Linfen

Linfen is a prefecture-level city in the southern part of Shanxi Province, China. It lies in the Fen River valley on the Fen-Wei Plain and borders several other prefecture-level divisions. The municipal government is seated in Yaodu District, which forms the urban core, while the prefecture administers multiple counties and districts.

Geography and climate: The Fen River runs through Linfen. The city has a temperate continental climate with hot summers and cold winters; precipitation is concentrated in summer, and winters are dry.

Economy: Linfen’s economy has traditionally depended on coal mining and coal-related industries. In recent years, the city has faced environmental pressures and has implemented capacity reductions and pollution-control measures aimed at reducing emissions. Efforts have also focused on diversifying into manufacturing, logistics, and services, and improving efficiency in energy-intensive sectors.

Environment: Linfen has been associated with severe air pollution, largely due to coal combustion and industrial activity. Authorities have introduced emissions controls, plant retirements, and urban environmental programs to improve air and water quality; pollution levels remain a challenge and vary with policy and weather conditions.

Transportation: Linfen is connected by rail and road networks that link the city with regional centers. Linfen Railway Station serves major routes, and the prefecture is traversed by national highways and provincial expressways. The nearest large international airport is Taiyuan Wusu International Airport.

History: The Linfen area has ancient roots in the Fen River valley and developed as a modern city in the 20th century, growing substantially during the coal era and undergoing reforms in the post‑Mao era. The city plays a central role in Shanxi’s industrial economy.