Langzhong

The site of present-day Langzhong served for a time as the capital of Ba, a native but sinicized Sichuan state during China's Warring States period. It takes its present name from its role as the seat of Langzhong County, established by Qin two years after its 316 BC conquest of Shu and Ba. Under the Han and Tang, it was an important center for astronomical research. Under the Yuan, Ming, and Qing, it was known as Baoning. Over the late imperial period, it served as Sichuan's provincial capital for a total of ten years. It was well known for its salt wells. It has also long been an important military town of Sichuan. The old town of Langzhong is built according to Feng shui principles. The dedicated military, trade and residential quarters of the town are located in a location corresponding to a particular element in Feng shui. The town itself is position centrally with respect to 4 mountains around it. Since 1985, the PRC government has awarded Langzhong with various accolades on three separate occasions. In 1986 the State Council named it a famous and historical town. In 1991, it was finally upgraded to county-level city status. == Geography==

Langzhong is located in the northeast of the province and the northern part of the Sichuan Basin on the middle reaches of the Jialing River. Within the city's administrative area, elevations generally increase from southwest to northeast and range from to , while rivers flow for . The area is dominated by low-lying mountains and hills. == Cultural traditions ==

The Zhang Fei worship tradition（张飞祭祀传统）: Local Spring Festival temple fairs often center around the Zhang Fei Temple, continuing the rituals of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spring Festival Lantern Festival（春节灯会）: Red lanterns are hung in the ancient city, and dragon and lion dances and stilt walking are performed in northern Sichuan. Northern Sichuan Lantern Opera（川北灯戏）: The performance style incorporates gongs and drums, rhythmic percussion, and emphasizes a strong sense of rhythm in the "lantern dance". Langzhong shadow puppetry（阆中皮影戏）: Langzhong shadow puppetry is known for its bold lines, vibrant colors, and exaggerated figures. Langzhong silk（阆中丝绸）： weaving is delicate and soft, with exquisite processes, and is one of the representatives of traditional handicrafts in northern Sichuan. == Cuisine ==

Zhangfei Beef (张飞牛肉): Known for its braising, air-drying, and intensely spicy and numbing flavors, it has a deep red color and firm texture. Legend has it that it is associated with Zhang Fei, hence its name. Langzhong Vinegar (阆中醋): Langzhong's traditional condiments are renowned for their aroma, sourness, and mellowness. Used in local cold noodles, snacks, and everyday dishes, they are an important part of Langzhong's culinary culture. It is also the only medicinal vinegar. Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles (川北凉粉): Langzhong is one of the birthplaces of Northern Sichuan Cold Noodles. It comes in many varieties, with carefully selected seasonings, and is delicate and refreshing. Steamed buns with white sugar (白糖蒸馍): Made with high-quality white flour, fermented with yeast instead of alkali, these buns can be made into various shapes. == Climate ==

As with much of the rest of the province, Langzhong has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa), with dry, temperate winters, and long, hot, humid summers. The monthly daily average temperature ranges from in January to in July. The frost-free period lasts 290 days per year, while annual sunshine amounts to 1,400 hours. Close to two-thirds of the annual rainfall occurs from June to September. == Administrative divisions ==

Langzhong comprises 5 subdistricts, 19 towns, 3 townships and 1 ethnic township: ==Transport==

• China National Highway 212 • Langzhong Gucheng Airport ==Notes==