Heyuan

Geography

Heyuan is located in the north-east region of Guangdong, upper reach of Dong River at its confluence with the Xingeng River. Its latitude spans 23° 10'–24° 50' N, and longitude 114° 13'–115° 35' E. It borders Huizhou to the south, Ganzhou (Jiangxi) to the north, Meizhou to the east and Shaoguan to the west. Heyuan is a regional hub that connects the coastal areas of Guangdong and the interior countryside.

Heyuan is rich in natural resources and fertile land. There are 1,000 km² (390 sq mi) of cultivated land, 13,600 km² (5,300 sq mi) of hilly land, and 640 square kilometres (250 sq mi) of water area. Many mineral deposits such as iron ore, tungsten, tin, fluorite are found in Heyuan.

Climate

Heyuan has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa), with short, mild to warm winters, and long, hot, humid summers. Winter begins sunny and dry but becomes progressively wetter and cloudier. Spring is generally overcast and often rainy, while summer continues to be rainy though is much sunnier; there are 9.1 days annually with 50 mm (1.97 in) of rainfall. Autumn is sunny and dry. The monthly 24-hour average temperature ranges from 13.6 °C (56.5 °F) in January to 29.2 °C (84.6 °F) in July, and the annual mean is 22.27 °C (72.1 °F). The annual rainfall is just over 2,000 mm (79 in), and is delivered in bulk (47%) from April to June. With monthly percent possible sunshine ranging from 23% in March to 55% in October and November, the city receives 1,842 hours of bright sunshine annually.

Geology

The city's museum boasts the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of dinosaur eggs, with 10,008 individual samples as of 2004. Dinosaur skeletons and fossilized footprints have also been found nearby.

Language

In the great majority of Heyuan areas, Hakka Chinese is in general use.

In the greater part of areas in the city, Dongyuan County, Lianping County, Heping County, Longchuan County etc., it belongs to the Yuezhong dialect group, while in Zijin County and part of Longchuan County, it belongs to the Yuetai dialect group.

Also, in some areas on the banks of the Dongjiang, Dongjiang Bendihua is in general use. Its classification is disputed between the Yuezhong division of Hakka and the Huihe division of Yue.

Administration

Heyuan City administers Yuancheng District, Dongyuan County, Heping County, Longchuan County, Zijin County and Lianping County. The total area is 15,800 square kilometres (6,100 sq mi). Heyuan city and its districts have a population of 3.2194 million. The municipality seat is in Yuancheng District.

Economy

Heyuan city is a major economic and transportation hub for the Beijing-Kowloon Railway and the Guangzhou-Meizhou-Shantou Railway which crosses the city. There is also a marshalling station at Longchuan, which is the biggest in southern China.

State Highway 105 and 205 run through the city. Dong River which Heyuan City is located in plays an important strategic waterway which allows huge cargo ships to transport goods to Huizhou, Dongguan, and Guangzhou.

Heyuan city is the major producer of Chinese kiwi fruit dried mushrooms of Jiulian, garlic, Hakka brewed liquor, Xinfengjiang pure water and mineral water, bamboo mats, sweet tangerines, green tea, and pot culture.

Transport

Heyuan is served by the Hong Kong-Beijing Jingjiu railway with two stations: Heyuan railway station and Longchuan railway station.

Xinfengjiang Forest Park

Heyuan City has a lot of tourist attraction. There is a very tall fountain located in Xinfengjiang forest park. There are scenic areas such as the Dagui Mountain and the first big artificial lake; Wanlu Lake and the Sujiawei Round House.

Longchuan County

Longchuan county is home to spectacular scenic spots in Huoshan and Shuikeng.

Zijin County

Zijin county is the home of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen's ancestors.

Lianping

The Neiguan Mountains and rivers are located in Lianping county.

Dongyuan County

In Dongyuan county, there are scenic spots at Huanglong Crag and Zhangxi.

Sister cities