Originally inhabited by the Dong and Miao ethnic groups, the area became known during the Southern Song dynasty when the Zhenyuan Border Defense Commissioner's Office was established along the Dong River. During the Yuan dynasty, it was reorganized as the Zhenyuan Military and Civilian Prefecture, with the annexed Anyi County. In the early Ming dynasty, Zhenyuan was established as a prefecture and a military garrison. During the Yongle era, it was upgraded to Zhenyuan Prefecture, with all administrative units located within the same city. In the Hongzhi era, the Zhenyuan Garrison was reclassified as a county. In 1913, the prefecture was abolished, leaving only the county. In 1956, the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture was established, initially with Zhenyuan as its capital, before relocating to Kaili in 1958.
Administrative divisions
Zhenyuan county has eight towns, three townships and one ethnic township under its jurisdiction:[1]
Zhenyuan County enjoys a subtropical humid monsoon climate, enjoying four distinct seasons and abundant precipitation, with an average annual temperature of 16.5 °C (61.7 °F), total annual rainfall of 1,093.6-millimetre (43.06 in), and annual average sunshine hours in 1144 hours. The highest temperature is 40.1 °C (104.2 °F), and the lowest temperature is −5.3 °C (22.5 °F).
Climate data for Zhenyuan, elevation 516 m (1,693 ft), (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1981–2010)
There are 106 rivers and streams in Zhenyuan County. Wuyang River flows through the downtown county.
Demographics
Population
As of 2013, there were 268,500 people, 81,000 households residing in Zhenyuan County, including 142,300 males and 126,200 females; the total permanent resident population was 203,200, including 77,500 urban population.
In 2019, the GDP of Zhenyuan County reached 5.859 billion yuan.[4]
Agriculture is an important part of Zhenyuan County's economy, of which rice farming and vegetable cultivation represent the largest sector.[4] The forestry industry is also large sectors within the agricultural economy of the county.[4] In addition, tourism (particularly related to history and wine) is a significant and growing portion of the economy.[4]
Education
In 2013, there were eighty-one schools in Zhenyuan County, including two high schools, seventeen middle schools, one secondary vocational and technical school, forty-eight primary schools and thirteen kindergartens.
The National Highway G320, more commonly known as "G320", passes across the eastern county.
The National Highway G211, more commonly known as "G211", is a north–south highway passing through the western Zhenyuan County.
Provincial Highway
The Provincial Highway S306, is an east–west highway traveling through central Zhenyuan County and its downtown, commercial and industrial subdistricts.
The Provincial Highway S25, which heads north to Shiqian County and south to Jianhe County, passing through the western Zhenyuan County.
The Provincial Highway S84, from Shibing County to Zhenyuan County, is connected to the Provincial Highway S25 at Baiyangping Hub (柏杨坪枢纽).
Notable Figures
Throughout history, Zhenyuan has been visited or guarded by numerous literati, military generals, including renowned figures such as Zhang Sanfeng, Wang Shouren, Wu Sangui, Wu Jingzi, Lin Zexu, Li Liejun, Feng Yuxiang, and others. Many of them have mentioned Zhenyuan in their poetry and prose.
