Wuzhou Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 梧州 (wú zhōu)
Population: 3,500,000
Area: 12,600 square kilometers (4,865 square miles)
Location: in the east of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southwestern China
Administrative Division: 3 districts (Wanxiu, Dieshan, Changzhou); 3 counties (Mengshan, Cangwu, Tengxian); 1 county-level city (Cenxi)
Area Code: 0774
Zip Code: 543000
GDP (2019): CNY 9.914 billion (USD 1.437 billion)

Located in the east of Guangxi and adjacent to Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Wuzhou is a century-old commercial port, known as "Little Hong Kong". It is the world's largest artificial gem processing distribution and trading center, where many jewelry industry purchasers and international fashion brands set up offices. At present, Wuzhou's artificial gem production accounts for 80% of China and 70% of the world every year, becoming the world's capital of artificial gems. Since 2014, Wuzhou holds the Gem Festival every year, which has become an important platform for local cooperation and economic and cultural exchanges. With a long history of more than 4,000 years, Wuzhou has left numerous historical and cultural heritages with distinctive national and local characteristics. There are many religious buildings of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity and Catholic such as the Long Mu Temple and the largest scale of Qilou City. Qilou is a kind of modern commercial and residential building. The ground floor of the building set back halfway into the building for public pedestrian space.

Wuzhou belongs to the subtropical monsoon climate zone. It's warm and humid with the annual average temperature of 21C (70F). The hottest month is July and the coldest is January.

 When to Go: Spring and autumn are best time to visit this place. May 8th is the birthday of Long Mu (Dragons' Mother) who is regarded as the guardian of Xijiang River. On that day, many celebration activities will be held. If you're interested in local culture, this would be a good choice.
 

 History: Wuzhou has more than 2,000 years' history. It was called Cangwu Shire in the Han Dynasty (206BC-220). Later in 621 of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it firstly appeared in the history with the name of Wuzhou. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it became the political and military center of Guangdong and Guangxi. In 1927, it  turned into a prefecture-level city, which was the first one in Guangxi.

 Physical Features: This area is encircled in more than 20 mountains. Hills occupy 80% of the whole area. In the central area, there are so many rivers that it is called 'Water City'.

 Local Highlights: The city is the world's largest man-made gem production base, Asia's largest Francois' Leaf Monkey breeding base, Southeast Asia's largest pet breeding base, China's largest turpentine production base and football training field. As one of the 'China Top Tourist Cities', this city attracts visitors with its beautiful subtropical scenery and profound local culture such as many kinds of folk dances and Long Mu culture.

 Special Local Products: Wuzhou has three treasures 'Soybean Milk Crystal, Tortoise Herb Jelly and Candied Dates'. Others include man-made gems and crystal.