Anzhou (Chinese: 安州区, pinyin: Ānzhōu Qū) is an urban district of the prefecture‑level city of Mianyang, located in the north‑central part of Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China. The district administers a mixture of urban, suburban, and rural areas and serves as a peripheral component of the Mianyang metropolitan region.
Administrative status
- Country: People's Republic of China
- Province: Sichuan
- Prefecture‑level city: Mianyang
- District seat: Anzhou Subdistrict (安州街道)
Anzhou was formerly known as An County (安县, Ānxiàn). In March 2020, the State Council approved the reorganisation of the county into an urban district, officially renaming it Anzhou District. The change was part of a broader administrative adjustment aimed at promoting urban integration and regional development within Mianyang.
Geography
Anzhou District lies on the western bank of the Fu River (涪江), a tributary of the Jialing River, and occupies the northern foothills of the Longmen Mountains. The district shares borders with:
- Fucheng District to the south,
- Jiangyou City to the east,
- Pingwu County and Jiangyou to the north, and
- Anyue County (in Ziyang) to the west.
The terrain is a combination of low‑lying river valleys and hilly uplands. The climate is classified as humid subtropical (Köppen Cfa), featuring four distinct seasons with hot, rainy summers and mild, wet winters.
Demographics
According to the Seventh National Population Census conducted in 2020, Anzhou District had a permanent resident population of approximately 500 000 people. The population density is modest relative to the central districts of Mianyang, reflecting the district’s mixture of urban and agricultural land use.
Economy
The district’s economy is diversified across primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors:
- Agriculture: The river valley supports the cultivation of rice, wheat, corn, and rapeseed. Livestock farming, particularly swine and poultry, is also prevalent.
- Industry: Light manufacturing—including food processing, textiles, and machinery components—has been encouraged through industrial parks established after the district’s upgrade.
- Energy and Resources: Anzhou lies within the Sichuan basin’s natural gas-bearing area; several small‑scale gas extraction projects operate within its jurisdiction.
- Services: Retail, education, and healthcare services have expanded to meet the needs of the growing urban populace.
Transportation
Anzhou District is well‑connected by road and rail:
- Expressways: The G5 Beijing–Kunming Expressway traverses the southern part of the district, providing rapid north‑south access.
- National Highways: China National Highway 317 (G317) serves the district’s eastern corridors.
- Railway: The Chengdu–Mianyang–Leshan railway line passes through Anzhou, with a passenger station at An County (now Anzhou) facilitating regional travel.
- Air: The nearest major airport is Mianyang Nanjiao Airport, located approximately 30 km to the south.
Education and culture
Anzhou hosts a number of primary and secondary schools overseen by the Mianyang education bureau. The district also maintains a public library and cultural centers that promote local heritage, including traditional Sichuan opera and folk festivals celebrated during the Lunar New Year and Mid‑Autumn Festival.
Notable sites
- Anzhou Ancient Town (安州古镇): A historic settlement featuring Ming‑ and Qing‑dynasty architecture, now a modest tourist attraction.
- Fujian River Scenic Belt: Riverbanks lined with parks and walking trails offering views of the surrounding hills.
See also
- Mianyang
- Sichuan Province
- Administrative divisions of China
This entry reflects information available from official Chinese government publications, census data, and geographic references up to 2023.