Maoming

Maoming  is located in southwestern Guangdong Province, China. Facing the South China Sea to the city's south, Maoming city neighbors Zhanjiang in the west and is 362 kilometers (225 miles) from Guangzhou and 121 kilometers (75 miles) from Zhanjiang. The Maoming Port is a Grade I port that handled 16.8 million tons of cargo in 2007. Refined oil and aquatic products are the major export products from the city. Major export destinations include Hong Kong, Macau and ASEAN member nations.

As of the 2007 census, Maoming has a population of 7.2 million. The city's GDP was RMB 106.7 million (US$14.2 billion), ranked 8th in Guangdong's 21 cities. Maoming's GDP ranked 65th of China's 656 cities in 2008.

With a long coastline (248.4 kilometers), the "First Shoal of China" resort is 25 kilometers (16 miles) from downtown Maoming, and has become a national trading center for beach volleyball where national and international competitions are often hosted.

History
Maoming's history traces back to about 4,500 years ago. During the Xia Dynasty (2100-1600BC) and the Shang Dynasty (1600-1100BC), the Baiyue tribes inhabited this region. During the Qin Dynasty (221-206BC), the region was divided into Nanhai Shire, Xiang Shire and Guilin Shire. It was named "Maoming" during the Sui Dynasty (AD581-618). Since a large number of minority groups, such as the Yao, the Zhuang and the Miao, are living in Maoming, the city enjoys diverse cultures and folk arts.

Language and Culture
The Old Town built during AD503-557. Maoming's history traces back to about 4,500 years ago. During the Xia Dynasty (2100-1600BC) and the Shang Dynasty (1600-1100BC), the Baiyue tribes inhabited this region. During the Qin Dynasty (221-206BC), the region was divided into Nanhai Shire, Xiang Shire and Guilin Shire. It was named "Maoming" during the Sui Dynasty (AD581-618).

During the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907), the Baiyue Tribes had already merged with the Yao minority group and the Zhuang minority group. It was until 1959 that Maoming was promoted to a city. Since a large number of minority groups, such as the Yao, the Zhuang and the Miao, are living in Maoming, the city enjoys diverse cultures and folk arts.

The people of Maoming speak the Gaoyang dialect of Cantonese and mandarin.

Delicious Local Dishes
Huazhou Baiqie Chicken, Genzi Beef Rice Noodle and Xinyi Huaixiang Chicken are the most popular local dishes in Maoming.

Tourist Attractions

-Gaozhou Xitai Temple
Gaozhou Xitai Temple was constructed in 1535 (during the Ming Dynasty) in memory of Madam Xi, who was the female leader of Baiyue Tribe. The temple is rich in cultural and historical objects, such as ancient statues, sculptures and stone inscriptions.

-No.1 Shoal of China Vacation Area
The 1st Shoal of China Vacation Area is 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the downtown Maoming, in the Maogang District. With miles of fine beach outside the shelter belt, tourists can enjoy parachute gliding and sailboarding]. It is also a national training center for beach volleyball, and often hosts national and international competitions.

-Fang Ji Island
Fang Ji (Free Chicken) Island is the largest in Maoming covering an area of 1.9 square kilometers (0.7 square miles). This tourist resort is a fascinating diving center boasting clear and unruffled sea waters, famous for its coral reefs and recreational scuba diving. Skin and deep diving, diving of exploration are all available here.

-Genzi Litchi Cultural Tourist Area
Maoming is a famous litchi production base in China. The Genzi Litchi Cultural Tourist Area is situated in Genzi, a small town in Maoming.

-Mt. Tianmashan Eco-tourist Area
Mt. Tianmashan Eco-tourist Area is a national AAA level tourist area, which is located in Beijie Town, Xinyi City ( a small city administrated by Maoming City). The mountain is at an elevation of 1080 meters and famous for the star anise forest, valleys, pools and some historical sites.