Country | China |
Population | 9465881 |
Area | 11,434.25 km2 (4,414.79 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+8 (CST) |
Coordinates | 31.86389, 117.28083 |
Highest elevation | 37 m (123 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Hefei, the capital and largest city of Anhui Province in the People’s Republic of China, is a bustling metropolis and the political, economic, and cultural center of the province. As of the 2020 census, Hefei’s population was 9,369,881, with the built-up (or metro) area comprising four urban districts plus the urbanized counties of Feidong, Feixi, and Changfeng, housing approximately 7,754,481 inhabitants.
Geographically, Hefei is located in the central portion of Anhui Province, bordered by Huainan to the north, Chuzhou to the northeast, Wuhu to the southeast, Tongling to the south, Anqing to the southwest, and Lu’an to the west. The city is situated north of Chao Lake and lies on a low saddle crossing the northeastern extension of the Dabie Mountains, which forms the divide between the Huai and Yangtze rivers. This strategic location makes Hefei a natural hub of communications and transportation within the province.
The city’s history dates back to the Song dynasty, though it remained primarily an administrative center and regional market for the fertile plains to the south until World War II. In recent years, Hefei has experienced significant growth and development, particularly in its infrastructure. The city is home to the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak, an experimental superconducting tokamak magnetic fusion energy reactor, highlighting its role in cutting-edge scientific research.
Hefei is recognized globally as a leading city for scientific research. According to the Nature Index in 2023, Hefei ranks 13th worldwide, 8th in the Asia-Pacific, and 6th in China, behind only Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Wuhan. This reputation is supported by the presence of several major universities, including the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei University of Technology, Anhui University, Anhui Agricultural University, and Anhui Medical University. Notably, USTC is considered one of the top 100 comprehensive public research universities globally.
The city’s rapid urbanization and economic growth have transformed Hefei into a significant industrial and commercial hub. The local economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, electronics, chemicals, and automotive industries. Hefei’s development has been further bolstered by its strategic location and robust transportation infrastructure, which includes highways, railways, and an international airport, facilitating both domestic and international trade.
Culturally, Hefei offers a rich tapestry of historical and modern attractions. The city’s heritage sites, such as the Mingjiao Temple, Lord Bao Park, and the Xiaoyaojin Park, reflect its long history and cultural significance. Additionally, Hefei’s vibrant cultural scene is supported by numerous theaters, museums, and art galleries, contributing to a dynamic urban lifestyle.
In summary, Hefei is a dynamic city that combines historical significance with modern advancements. Its strategic location, strong scientific research capabilities, diverse economy, and rich cultural heritage make it a key player in China’s continued development and a fascinating city for both residents and visitors.
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