Linyang

**Linyang** (临样; *línyàng*) is a city located in Jikan District, Ji Prefecture. As of 2020, it has an estimated population of around 3.6 million, and is the most heavily-populated settlement in the prefecture.

## Etymology

Linyang (临样) literally means 'brilliant' or 'shining warrior/herald', which is actually a well-chosen homophonous equivalent to its original moniker, 林羊. It was changed in 1834. Why exactly the original name was ever changed remains unknown, though it is thought to be related to the fact that sheep farming had well and truly died out by the 19th century in Linyang, and so the local council wished to replace this archaic name.

## History

Beginning as a farming township sometime in the 5th century, Linyang was known as a number of names throughout its early history as its land passed from family to family. For a long time the particularly arable and fertile fields of north Ji Prefecture was fought over heatedly by warring clans, each desiring control of the land. Linyang was also a significant supplier of wool and mutton, as a large percentage of the town's population at this time reared sheep.

Eventually Linyang stayed in the control of the Fenzang clan, who were one of the most powerful families in the prefecture and were descended distantly from the Xing of Xingsu. It remained in their hands from the end of the Mian Period right up to the crowning of Emperor Luanshan.

After the coronation of Emperor Luanshan in 1456, the town of Linyang passed into the crown's control and was developed for trading meat and various grains such as wheat and barley. It soon grew into a large, wealthy and flourishing community and attracted many newcomers, becoming known as a centre of business and industry for most of the 16-18th centuries. In fact, Linyang was commonly called Tailang-kang (台廊閌; *táiláng-kàng*), or the 'city of opportunities'.

Linyang became one of the first cities in Kanton to grow increasingly technologically advanced. For example, the nation's first daily newspaper, gas-powered street lamps and even the first telephone operation centre were all established in this city. Fast-developing, wealthy and ever-expanding in its physical size, Linyang gained a reputation as being a place to earn one's fortune and tackle the exciting challenges of 'urban life' in the 18th century.

### 20th century

The early 20th century was marked by rapid growth of industry. Entrepeneurs built factories throughout Linyang's southern ward which eventually grew to become the modern-day Fenbeng Industrial Area. The growth of Kantonese industry brought affluence across mid-Kanton, and many wealthy families constructed sprawling residences there. Meanwhile, the rapid influx of population from other parts of the country led to the formation of the notorious slum Yuhou-pan.

In 1909, Linyang's first power plant was constructed by a Japanese merchant from Yokohama, Shuichi Abe, whose work is commemorated with a bronze statue in the city's western ward.

In 1939, the slum district of Yuhou-pan was cleared up somewhat, and over 5,000 residents were re-located elsewhere across the city. The area still remained dangerous and poverty-stricken, however.

In 1971, the acclaimed rock and roll band Er-Zhan (而占; Names and Faces) made their debut with their hit single, Abyss Of Love. The group, hailing from Linyang's east end, went on to become one of Kanton's most successful and well-loved musical acts.

### 21st century

In 2007, Linyang oversaw the building of Kanton's third-tallest building, the Linyang Landmark Tower (known in Kantonese as 临的塔; The Shining Tower). On the 60th floor there is an observatory and indoor garden from which a visitor may have a 360-degree view of the city, and on clear days, the mountain Dulang may be visible.

## Geography

Linyang lies in the north of Ji Prefecture, its closest neighbour being the city of Taomang. It is situated in a small valley below the western foothills of the Yangdu Mountains.

The city usually experiences temperate summers with cold winters and often heavy snow.

## Economy

Ever an industrial centre for its prefecture, Linyang's economy focuses mostly on tertiary and industrial employment, though more and more whitecollar jobs are becoming available in the city centre.