Gansu
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| Gansu | |
|---|---|
| Name | Gansu |
| Native name | 甘肃 |
| Capital | Lanzhou |
| Largest city | Lanzhou |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | People's Republic of China |
| Leader title | Secretary |
| Leader name | Hu Changsheng |
| Leader title1 | Governor |
| Leader name1 | Ren Zhenhe |
| Area km2 | 454,000 |
| Population estimate | 25,019,831 |
| Population estimate year | 2020 |
Gansu. A province in the Northwest China region of the People's Republic of China, it is characterized by a long, narrow shape stretching along the Hexi Corridor, a vital historical passage of the Silk Road. Its capital and largest city is Lanzhou, situated on the banks of the Yellow River. The province serves as a crucial geographical and cultural bridge, connecting the Loess Plateau and the Tibetan Plateau with the arid expanses of Xinjiang and Mongolia.
Geography
Gansu's terrain is remarkably diverse, encompassing the Gobi Desert and Badain Jaran Desert in the north, the fertile Hexi Corridor in the center, and the high-altitude grasslands of the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the south, which forms part of the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Major river systems include the upper reaches of the Yellow River, which flows through Lanzhou, and its tributaries like the Tao River. The province borders Shaanxi to the east, Sichuan to the south, Qinghai and Xinjiang to the west, and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to the north, with a small section touching the Republic of Mongolia. Notable natural landmarks include the colorful Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and the expansive Qilian Mountains.
History
Gansu has been a crossroads of civilizations for millennia, integral to the ancient Silk Road that facilitated trade between China and Central Asia. During the Han dynasty, the Hexi Corridor was secured through military campaigns and the establishment of commanderies like Dunhuang and Jiuquan. The province was a center of Buddhism, evidenced by the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang and the Bingling Temple grottoes. It was later part of the Tang, Tibetan Empire, Western Xia, and Mongol Empire spheres of influence before being incorporated into the Ming dynasty and subsequent Qing dynasty. In the 20th century, it was traversed by the Long March and became a key region during the Sino-Japanese War.
Economy
Traditionally reliant on agriculture and mineral extraction, Gansu's economy has diversified into energy and manufacturing. It is a significant producer of nonferrous metals such as nickel, cobalt, and platinum, centered around the mining city of Jinchang. The province is a national leader in wind power and solar power generation, with major projects in the Hexi Corridor. Petrochemical industries are concentrated in Lanzhou, home to the Lanzhou Petrochemical Company. Agricultural products include medicinal herbs, hops, and fruits like melons from the Minqin area. Major state-owned enterprises include Jiuquan Iron and Steel and Jinchuan Group.
Demographics
Gansu is home to a multi-ethnic population, with the Han Chinese forming the majority. Significant ethnic minority groups include the Hui people, concentrated in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, often called "China's Little Mecca," and Tibetan people in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Other groups include the Dongxiang people, Bonan people, and Kazakh communities. The population is predominantly concentrated in the Yellow River valley and the eastern prefectures, with western areas being more sparsely populated. Major urban centers besides Lanzhou include Tianshui, Jiayuguan, and Baiyin.
Culture
The province's culture reflects its history as a Silk Road nexus, blending Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Muslim influences. It is renowned for the Dunhuang studies of the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing priceless Buddhist art. Performing arts include Hua'er folk songs and the local opera form Qinqiang. Culinary specialties feature Lanzhou beef lamian (hand-pulled noodles), and Muslim Hui cuisine. Important cultural festivals include the Labrang Monastery celebrations in Xiahe and various Hui religious observances in Linxia.
Transportation
Gansu's transportation network is vital for connecting northwestern China. The Lanzhou–Xinjiang railway and the Lanzhou–Lianyungang railway are key arteries, with major hubs at Lanzhou Railway Station and Jiayuguan Railway Station. The province is crisscrossed by several national expressways, including the G30 Lianhuo Expressway. Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport is the primary air gateway, with other airports serving Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, and Tianshui. The historical Jiayuguan Pass, the western terminus of the Ming dynasty Great Wall, symbolizes its enduring role as a gateway.