Linfen

Linfen is a prefecture-level city located in the southwest of Shanxi province, China. Situated along the banks of the Fen River, it covers an area of 20,275 square km and its population, as of 2020 Census, is 3,900,000, with 959,000 citizens living in the built-up area of Yaodu urban district. With its GDP ranking second in Shanxi Province, Linfen has long been established as an important economic and industrial center. Originally known as "Pingyang" during the Spring and Autumn period, Linfen is renowned for its full heritage of the Chinese civilization. It was also highly renowned for its natural beauty and fresh spring water before being labeled as one of the most polluted cities in the world by the American Blacksmith Institute in 2006. In fact, it has been making an effort to have its name wiped out from such list. This was made evident through its decision to develop into a main industrial center for coal mining. Despite its pollution due to the coal mining industries, Linfen still retains some of the lush greenery and rich agriculture that it was previously known for. This is why it was once referred to as the "Modern Fruit and Flower Town", and why many still reminisce about the city’s natural beauty. If you plan to visit Linfen, you should bring with you comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothes since you’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring the city’s heritage. Make sure that you also bring a bottle of water and a map of the city so you won’t get lost while going around the area. It would also be best to drink bottled water wherever you decide to eat and try to stay away from eating street food, as it won’t be as safe due to the air pollution. Moreover, if you plan to stay connected to social media or the internet, it might be a good idea to have a pocket WiFi device or rent a SIM card with data access. Last, but not least, if you plan on flying back, do make sure that you have your tickets booked ahead of time to avoid any delays or complications. Since Linfen is known for its rich cultural heritage, it also has some of the most iconic attractions in the area. Museum buffs should definitely pay a visit to the Yaodu Ruins Museum, where they can see artifacts and historical relics displayed dating back to the Shang Dynasty. You can also stroll around the city in search of its old streets, ancient buildings and temples which may have existed since the Jin Dynasty. Overall, a visit to the city of Linfen will be a unique experience for any traveler looking for an insight into Chinese history, culture and heritage.

Location: Shanxi

Population: 3976481

Elevation above the sea: 452 m

Website: linfen.gov.cn

Sources: Wikimedia, OpenStreetMap