Zhaoqing

Zhaoqing is located in the midwest of Guangdong province beside the Xijiang River, bordering on Foshan and Jiangmen, adjacent to Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao.

It is one of the main cities of Pearl River Delta, and Guangdong's important gateway to Southwest China, as well as the political, economic and cultural center of Xijiang River region.

It has a population of 4.3 million and exercises its jurisdiction over eight counties or districts on land spreading across 15,000 square meters. Duanzhou district is the political, economic and cultural center of Zhaoqing.

With a history of more than 2,200 years, it is the cradle of Lingnan culture as well as the confluence of Lingnan and Guangfu culture. Featuring Seven Star Rock and Dinghu Mountain, the city boasts 95 tourism spots.

While most people only know the city as a tourism destination, few know of its ancient name -- Duanzhou, a name used in Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279). Emperor Shenzong bestowed the city to his son Zhao Ji. As soon as Zhao Ji took the throne and became Emperor Huizong, he changed the city's name into Zhaoqing, meaning "inception of good luck" in Chinese, which has remained to this day.

Special tourist events and festivities are held in Zhaoqing's urban area and main scenic spots on festivals or special dates. The city holds special events and festivities, such as dragon dances and boating competitions. Praying tours to temples are also popular.

Zhaoqing also has rich natural resources and abundant mineral reserves. It is well known for the production of Duanzhou inkstones, jade, gypsum and gold. Rich in rice, cassia, bamboo and fruit, the city is sometimes called the "land of fish and rice".