Changde

Changde

General Information
Name	Changde
Native Name	常德市
Other Names
Settlement Type	Prefecture-level city
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates
Map
Population
Total	5,717,218
Density	auto per km²
Area
Total	18200 km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC+8
DST	UTC

Changde (Chinese: 常德; pinyin: Chángdé ) is a prefecture-level city in the northwestern part of Hunan province, China. It is situated on the banks of the Yuan River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. Changde is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and economic significance in the region.

History

Changde has a long and storied history that dates back over 2,200 years. It was originally established as a county during the Qin dynasty and has since evolved through various administrative changes. During the Three Kingdoms period, it was part of the state of Wu. In the Tang dynasty, it became a prefecture known as Langzhou.

In the 20th century, Changde was the site of significant military engagements during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The Battle of Changde in 1943 was a major conflict between Chinese and Japanese forces, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

Geography

Changde is located in the northwestern part of Hunan province, bordered by Yiyang to the east, Zhangjiajie to the west, and Hengyang to the south. The city covers an area of approximately 18,200 square kilometers. The Yuan River flows through the city, providing vital water resources for agriculture and industry.

Economy

The economy of Changde is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services being the main sectors. The region is known for its production of rice, cotton, and tea. In recent years, Changde has also developed a robust industrial base, with industries such as machinery, electronics, and textiles playing a significant role.

Culture

Changde is rich in cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites and traditional festivals. The city is home to the Changde Poem Wall, a 1,200-meter-long wall inscribed with poems and calligraphy, which is a popular tourist attraction. Traditional festivals such as the Dragon Boat Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Education

Changde has several institutions of higher learning, including Hunan University of Arts and Science, which offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The city places a strong emphasis on education, with numerous primary and secondary schools providing quality education to its residents.

Transportation

Changde is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Changde Taohuayuan Airport provides domestic flights to major cities in China. The city is also served by the Changde Railway Station, which is a hub for several major rail lines, facilitating easy access to other parts of the country.

Also see

• Hunan
• Yuan River
• Battle of Changde
• Changde Poem Wall
• Zhangjiajie