Wuwei

People began settling here about 5,000 years ago. In ancient historic times, Wuwei was called Guzang (姑臧) or Liangzhou (涼州—the name retained by today's Wuwei's central urban district) and found importance as the capital of various states at the eastern terminus of the Hexi Corridor. It was a key link for the Northern Silk Road, and a number of important archaeological finds were uncovered from Wuwei, including ancient copper carts with stone animals. The motifs and types of objects in the Wuwei graves, as well as their earthenware, lacquer, and bronze composition, constitute typical examples of the Han Chinese burial style that can be found all over China. Other graves found along the Hexi Corridor show Xiongnu and other minority influence, which are used to trace regimes such as the Northern Liang. …

Wuwei is located in the Hexi Corridor between the Tibetan Plateau and Mongolian Plateau. The south of Wuwei is higher than the north, with an elevation ranging from 1,020 to 4,874 metres (3,346 to 15,991 ft) above sea-level. Its area is 33,000 km2 (13,000 sq mi). Average annual temperature is 7.8 °C (46.0 °F). The climate is a cold desert climate (Köppen BWk), with precipitation between 60 and 610 mm (2.4 and 24.0 in). Evaporation is from 1,400 to 3,000 mm (55 to 118 in), creating a net loss of water each year. There are 2200–3000 sunlight hours each year and 85–165 frost free days. Summer temperatures can be in excess of 45.0 °C (113.0 °F), in the shade are by no means unheard of. Southwest of Wuwei, there is a 230 metres (750 ft) thick Tianzhu Formation made of clastics intercalated with sandy shale and shale. …

Consistent sunlight and fertile soil make agriculture one of Wuwei's biggest industries. Other important industries are textiles, metallurgy, and construction materials. Melons, vegetables, wine and livestock are all major agricultural products. Organic farming is a trend with more land being set aside for “green farming” each year. Land use can be broken down into the following: 790 square kilometres (310 sq mi) of water 34,800 square kilometres (13,400 sq mi) of forest 355,300 square kilometres (137,200 sq mi) of grassland. 247,000 square kilometres (95,000 sq mi) of “undeveloped” land. 39,100 square kilometres (15,100 sq mi) of farmland. 8,000 square kilometres (3,100 sq mi) of corn 4,000 square kilometres (1,500 sq mi) of vegetables 3,000 square kilometres (1,200 sq mi) of melons 5,000 square kilometres (1,900 sq mi) for livestock 800 square kilometres (310 sq mi) of vineyards