Anshan

Anshan, a prefecture-level city located in Liaoning province, China, serves as a notable example of the country’s industrial capabilities. Third most populated city in Liaoning, with 3,325,420 people spread across around 9,270 square kilometers, This interior city is 92 kilometers south of Shenyang, the province capital.

The appellation of the city comes from the horse saddle-like shape of a nearby mountain, seen to train passengers heading into Anshan station. Anshan’s geography shows a varied terrain: wide, flat ground rules the western and center parts, then undulating and hilly terrain rules the southeast. Comprising the well-known Qianshan National Park, the Qian Mountains define the limits of the city.

Anshan’s mineral abundance defines its economic value in great part. The city has one-third of the world’s talcum supply as well as quarter of the magnesite deposits. These materials, along with significant reserves of coal, jade, and iron ore, define Anshan as a vital center in China’s industrial system. Major steel manufacturer Anshan Iron & Steel Group embodies the industrial legacy of the city and is still pillar of its economy.

Anshan’s economic fabric is also much enhanced by agriculture. Comprising 24,480 hectares of fertile ground, the western plains are suited for cultivation. Especially, the great quality of the Nuntuo pears (Pyrus ussiriensis c.v. Nuntuo) has won praise.

Hot, humid summers and long, cold, dry winters define the monsoon-influenced humid continental climate the city lives with. Summer monsoons interacting with the winter Siberian anticyclone produces this weather pattern. While temperatures run from an average of -8.1°C in January to 25.3°C in July, July and August account for over half of the yearly precipitation. Anshan has 2,543 hours of average sunlight yearly.

Anshan historically used as a travel station for Ming Dynasty officials and visitors on official business, lodging. This historical significance has changed to become Anshan a significant industrial powerhouse and metropolitan metropolis.

Anshan is very vital in China’s industrial scene today. Called “China’s capital of iron and steel,” the city is located in an area with at least a quarter of China’s iron and coal resources. Anshan’s expansion has been mostly driven by the steel sector, which has transformed a small village into a vibrant industrial city.

The industrial and business life of the city depends on its transportation system. Anshan is well-connected by road and air albeit without a river or marine port. 15 kilometers southwest of the city center, Anshan Teng’ao Airport serves domestic flights to big cities. About 90 kilometers to the north, the Shenyang Taoxian International Airport is open for international contacts.

One great advantage for Anshan is road connection. Strategically placed next to the Shenyang–Dalian Expressway, a part of the bigger G15 Shenyang–Haikou Expressway, the city is Anshan’s access is much improved by this eight-lane tolled expressway, the first of its kind in mainland China. Approaching north of the city, the Liaozhong Ring Expressway offers easy access to other main highways and local hubs.

Anshan’s industrial might is matched by its natural and cultural appeal. Rising 18 kilometers southeast of the city, Qianshan National Park covers 44 square kilometers and is well-known for its unusual mix of Buddhist and Taoist temples, monasteries, and nunneries. With its name, “Thousand Mountains,” the park suggests a myth of a goddess turning lotus flower petals into mountain tops.

A prominent feature of Qianshan National Park is a mountain range shaped like Maitreya Buddha, said to be the biggest naturally occurring depiction of Maitreya anywhere. Several temples on nearby mountains have been built in inspiration from this natural phenomena.

Named to honor the liberation of Anshan by the People’s Liberation Army on February 19, 1948, “219 Park” consists of the Dongshan beautiful region and many lakes, therefore offering a lush oasis within the city.

Covering more than 22,000 square meters, the Buddhist temple complex known as Jade Buddha Palace has a massive Buddha carved from a single piece of serpentine—often known as jade. Rising about seven meters in height and weighing more than 260 tons, this monument has detailed carvings of Sakyamuni Buddha and Guanyin Buddha on its front and rear respectively. This masterwork was created by 120 sculptors spending eighteen months.

Anshan’s natural assets cover her geothermal resources. The city has a number of hot spring baths, notably previously preferred by Qing Dynasty emperors the Tanggangzi Spa. By supplying hot water and steam for winter heating over the city, these geothermal resources support attempts at sustainability.