Major Economic Indicators (2007)

Source: Wuwei Economic and Social Development Report 2007

Introduction

Wuwei is located in the middle part of Gansu province, at the northern foot of Qilian Mountain, bordering Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province, to the east. It covers an area of 33,249 sq km. Population of the city amounted to 1.9 million by the end of 2007.

Wuwei has a typical continental climate with plenty of sunshine. Average temperature of the city is 7.8 Celsius. Average annual precipitation is less than 610 mm, while average evaporation totals to 1,400-3,010 mm.

Mineral resources of Wuwei are abundant. Ilmenite and graphite are domestic super large scale mines. However, Wuwei is lack of water resources.

Transportation in Wuwei is very convenient. State Highway 312, the Huoerguosi-Lianyungang Expressway, the Lanzhou-Urumqi Railway, and the Gantang-Wuwei Railway run through the city.

Economic Features

Wuwei realized GDP of RMB 18.8 billion in 2007, representing a rise of 12.0% year on year. The city's GDP accounted for approximately 7.0% of Gansu's total and ranked seventh out of fourteen prefecture-level cities in Gansu province.

The agricultural sector, the smallest contributor to the city's economy, generated value-added output of RMB 4.8 billion in 2007, accounting for only 25.6% of the city's GDP. Grain output of Wuwei totaled 969,900 tons in 2007, accounting for 11.8% of the province's total. In addition, Wuwei is famous as Town of Wine in China. Grape output of the city amounted to 19,000 tons in 2007, ranked first in Gansu province.

In 2007, the secondary industry (industry and construction) realized value-added output of RMB 6.7 billion, accounting for 35.5% of the city's total.  

During 2007, value-added industrial output of industrial sector amounted to 4.8 billion, while total value-added industrial output of the enterprises above designated size reached RMB 2.8 billion, accounting for 58.7% of industrial sector's total.  

Brewing industry and corn starch processing are pillar industries of Wuwei. Wine and beer production capacity reach 23,000 tons and 80,000 tons, contributing 72% and 33% respectively to the province's total.

Wuwei-based and Shanghai Stock Exchange-listed company, Gansu Ronghua Industry Group<600311>, principally engaged in the processing of grains and forage, realized prime operating revenue and net profit of RMB 198 million and RMB 12.6 million respectively from January to September 2008.

The service sector generated value-added output of RMB 7.3 billion, accounting for 38.9% of the city's total GDP in 2007.  

Transportation, warehousing, post and telecommunications realized value-added industrial output of RMB 1.6 billion, 22.2% to the service sector's total.

In 2007, import and export value amounted to US$5.4 million (comprising export value of US$4.9 million and import value of US$0.5 million), representing a rise of 10.7% year on year.  

During the same year, 1.8 million tourists visited the city, up 24.2% year on year, while tourism income totaled RMB 526 million, representing a rise of 9.8% compared to the previous year.

Cultural Highlights

Wuwei was called Liangzhou in ancient times and is the eastern terminus of the Hexi Corridor. People began settling there 5000 years ago.

During the Three Kingdoms period, Liangzhou was controlled by Ma Teng. After the death of Ma Teng, Ma Chao resumed the position and governed the city for a short time before it fell into the hands of Cao Cao, ruler of Wei Kingdom.

Tourist Attractions

The city, a key link for the Northern Silk Road, has many important archaeological findings including ancient copper carts with stone animals.

Famous cultural relics include the Galloping Bronze Horse, Western Xia stele, White Tower Temple, Tianti Mountain Grotto, Luoshi Temple Tower, and the Wen Shrine.

The city is well known for its special products such as honeydew melon, wine, vinegar and flour. The honeydew melon, a cultivar group of the muskmelon, is rich in vitamin C and most flavorful if eaten at room temperature.