick Tea” of Zhaoli Bridge, “Pine Summit Tea” of Yanglou Cave, “Sword Summit Tea” of Xianning, and bamboo craft enjoy high popularity.
Feixian Cave (photo from nipic.com) |
Xainning region is rich in tourist resources. The hot spring in Xianning is mineral water containing natural radon which may cure diseases, such as skin diseases, arthritis, hypertension, and etc. Jiugong Mountain scenic area in Tongshan is a nice place for summer and sightseeing with its peculiar landscape. Ostriches assemble on the Bird Island in Yangxin. Ruins of Chibi ancient battlefield, scenery of Lushui Lake, the big limestone cave holding water in Tongshan and other scenic spots make the tourists linger on and forget to return with their special landscape.
Travel Tips:
Leaving Wuhan along the 107 National Highway, it is only 90 minutes drive to Xianning, and 50 minutes by train.
Orchid Pavilion (photo from nipic.com) |