Pichen

**Pichen**(批尘; *pīchén*) is a city located in Jinan District, Ji Prefecture. As of 2020, the town has a population of around 970,000. It is one of the prefecture's fastest growing municipalities, with its population having almost doubled since 2001.

## History

The town of Pichen was originally a military camping ground for the troops of the Ning clan, who had control of Ji's southern reaches and were almost constantly engaged in battles with invading forces. It flourished during the 9th and 10th centuries as a large community of soldiers and their families developed within its walls. In 978 AD, Pichen Fortress was built in the centre of the town. Due to consistent preservation efforts and many repairs over the centuries, the fort is still standing, and can be visited as a historical site.

By the late 1400s, Pichen was no longer a military town and had transformed into an agricultural centre, with most of the town having been transformed steadily into a farming settlement. Following the development of nearby settlements such as Touyan, the farmers began to set up irrigation systems which are still intact today. The well-known Pichen Waterwheels (批尘水轮), the first of their kind in Ji Prefecture, were used to irrigate large areas of farmland and also mill grains such as wheat and barley.

During the late 19th century, Pichen's population grew rapidly and this trend continued up until the end of the 21st century. It is thought that a combination of good work opportunities, a growing economy and other push factors attracted many residents from nearby, smaller villages to Pichen.

### 20th century

In 1909, Pichen's northern ward absorbed a number of smaller, depopulated villages and hamlets, and a heavy industry district was created, mostly focused on the manufacturing of farm machinery and tools which proved to be lucrative at the peak of Kanton's industrial age.

In 1918, Pichen suffered from the effects of a local potato blight which began in Touyan and spread to numerous neighbouring villages.

In 1950, Pichen Fortress underwent significant renovation efforts, funded almost entirely by the contributions and donations of the local community. This project gave the city's tourism industry a considerable lift and, along with the Pichen Waterwheels, the fortress became a symbol of the area.

In 1986, the Pichen Natural History Museum was established in the city's southern ward, with the intention of documenting and showcasing the growth and development of Pichen's agricultural background, along with the natural landscape which surrounds the city.

### 21st century

In 2006, an agricultural dig conducted on Pichen's outskirts unearthed a number of ceramics and pottery remains which indicated that the area was inhabited 150 years earlier than what was commonly believed. Along with these remains, a crude but large mosaic was discovered.

## Geography

Pichen is located in a small valley plain below the downward slopes of the Yangdu Mountains, and sits nearby the city of Touyan. Temperatures are usually rather mild throughout the year, and the area experiences heavy rainfall in the summer. Hailshowers are also frequently observed in winter.

## Economy

Pichen's economy has turned mainly towards the tertiary sector in recent years, although its small industrial and agricultural centres are still providing work for many citizens. It also employs many people from smaller, nearby settlements with work, and could be described as a destination for those who live in sleeper communities such as Xinyi.