Study in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province
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Population: 3,930,000

Area: 15,056 square kilometers (5,813 square miles)

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 2 districts (Duanzhou, Dinghu); 2 county-level cities (Gaoyao, Sihui); 4 counties (Guangning, Huaiji, Fengkai, Deqing)

Location: Zhaoqing City is located in the west-central region of Guangdong Province, at the middle and lower reaches of Xijiang River. Adjacent to the Pearl River Delta, the city borders Guangxi Province in the northwest and Foshan City in the southeast. It lies about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Guangzhou.

Physical Features: The terrain of the city is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. Mountains and hills occupy about eighty percent of the city area, mainly in the north, northeast and central part of the city. A valley plain comprises most of the southeast portion of the city. A karst landscape in this area is also outstanding.

History: In the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), this area belonged partly to the Nanhai Shire. In the Sui Dynasty (581-618), it was called Duanzhou and changed into its present name, Zhaoqing, in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Climatic Features: The city enjoys a subtropical monsoon climate with an annual average temperature of 22.1C (71.8F). The rainfall is concentrated in the period from April to September. In early winter, the weather is sloppy and it may be affected slightly by typhoons in summer and autumn. The northern mountain area experiences frost and snow in winter.

When to Go: Zhaoqing is an all-year-round tourist destination without summer heat and winter chilliness.

Scenic Spots:
Xinghu Lake (Star Lake) Scenic Area: This scenic area consists of Qixingyan (Seven Star Crags) and Dinghu Mountain scenic spots. It is the most famous tourist zone in Guangdong Province. The Xiannv Lake (Fairy Lake), Butterfly Valley and Qingyun Temple are the highlights of the scenic area. It provides the most beautiful lake, mountain and forest landscape of the city.
Ancient City Wall: This is a part of the city wall from the Song Dynasty and is well preserved. Today, it is the symbol of Zhaoping City as a famous historical and cultural city.
Other Scenic Spots: Panlong Gorge Touring Region in Deqing County, Longshan in Fengkai County, Yanyan Crag (Swallow Crag) in Huaiji County, Bamboo Forest in Guangning County

Local Highlights:
Folk custom: In Zhaoqing, the lion dance and the dragon dance are the most popular performances in various ceremonies and festivals.
Festivals: Dragon Boat Race (the fifth day of the fifth lunar month)

Special Local Products: Handicrafts: Duanxi Inkstone, Nine Dragons Treasure Tripod, jade articles
Foods: Zhaoqing Gorgon Fruit, oranges, Ba Ji (Morinda Root)