Is Shanwei Shenzhen’s overlooked sibling? Shanwei, a city in Guangdong province, presents a unique blend of coastal charm and economic realities. Today we will discover more about this fascinating city.
Shanwei was established in 1988. Previously it was administered as part of Huizhoufu by the Ming and Qing empires. Shanwei later gained its independence during the Nationalist period. The Hoklo ethnic group became dominant after warfare caused a population decrease in the early Qing dynasty.
Shanwei is located about 120 kilometers east of Shenzhen. The locals predominantly speak the Haifeng dialect. This dialect is a variety of Southern Min.
Shanwei has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. Expect short mild winters and long hot summers. The annual rainfall is around 1891 mm.
Shanwei is divided into four county-level divisions. These include one district, one county-level city, and two counties. These are further divided into 53 township-level divisions.
Farming plays a significant role in Shanwei’s economy. The warm climate supports the cultivation of rice, sesame, sweet potatoes, corn, and bananas. The fishing industry also thrives. Shanwei is known for its diverse sea ecosystem. Fish, shrimp, crab, shellfish, and seaweed are abundant.
Tourism is on the rise in Shanwei. The city boasts a long coastline and unique customs. Key tourist spots include Lufeng Jieshi Xuanwu Mountain Tourist Area and Shanwei Fengshan Ancestral Temple Tourist Area. Shanwei is also recognized as one of China’s 13 communist revolution starting points.
In December 2011, Shenzhen considered Shanwei for relocating polluting industries. Approximately 4000 Shenzhen factories were planned to move to an industrial park in Shanwei.
Shanwei is accessible by high-speed train from Shenzhen. The city is favorable for visiting at any time of the year due to its moderate weather. Rain gear is essential during the flood season from April to September.
Shanwei’s history dates back to the Qin Dynasty. It was inhabited by the Yue people. Later it belonged to the Nanhai Shire. Haifeng County, the primary form of Shanwei, was established in 111 BC.
The city’s physical features include mountains in the north, hills and terraces in the central area, and plains along the southern coast. Special local products include sea products, rice wine, tea, and shell carvings.
Shanwei has a lot of potential for future tourism. While not a major tourist hub yet, it offers a unique experience for those seeking to explore beyond the well-trodden paths. The city’s attractions are still developing. Resorts and beaches are looking towards future growth.