Langzhong (formerly known as Paoning) is a county-level city in northeastern Sichuan province,China,located on the middle reaches of the Jialing River. It is administered as part of the prefecture-level city of Nanchong. Langzhong has a total population of 622,667,with 303,044 residing in the urban area in 2020.[1][2]
Langzhong is famous for its historic centre,home to 30,000 of its residents.[3][4][5] It is one of the best preserved historic towns of China,dating back to the Tang dynasty.[6] The city was also the seat of the former Anglican Diocese of Szechwan.
History
The site of present-day Langzhong served for a time as the capital of Ba,a native but sinicizedSichuan state during China's Warring States period. It takes its present name from its role as the seat of Langzhong County,established by Qin two years after[7]its 316BC conquest of Shu and Ba. Under the Han and Tang,it was an important center for astronomical research. Under the Yuan,Ming,and Qing,it was known as Baoning.[a] Over the late imperial period,it served as Sichuan's provincial capital for a total of ten years. It was well known for its salt wells.[8] It has also long been an important military town of Sichuan.[9]
The old town of Langzhong is built according to Feng shui principles. The dedicated military,trade and residential quarters of the town are located in a location corresponding to a particular element in Feng shui. The town itself is position centrally with respect to 4 mountains around it.[10][11]
Since 1985,the PRC government has awarded Langzhong with various accolades on three separate occasions.[7] In 1986 the State Council named it a famous and historical town. In 1991,it was finally upgraded to county-level city status.
Geography
Langzhong is located in the northeast of the province and the northern part of the Sichuan Basin on the middle reaches of the Jialing River. Within the city's administrative area,elevations generally increase from southwest to northeast and range from 328 metres (1,076ft) to 888 metres (2,913ft),while rivers flow for 59.4 kilometres (36.9mi).[7] The area is dominated by low-lying mountains and hills.
Cultural traditions
The Zhang Fei worship tradition（张飞祭祀传统）:Local Spring Festival temple fairs often center around the Zhang Fei Temple,continuing the rituals of the Ming and Qing dynasties.[12]
Spring Festival Lantern Festival（春节灯会）:Red lanterns are hung in the ancient city,and dragon and lion dances and stilt walking are performed in northern Sichuan.[13]
Northern Sichuan Lantern Opera（川北灯戏）:The performance style incorporates gongs and drums,rhythmic percussion,and emphasizes a strong sense of rhythm in the "lantern dance".[14]
Langzhong shadow puppetry（阆中皮影戏）:Langzhong shadow puppetry is known for its bold lines,vibrant colors,and exaggerated figures.[15]
Langzhong silk（阆中丝绸）：weaving is delicate and soft,with exquisite processes,and is one of the representatives of traditional handicrafts in northern Sichuan.[16]
Cuisine
Zhangfei Beef (张飞牛肉):Known for its braising,air-drying,and intensely spicy and numbing flavors,it has a deep red color and firm texture. Legend has it that it is associated with Zhang Fei,hence its name.[17]
Langzhong Vinegar (阆中醋):Langzhong's traditional condiments are renowned for their aroma,sourness,and mellowness. Used in local cold noodles,snacks,and everyday dishes,they are an important part of Langzhong's culinary culture. It is also the only medicinal vinegar.[18]
Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles (川北凉粉):Langzhong is one of the birthplaces of Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles. It comes in many varieties,with carefully selected seasonings,and is delicate and refreshing.[19]
Steamed buns with white sugar (白糖蒸馍):Made with high-quality white flour,fermented with yeast instead of alkali,these buns can be made into various shapes.[20]
Climate
As with much of the rest of the province,Langzhong has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (KöppenCwa),with dry,temperate winters,and long,hot,humid summers. The monthly daily average temperature ranges from 6.1°C (43.0°F) in January to 26.7°C (80.1°F) in July. The frost-free period lasts 290 days per year,while annual sunshine amounts to 1,400 hours.[7] Close to two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs from June to September.
A bird's eye view of Langzhong Ancient TownFengshui Museum
Climate data for Langzhong,elevation 383m (1,257ft),(1991–2020 normals,extremes 1971–present)
↑Zhongguo zi zhu you bian wei hui; 中国自助游编委会. (2012). Zhongguo zi zhu you: 2012 zui xin sheng ji (Di 1 baned.). Beijing: Zhongguo qing gong ye chu ban she. ISBN978-7-5019-8528-9. OCLC853440795.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain:Baynes, T. S., ed. (1878). "China". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol.5 (9thed.). New York: Charles Scribner's Sons.
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