Ningguo City, whose name means “peace and prosperity for all nations,” embodies the idea of “stability and long-lasting peace.” Known for its picturesque landscape described as “eight mountains, one river, half farmland, half roads and gardens,” Ningguo is a county-level city under the jurisdiction of Xuancheng in southeastern Anhui Province.
1. Basic Facts
- Ancient Name: Ningyang
- Location: Southeastern Anhui, bordering Zhejiang Province
- Area: 2,487 km²
- Population: 378,000 (registered)
- Administrative Divisions: 6 subdistricts, 5 townships, 8 towns, plus 1 national-level development zone
- Climate: Subtropical monsoon, four distinct seasons, ample rainfall
- GDP (2022): 45.43 billion RMB
2. Natural Conditions
Ningguo lies in the hilly and mountainous terrain of southern Anhui, with the land sloping from south to north. The city experiences a mild subtropical monsoon climate:
- Spring: Early warming but unstable, with concentrated rainfall
- Summer: Hot and sometimes dry periods
- Autumn: Rapid cooling, occasional drizzle
- Winter: Cool and dry
3. Folk Culture
- Yunti She Ethnic Township: The only ethnic minority township in Anhui, home to the She people. Songs are recorded phonetically with Chinese characters, covering historical tales, labor, marriage customs, and daily life. Singing conveys both emotion and tradition, showcasing the She culture’s charm.
- Calligraphy Heritage: Ningguo has a rich legacy of Huizhou-style seal carving, stone inscriptions, book carving, and other traditional calligraphy forms, standing out in Chinese art history.
4. Economy
Ningguo leverages its location and natural resources for economic development:
- Automobile Industry: Ningguo Auto Industrial Park hosts major manufacturers like Great Wall Motors and FAW-Volkswagen, with a 2022 output exceeding 100 billion RMB.
- Tourism: Key ecological sites include Taibai Mountain National Forest Park and Tianmu Lake National Wetland Park, attracting over 5 million visitors annually.
5. Transportation Advantages
- Proximity: 170–300 km to Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Hefei
- Rail: Wangan Railway passes through Ningguo
- Highways & Expressways: Ningxuan, Ningji, Ningqian highways connect the city efficiently
- Air Travel: Qinglongwan Airport provides direct flights to major cities in China
6. Tourism Attractions
- Qinglongwan Ecotourism Resort: 4A-level attraction, featuring a large reservoir with 38 islands
- Enlong World Wooden House Village: 150-hectare resort offering sightseeing, cultural experiences, leisure, and wellness facilities
- Xialin Jiutian Silver Waterfall Scenic Area: Known as the “Five Wonders of the World,” featuring waterfalls, deep valleys, cliffs, ancient trees, and bamboo forests
- Wuyue Ancient Road: 35 km historic path from the Five Dynasties period, with cultural relics like temples, city walls, and watchtowers
- Southern Anhui Sichuan-Tibet Road (“Jiangnan 318”): Scenic 80 km stretch ideal for self-driving, cycling, and photography
7. Local Specialties
Ningguo Bābā: Traditional snack, soft, aromatic, and non-greasy, originally derived from Huizhou rice cakes
Oil-Braised Yellow Mud Bamboo Shoots (Huangni Gong): Spring bamboo shoots slow-cooked in oil, tender and fragrant
Longyao Old Duck Soup: Over 1,000-year-old traditional recipe, using locally raised ducks and clay pots, renowned for rich flavor and aroma
Ningguo Hickory Nuts: Ancient tree species preserved in the Tianmu Mountains; historically recorded in the Ningguo County Annals
