Hefei

Hefei
source
Name	Hefei
Settlement type	Prefecture-level city
Coordinates	31, 52, N, 117...
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	China
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Anhui
Leader title	Chinese Communist Party Committee Secretary
Leader name	Yu Aihua
Area total km2	11445
Population total	9369881
Population as of	2020 census
Population density km2	auto

Hefei is the capital and largest city of Anhui Province in eastern China. A major comprehensive industrial and scientific center, it is situated between the Yangtze River and the Huai River. The city has experienced rapid transformation, evolving from a historical garrison town into a modern hub for high-tech industries and research.

History

The area's history dates to the Spring and Autumn period, when a small settlement named Hefei emerged. It gained strategic importance during the Three Kingdoms era, notably as the site of the Battle of Hefei involving the state of Cao Wei. For centuries, it served as a key administrative and military center under successive dynasties including the Ming dynasty and Qing dynasty. In 1949, following the Chinese Civil War, it was designated the capital of Anhui, replacing Anqing. Major modern development accelerated after it was opened to foreign investment and designated a pilot city for the World Bank in the 1990s.

Geography

Located in the central part of Anhui, the city's topography is predominantly flat, part of the Yangtze River Delta region. It lies near the shores of Chaohu Lake, one of China's five largest freshwater lakes. The Nanfei River flows through the urban core into the lake. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with distinct seasons, influenced by the East Asian monsoon. Key green spaces include the historic Xiaoyaojin Park and the extensive Baohe Park.

Economy

Hefei has developed a robust, diversified economy centered on advanced manufacturing and technology. It is a national base for industries such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and new energy vehicles, home to major firms like JAC Motors and BOE Technology. The Hefei Economic and Technological Development Zone and the Hefei High-Tech Industry Development Zone are critical drivers of growth. The city's GDP has ranked among the fastest-growing of all major Chinese cities in recent years, bolstered by significant state investment in research and development.

Demographics

According to the 2020 census, the city's permanent population exceeded 9.3 million. The population is predominantly Han Chinese, with residents from the wider Anhui region forming a significant portion. Rapid economic growth has attracted a large influx of migrant workers and highly skilled professionals from across China, particularly to work in its burgeoning technology sectors. This has contributed to a relatively young demographic profile in its urban districts.

Culture

As the cultural heart of Anhui, Hefei blends traditional Jianghuai culture with contemporary influences. It is known for its Hui cuisine, a major branch of Anhui cuisine, featuring dishes like Luzhou Roast Duck and Hefei Lao Huo. The city hosts the acclaimed Anhui Opera and is home to institutions like the Anhui Museum and the modern Hefei Grand Theater. Annual festivals include the Chaohu Lake Tourism Festival and celebrations for the Lantern Festival.

Education and Research

The city is a premier center for higher education and scientific innovation in China. It hosts the prestigious University of Science and Technology of China, a member of the elite C9 League. Other key institutions include Hefei University of Technology and Anhui University. Hefei is the site of the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science and major national projects like the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak for fusion research and the Quantum Experiments at Space Scale project. This concentration of talent supports its nickname as a "City of Science and Education."

Category:Prefecture-level cities in Anhui Category:Provincial capitals in China