Baiyin

Baiyin is a prefecture-level city located in the eastern part of Gansu Province, People's Republic of China. It lies at the northern edge of the Hexi Corridor and is bounded by Longnan to the east, Dingxi to the southeast, and Jiuquan to the west. The city covers an area of approximately 10,700 square kilometres and sits in a region characterized by rugged mountains, valleys, and a semi-arid climate. The Yellow River flows through the outskirts, providing vital water resources for the surrounding agricultural zones.

The economy of Baiyin is historically anchored in mining, with the city being one of China’s largest producers of lead, zinc, and copper. The Baiyin Lead and Zinc Mine, established in the 1950s, developed into a major industrial hub that attracted a workforce and ancillary industries. In recent decades, the local government has diversified the economy by promoting light manufacturing, food processing, and tourism, particularly centered on the ancient Taoist temple of Longjiang and scenic spots along the Yellow River. Agriculture, especially wheat, maize, and greenhouse vegetables, also contributes significantly to the city’s GDP.

Baiyin’s population, as recorded in the 2020 national census, is roughly 650,000 residents. The demographic composition is predominantly Han Chinese, with minority groups such as Hui and Mongol communities present in smaller numbers. The city serves as an important cultural and logistical crossroads for trade along the historic Silk Road corridor. With ongoing development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and economic resilience, Baiyin continues to grow while preserving its rich mining heritage and natural landscapes.