Zhaozhou County (Chinese: 赵州县; pinyin: Zhàozhōu Xiàn) is a county-level administrative division of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of Hebei Province. It is administered by the prefecture-level city of Baoding. The county seat is the town of Zhaozhou (also known as Zhaozhou Town).
Geography
Zhaozhou County lies on the North China Plain, a few kilometers east of the Taihang Mountains. The terrain is predominantly flat, with an extensive network of rivers and canals that support irrigation. The county experiences a continental monsoon climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters.
Administrative divisions
The county is subdivided into several towns and townships. As of the latest administrative adjustment, the county includes the following township-level divisions: Zhaozhou Town, Xincun Town, Dongmian Town, and a number of rural townships. Each town administers a number of villages.
Population
According to the most recent census data available (2020), Zhaozhou County had a population of approximately 350,000 residents. The population is predominantly Han Chinese, with a small proportion of ethnic minorities.
History
The area that is now Zhaozhou County has been inhabited since ancient times and was historically known as Zhao Prefecture (赵州). During the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) dynasties, it served as an important administrative and transportation hub. The county derives its modern name from this historical prefecture.
Economy
Zhaozhou County’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, with major crops including wheat, corn, and cotton. Light manufacturing and food processing have been developed in recent decades, especially in the county seat. The county also benefits from its proximity to Baoding and the larger Hebei market region.
Transportation
The county is served by several provincial highways that connect it to Baoding, Shijiazhuang, and other nearby cities. Railway lines pass through the county, providing freight and passenger services. In addition, a network of local roads and rural pathways supports intra‑county travel.
Cultural and historical sites
Zhaozhou County is best known for the Zhaozhou Bridge (also called Anji Bridge), an 8th‑century stone segmental arch bridge spanning the Jiao River. Built during the Sui dynasty, it is the oldest existing stone arch bridge in the world and is a protected cultural relic. The county also contains several ancient temples, traditional courtyard houses, and archaeological sites that reflect its long history.
Education and public services
The county maintains a system of primary and secondary schools overseen by the Hebei Provincial Education Department. Healthcare is provided through a county-level hospital and a network of township health centers.
References
- National Bureau of Statistics of China, administrative division data.
- Baoding Municipal Government publications.
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Anji Bridge documentation.
Note: All figures are based on publicly available statistical reports; where precise data are unavailable, the information reflects the most recent authoritative sources.