Happy TravellerWelcome to Pingdingshan, also known as Eagle City, a prefecture-level city in central Henan province, China. With a population of over 4.9 million people, Pingdingshan is a bustling metropolis that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
History:
In Chinese, Pingdingshan means mountain with a flat top. The city is named after a nearby plateau, the top of which is very flat. The reason for the nickname of the city Eagle City can be traced back to two thousand years ago during the Spring and Autumn Annals. There was a small country royal named Ying who lived in Pingdingshan area. In ancient times, the word Ying had the same pronunciation as Eagle in Chinese, therefore people also called Pingdingshan Eagle City. Pingdingshan was established as a prefecture-level city in 1957.
Geography:
Pingdingshan borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the north, Xuchang and Luohe to the east, Zhumadian to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, and Luoyang to the west. The Funiu Mountains run through the west of Pingdingshan, and the North China Plains occupy the city’s eastern portion. Mount Yao is located in the city. Over 30 rivers run through the city, and 163 lakes and reservoirs are located in Pingdingshan.
Climate:
Pingdingshan has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry. The best time to visit Pingdingshan is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Politics:
Zhang Leiming has served as Pingdingshan’s Chinese Communist Party Committee Secretary since July 2021. Pingdingshan’s current mayor is Zhao Wenfeng, who has been serving in the position since July 2021.
Administration:
The prefecture-level city of Pingdingshan administers 4 districts, 2 county-level cities, and 4 counties.
Demographics:
Pingdingshan has a permanent population of about 4.9 million people as of 2020. According to a 2019 publication by the city’s government, there are 79,467 people (1.8% of the total population) in Pingdingshan who are ethnic minorities, representing 48 different recognized groups. The largest ethnic minority in Pingdingshan is the Hui people, who number 62,040, accounting for 77.8% of the city’s total ethnic minority population.
Economy:
Pingdingshan’s economy has grown rapidly in the 21st century, with the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) more than doubling from 112.781 billion renminbi (RMB) in 2009 to 245.584 billion in 2020. The city’s economy is largely reliant on its secondary and tertiary sectors, which comprise 110.803 billion RMB (45.12% of total GDP) and 114.318 billion RMB (46.55% of total GDP), respectively. The city’s primary sector comprises just 20.464 billion RMB (8.33% of total GDP). Major companies located in Pingdingshan include China Pingmei Shenma Group, Pinggao Group, Wugang Company, and Tianrui Cement.
Tourism:
Pingdingshan is home to several popular tourist attractions, including:
– Pingdingshan Thrush Valley: A National AAA rated scenic spot and a major tourist attraction in Henan. It is named after the many thrushes breeding here. The scenic area is a total of 30 square kilometers (12 sq mi). There are numerous attractions such as cuckoo lake, an area known as the pocket of the Three Gorges.
– Mount Yao: A national AAAA rated scenic spot. Located nearby in Lushan County. Originally known as Yaoshan Shirenshan. Home to the Spring Temple Buddha, the second-largest statue in the world, built-in 2002.
– Xiangshan Temple
– Qizu Pagoda
– Ruguan Kiln Ruins Museum
– Sansu Tombs
– Ma Street Book Club
Twin towns — sister cities:
Pingdingshan, Peoples Republic of China is twinned with Syzran, Samara Oblast, Russia (11/28/2000).
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Pingdingshan has something to offer everyone. Come and experience the unique charm of this vibrant city for yourself!
