Chinese Name: 长治市 (cháng zhì shì)

Population: 3,216,600 

Area: 13,896 square kilometers (5,365 square miles) 

Nationalities: Han

Administrative Division: 2 districts (Urban District, Suburban District); 10 counties (Changzhi, Xiangyuan, Tunliu, Pingshun, Licheng, Huguan, Zhangzi, Wuxiang, Qinxian, Qinyuan); 1 county-level city (Lucheng) 

Useful Telephone Numbers: Tourist Complaints: 0355-2035096
                                         Weather Forecast: 121
                                         Zip Code Inquiry: 184
                                         Bank of China: 0355-2085360

Location: Changzhi City stands in the southeast of Shanxi Province, neighboring Hebei and Henan provinces in the east. Jincheng City and Jinzhong City are respectively linked by Changzhi in the south and north ends respectively. 

History: Primitive agriculture in this area began extremely long ago. Its old name Shangdang was given during the Warring States Period (476BC-221BC). The name of Chanzhi was given in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) symbolizing long-term peace and stability.  

Physical Features: Due to the Taihang Mountains in the east and the Taiyue Mountains in the west, the terrain of the city slopes downward from the eastern and northern parts to the western and southern parts. The central area is comparatively flatter and, is scattered among several basins.

Climate: Changzhi is situated in the interior of China and belongs to a warm temperate zone. Hence, it has a typical continental monsoon climate. Temperature differences are distinct in each of the four seasons. Winter is dry and summer has more rainfall. The annual average temperature is constantly between 5℃ (41℉) and 11℃ (52℉).

When to Go: spring and autumn

Special Local Product: Shangdang preserved donkey meat, Codonopsis pilosula (panax ginseng)

 Attractions: 
Taihang Mountain Gorges: The scenic area lies in the southeast of Huguan County, boasting the most stunning natural beauty of Changzhi, including imposing peaks, arduous crags, elegant pools and waterfalls, secluded limestone caves and astonishingly shaped rocks, accompanied by moving, time-honored legends. Meanwhile, this is an excellent tourist destination containing profound, accumulated cultural content. For instance, the Zhenze Palace built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) is a well preserved complex of Taoist buildings with its historical and artistic value is widely acknowledged.   
 
Shangdang Gate: Shangdang Gate is in the southeast of Changzhi city proper, being the office gate of the ancient Shangdang Shire. The present gate tower was rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. In the west and east sides of the gate stand the bell tower and the drum tower. Nowadays, it is seen as a representative building of the city. 

Other Scenic Spots: Faxing Temple, Xiantang Mountain, Lingkong Mountain and Huangya Cave

Travel Tips:
1. Changzhi Airport is 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) north of downtown Changzhi. Routes to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Taiyuan have been opened. Taiyuan can be reached in 30 minutes. 

2. Changzhi Passenger Transport Center is situated in the Fuhou Xi Jie, from which buses to Taiyuan will depart every 15 to 30 minutes. From the Taiyuan Long-Distance Bus Station in the east of the Wuyi Square, Yingze Da Jie, visitors can find buses which go to Changzhi. The whole journey will take about three hours.