Panzhihua, prefecture-level city in Sichuan, China
Panzhihua is a city in southwestern Sichuan that stretches along the Jinsha River and is surrounded by tall mountains and wide valleys. Buildings are constructed on hillsides, creating a layered appearance as you walk through the city, with streets winding around the slopes.
The city was founded in the 1950s after scientists discovered large amounts of minerals underground, particularly vanadium and titanium. From the 1960s to 1980s, Panzhihua rapidly developed into one of China's largest steel production centers, with workers and soldiers building a thriving industrial city under difficult conditions.
The name Panzhihua means kapok flower and contrasts with the city's industrial image. Workers and engineers from across China who moved here during its construction created a diverse community with different dialects and traditions. Today, this mix shapes daily life, where local dishes like mutton rice noodles and hotpot reflect these varied influences.
The city has a dense network of buses, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. The terrain is hilly, so comfortable footwear is important, and exploring nearby natural areas requires appropriate outdoor clothing and water.
The city is called the City of Sunshine because of its unusually high number of sunny days, receiving over 2700 hours of sunlight annually, which allows the cultivation of tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas even during cold seasons. This climate makes the place a welcome escape during winters in other regions.
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