Yingshan County, Hubei

Yingshan County (Chinese: 英山县) is one of the seven counties governed by Huanggang, Hubei, located on the eastern edge of the province, adjoining Anhui province, and encompassing the southwestern portion of the Dabie Shan (Dabie Mountains).

The county covers 1,449 square kilometers, with 11 townships. The 2004 census indicated the county had a total population of 409,601.

History

Yingshan is famous as the birthplace of Bi Sheng, the inventor of movable-type printing technology in 11th century, which is regarded as one of ancient China's "four great inventions". Communist guerrillas were active in the area in the early period of their insurgency, and the 27th Corps of the Red Army was set up there. It was also the point of departure for the 25th Corps on the communist's Long March to Yan'an.

Economy

The county is rich in natural resources and produces tea, silk, herbs, chestnuts, and granite. Yingshan is the leading producer of Green Tea in Hubei Province and the fourth largest tea producer in China. There are four hot water springs in Yingshan town, with the water temperature recorded up to 71 Celsius degrees.

References

* [http://www.yszs.net/index1.asp Yingshan government website] (in Chinese)
* [http://www.chinaeconomicreview.com/cer/2006_08/Englishman_in_Yingshan.html China Economic Review article on Yingshan]