​ Lv Liang

Lvliang City

North Wudang Mountain

The Ancient Qikou Town

Xuanzhong Temple

Fenjiu Group

Lvliang is located in the western part of central Shanxi along the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Named after the Lvliang Mountain range that runs through the city, it covers an area of 21,000 square kilometers and is a vibrant region rich in unique charm and development potential. The city administers Lishi District, the cities of Fenyang and Xiaoyi, and 10 counties: Jiaocheng, Wenshui, Jiaokou, Shilou, Zhongyang, Liulin, Fangshan, Lanxian, Xingxian, and Linxian, with a resident population of 3.3 million.

Lvliang has a long and rich history, with people living in the area since the Paleolithic era. The region was governed as early as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). Important archaeological sites, like the Fanjiazhuang Paleolithic Site in Jiaocheng County, the Bicun Neolithic Site in Xingxian County, and Dragon-patterned Gong (Ancient Wine Vessel) found in Shilou County, show that Lvliang is a key location in the development of Chinese civilization.

The city is home to a diverse cultural heritage, producing notable historical figures such as Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history; the Tang Dynasty poet Song Zhiwen; the Northern Song Dynasty general Di Qing; the Ming Dynasty mathematician Wang Wensu; and Yu Chenglong, celebrated as the foremost honest official by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. In modern times, Lvliang has produced distinguished talents, including Chang Min- Chueh , recognized as the Father of Test Tube Babies; Ma Feng, a representative writer of the “Shanyaodan” school; and Liu Zhenmin, former United Nations Deputy Secretary- General.

The people of Lvliang are known for their simplicity and hard work, fostering a rich array of unique customs that reflect the cultural depth of the Loess Plateau. Traditional crafts like Zhongyang paper-cutting and Xiaoyi Shadow Play Art have been added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, while local art forms such as Liulin Panzi Worship Activity, Linxian Umbrella Yangko, Lanxian Dough Figurine, Linxian Daoqing Opera, Xiaoyi traditional opera Wanwanqiang, Wenshui Guzi Folk Music Art are listed as national intangible cultural heritage.

Lvliang is rich in cultural and tourism resources, featuring 39 national key cultural relics and two national scenic areas. Qikou Ancient Town, known as the first town of the Yellow River, ranks among China’s top historical and cultural towns. The “First Bend of the Yellow River” in Shilou County is a unique natural wonder. North Wudang Mountain is a sacred site of Taoism in northern China, renowned as the First Mountain of Shanxi. Xuanzhong Temple is the origin of the Pure Land sect of Chinese Buddhism and serves as the ancestral site for its equivalent in Japan. Pangquangou has earned the title of “green lung” of North China.

Lvliang is a recognized leader in the production of specialty agricultural products. Fenyang City, known as the “Home of Chinese Walnuts,” exports its products to 18 countries and regions. Other notable products include Fangshan County’s sea buckthorn, Lanxian County’s potatoes, Xingxian County’s coarse grains, Zhongyang County’s black fungus, and Sanjiao Town’s Jujube, all of which are celebrated nationwide.

Additionally, Lvliang is endowed with abundant natural resources, boasting over 40 identified minerals, including major deposits of coal, aluminum, and iron. The city’s coal reserves exceed 42 billion tons, with 11.4 billion tons of high-quality coking coal. The region also has 649 million tons of bauxite deposite, which makes up 16% of China’s total reserves, and 1.3 billion tons of iron ore. Furthermore, unconventional natural gas reserves are estimated at about 2.84 trillion cubic meters.

Lvliang is the largest production base in China for high-quality coking coal, coking products, aluminum oxide, and fen-flavor liquor. The renowned Fenjiu and Zhuyeqing brands are celebrated worldwide, exported to over 70 countries. Nitro-compound fertilizer represent 80% of the domestic market and 60% of the global market, while pharmaceutical intermediates account for 70% of the national market and 30% globally.

Lvliang is a city with abundant revolutionary legacies, having nurtured revolutionary culture centered on the Lvliang Spirit. Historical sites include the Jin-Sui Border Region Government and Military Command Headquarters, the CPC Central Rear Committee Headquarters, and the Red Army East Expedition Memorial Hall. The Heroic Saga of Lvliang truly reflects the Lvliang people’s fearless sacrifice and revolutionary commitment.

Embracing an open and welcoming spirit, Lvliang has forged sister city relationships or friendly partnerships with over ten international locations. These include Semur-en-Auxois (France), Tiszafüred (Hungary), the province of Cuneo and the City of Asti (Italy), Lilongwe (Malawi), and the Sava Region (Madagascar).