Laolong


Laolong Town is a settlement located in the northwestern part of Longchuan County, in northwestern Guangdong Province in China. Around 120,000 people live in Laolong town, which is the economic, political and transportation hub of the county. The town covers over 15 square kilometers. Laolong is surrounded on three sides by mountains and faces the East River in the west.

History

In ancient China, Laolong was a trading and market town. During the Qing dynasty, it was a fort defended tenaciously by Zhao Tuo.
The name of the town was changed to different Chinese characters, although the pronunciation did not change.
The government of Longchuan County was based in Laolong town for 65 years.

Language and Culture

The most widespread dialect in Laolong is a regional variation of Hakka Chinese. Historically, the Shan'ge were popular in Laolong and older men and women would walk along the river singing in the mornings. The Shan'ge are often sung in duet with improvised lyrics.

Economy

The economy of Laolong has developed rapidly in recent years. In 2004, the GDP of Laolong was about RMB 6.13 billion. This includes industrial output of about 3.33 billion, agricultural output of about RMB751 million and tertiary industry of about RMB 2.73 billion. Fiscal revenue is about RMB 461 million, while the rural per capita net income is about 5586 yuan.

Transport

As the center of Longchuan County, the transportation system is more extensive than other nearby towns. Major roads include the China National Highway 205 and Guangdong Provincial Highway 120. The Beijing–Kowloon, Guangzhou–Meizhou–Shantou and Zhangping–Longchuan railways intersect in Longchuan, making it an important railway hub for the Lingnan region.
Three rail stations and three public transit bus routes operate in Laolong.

Population

The population of Laolong town is about 120,000.
Population StructuresQuantity
Total Population62596
Male31322
Female31274
Family Households16353
Family-household 59016
Family-household Male29559
Family-household Female29457
Age 0-14 14341
Age 0-14 Boys7918
Age 0-14 Girls6423
Age 15-64 44561
Age 15-64 Male21714
Age 15-64 Female22847
Over 65 years old3694
Over 65 years old 1690
Over 65 years old 2004
Account and Live in locality51001