Jiaxian county, situated in the western part of central Henan province, is adjacent to Pingdingshan city. In physical features, it looks saddle-shaped, with high southeastern and northwestern borders and low central parts, comprised mainly of plains and hills. With a total area of 737 square kilometers, the county administers six towns, eight townships, and 374 administrative villages. It has a population of 568,000, including 520,000 rural residents.
Jiaxian has a temperate continental monsoon climate. It has fertile soil to grow diversified plants. The county grows corn, wheat, peanuts, beans and sweet potatoes. Cash crops include largely flue-cured tobaccos and vegetables. The county is famous for its Shan’erxi tobacco leaves. The county is also famous for raising Jiaxian red cattle , known for their tender meat and flexible leather. Jiaxian has rich minerals and plentiful water and electric power resources.
Jiaxian has unique tourism resources, with numerous places of historic interest and scenic beauty. The tombs of Su Shi, Su Zhe and Su Xun, famous men of letters during the Song Dynasty, have been under provincial protection since 1986. In June 2006, the tombs and Jiaxian Confucius Temple and Guangtian Zhiqing Park were approved as historical and cultural relics under national protection. Zhongding Lotus Mountain, one of the three leading Taoist centers in the country, is an ideal scenic spot for Chinese and foreign tourists. Linfeng Stockade offers the only red stone remnants in this region from the Ming and Qing dynastiess. The Confucius Temple, set off with pine and cypress trees, reflect China’s ancient culture. Langmiao Temple offers a unique tea service. The county is also home to the relics of the Yangshao Culture, Longshan Culture and Peiligang Culture periods.
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