Major Economic Indicators (2010)
Jinzhong is home to the Jin Shang (businessmen of Jin), who have played an important role in Chinese commerce. Lying in the east-central part of Shanxi Province, it stands at the foot of the Taihang Mountains. It adjoins Taihang Mountains to the east, Taiyuan (the capital of Shanxi Province) across the Fenhe River to the west, Changzhi to the south and Yangquan to the north. It covers an area of 16,400 sq km and has a population of 3.1 million.
The city is a transportation hub for Shanxi Province. All the Taiyuan-Jiaozuo Railway, the Yangquan-Shexian Railway and the Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan Railway run through the city. The Taiyuan-Jiuguan Highway, the Datong-Yuncheng Highway, the Taiyuan-Changzhi Highway, State Highway 108, State Highway 208, State Highway 207 and State Highway 307, and 12 province-level highways make up the comprehensive highway network in the city. Taiyuan Wushu Airport is situated 15 km from the city center of Jinzhong.
With a temperate continental monsoon climate, Jinzhong has wet summers and dry, chilly winters. The average temperature in the city is about 9°C. Jinzhon enjoys rich mineral resources, such as gypsum ore, coal, iron ores and aluminum. Reserves of gypsum ore exceed 136 million tons, being the third largest in Shanxi. It has over 19.2 billion tons of coal reserves and 29 million tons of proven iron ore reserves.
Jinzhong's history extends to 30,000 years ago. During the Shang Dynasty, cities and towns emerged in this territory. In the Spring-and-Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), a county-level administration was set up in Jinzhong. Then counties and shires were set up there subsequently.
Jinzhong is home to the businessmen of Jin. During the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, the businessmen of Jin set up businesses throughout China, even in Japan, Russia, Mongolia and regions in West Asia. Jinzhong is the origin place of China's financial industry. In 1824, the first financial institution of China, "Ri Sheng Hao", was set up in Jinzhong.
Jinzhong has great many scenic spots. The Ancient City of Pingyao has a history of over 1,500 years. It is also called the "turtle city", because turtles are a symbol of longevity. It consists of 4 major streets, 8 lesser streets and 72 lanes. The South Street, also known as the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, is the commercial center of Pingyao, with stores of Ming and Qing architectural styles standing on both sides. Qiao Jia Da Yuan (the Qiao Family's Compound) is located in Qiaojiabao Village 12 km northeast of Qixian County. The compound was first built by Qiao Zhiyong, a famous businessman during the Qing Dynasty (AD1644-1911). It covers about 10,642 sq m. It is an architectural collection of 6 large buildings, and 20 small buildings, with a total of 313 rooms. Jinzhong has many other large family compounds, including Qu's Compound.
Jinzhong has many characteristic local dishes, such as Guan Chang (a kind of floor food eaten with different-flavored sauces), Bean-Curd, and Pearl Soup (made of green beans and rice).
