Luannan County

Luannan County (simplified Chinese: 滦南县; traditional Chinese: 灤南縣; pinyin: Luánnán Xiàn) is a county in the east of Hebei province, China. It is under the administration of the prefecture-level city of Tangshan. Luannan County spans an area of 1,482.6 square kilometres (572.4 mi2), and has a population of approximately 508,500, per the 2020 Chinese census. Toponymy Luannan County is named such because it is south (Chinese: 南; pinyin: nán) of nearby Luanzhou (simplified Chinese: 滦州市; traditional Chinese: 灤州市; pinyin: Luánzhōu Shì). History The region of present-day Luannan County has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The area's organizational history dates back to the 740 CE, during the Tang dynasty when the area was incorporated as Macheng County (simplified Chinese: 马城县; traditional Chinese: 馬城縣; pinyin: Mǎchéng Xiàn). The seat of Macheng County was located in the present-day town of Bencheng. During the Liao dynasty, the area belonged to the Lulong Commandery (simplified Chinese: 卢龙郡; traditional Chinese: 盧龍郡; pinyin: Lúlóng Jùn). In the subsequent Jin dynasty, it was placed under Luan County (simplified Chinese: 滦县; traditional Chinese: 灤縣; pinyin: Luán Xiàn). Early in the Yuan dynasty, it was merged into Luanzhou. It remained as part of Luanzhou throughout the Ming dynasty, Qing dynasty, and during the period of the Republic of China. Luannan County was first established in May 1946, formed out of the southern portion of Luan County (now known as Luanzhou). The county was abolished in 1954, and split among surrounding county-level divisions. This was undone in January 1963, restoring Luannan County. Geography Luannan County spans an area of 1,482.6 square kilometres (572.4 mi2). It has a coastline of 29.63 kilometres (18.41 mi), alongside the Bohai Bay. The Luan River runs through the county. The county's elevation is relatively flat, as it is part of an alluvial plain. However, it is higher in the northern portions. Climate Administrative divisions Luannan County administers 1 subdistrict and 16 towns. The county's sole subdistrict is Youyi Road Subdistrict. The county administers the towns of Bencheng, Songdaokou, Changning, Hugezhuang, Tuoli, Yaowangzhuang, Sigezhuang, Angezhuang, Bachigang, Chengzhuang, Qingtuoying, Baigezhuang, Nanbao, Fanggezhuang, Donghuangtuo, and Macheng. Demographics Luannan County has a population of approximately 508,500 people, as per the 2020 Chinese census. A 2012 estimate put the county's population at about 570,000. The county's population totaled 584,518 per the 2010 Chinese census. The county's population in 2002 was approximately 540,400, per an estimate. The 2000 Chinese census recorded Luannan County's population at 570,535. A 1996 estimate put the county's population at about 533,000. Economy The county has a significant iron mining industry. Luannan County is home to Macheng Iron Mine (Chinese: 马城铁矿; pinyin: Mǎchéng Tiě Kuàng), a major mine operated by the Shougang Group. The county also produces a significant amount of steel shovels, accounting for 85% of the domestic steel shovel market, and 90% of exported steel shovels from China. Luannan County also has sizeable agriculture and aquaculture industries. Per a 2024 county government publication, it has 1.08 million mu of cultivated land. Major crops grown in Luannan County include rice, Carex kobomugi, and peanuts. Common livestock in Luannan County include dairy cows, chickens, and pigs. Transportation The Qian–Cao Railway passes through Luannan County. Major expressways which run through Luannan County include the G0111 Qinhuangdao–Binzhou Expressway and the S64 Tang–Gang Expressway. Notable people Cheng Zhaocai, Ping opera playwright Jin Wenran, drummer References External links