Qiepan

**Qiepan** (切潘; *qièpān*) is a city located in Xingkuang District, Xingsu Prefecture. As of 2018, the city has a population of 600,000. It is situated in the foothills of the Yangdu Mountains, and sits a few miles from the Tao River.

## Etymology

The character 切 can be translated as "written", while 潘 simply means "area" or "region". It is thought that the city's name refers to the story that concerns its establishment.

According to local legend, the chief of the Bei clan received a letter from one of his vassals, alerting him to the existence of a flat region below Kunyou inhabited by peasant farmers. The chief immediately sent seven scouts down the mountain to explore the area, but found that they did not return after five days. In alarm, he sent seven more scouts to round up the first group and take them back. When they did not return, he sent another seven. By the time one month had passed, he decided to travel there himself and find out what had caused the disappearances. It was discovered that the scouts had been so enamoured by the picturesque grasslands that they could not bring themselves to return to the cold, treacherous mountain slopes, and had stayed there to become farmers.

This legend is often used to market Qiepan as a tourist destination, and is locally referred to as the Seven Scouts Tale (七谈灿败, *qī tán càn bài*).

## History

### Early history

During its establishment by the Bei clan in the late Nen Period, Qiepan featured a large fortress that closely resembled the twin structure built on the mountain Kunyou. Originally the settlement started as a large agricultural township, supplying food to smaller surrounding villages and exporting produce other parts of the prefecture.

In 1155, the open grasslands surrounding Qiepan served as the fighting ground of the Battle of Qiepan, when the Shou clan attempted to perform a coup and take control of the city.

### 20th century

In 1911, Qiepan gained city status with a population of 103,000.

In 1926, the local authority funded the construction of the South Qieban Bridge across the Tao River, allowing easier access to the nearby town of Rongshiu.

On October 21st 1942, Qiepan suffered from a major rockfall which heavily damaged buildings and infrastructure and caused significant road blocks. The rockfall also caused power to go out, causing a four-day-long blackout period which brought the city to a standstill. Fortunately, there were no casualties, though 21 people were injured in the event.

In 1957, Qiepan College opened to the public, becoming a rival to the newly-established Rongshiu Institute across the river. The college was successful upon opening and attracted many students due to the wide variety of courses available for study.

In 1988, Qiepan underwent a period of economic growth as its tourism industry began to boom. The city was marketed as a peaceful and picturesque place which had the charm and friendliness of a little farming village, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of larger settlements such as Hongkai or Shenmian.

### 21st century

In 2006, Qiepan absorbed the village of Qielie into its southern ward, as a result of declining population and industry.

In 2007, Qiepan College closed down due to a lack of staff and significant underfunding. As a result, thousands of young adults wishing to pursue higher education flocked to Rongshiu Institute instead.

In 2013, a number of previously-undiscovered Nen Period shrines were unearthed on the city's northern outskirts, disproving the idea that Qiepan had been a place devoid of religous practice.

## Geography

Qiepan is located under the shadow of the Yangdu Mountains, and sits a few miles from the Tao River. It can be reached from the neighbouring cities of Rongshiu, Zhiubu and Kanchan by fast-rail.

Qiepan has a relatively cool climate, and is well-protected from major storms by the presence of the nearby mountains. It often recieves high levels of precipitation, especially in the summer.

## Economy

Qiepan has always been an agricultural settlement, but in recent years it has developed some technological industries. A large portion of the city's eastern side has been set aside for factories. Major employment sectors include retail, tourism, and manufacture of products.