Ezhou: The Yangtze River city housing the world's largest high-rise pig farm
In short: Nestled along the Yangtze River, Ezhou is a historic Chinese city balancing ancient Buddhist roots with modern industrial might. Beyond its reputation as the land of fish and rice, this strategic logistics hub now hosts a 26-storey skyscraper dedicated entirely to the intensive, vertical farming of pigs.
Located in eastern Hubei Province, Ezhou occupies a strategic position along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. Spanning 1,504 square kilometers, the city is defined by its water, earning the nickname city of one hundred lakes. This geography has historically supported a reputation as a land of fish and rice, while also serving as a significant site for the Pure Land Sect of Buddhism.
The city’s name traces back to the Han dynasty, though its administrative history is complex. During the Three Kingdoms era, it served as the capital of the state of Eastern Wu under Sun Quan and was renamed Wuchang—a name that persisted until 1915 and often caused confusion with the larger city of the same name. Today, Ezhou functions as a major logistics center, supported by six Yangtze ports, national highways, and the Ezhou Huahu International Airport.
Modern Ezhou is a study in industrial innovation and infrastructure. It is home to the world's largest pig farm, a 26-storey building designed to supply pork to domestic and international markets. Its transportation network is equally notable; the Ezhou railway station features a unique layout where a north-south line crosses an east-west commuter line at a right angle, a design reportedly unique in China. This system allows for rapid transit to Wuhan, connecting the city to broader regional networks.
With a population exceeding one million, the city remains a vital economic node. Its industries span metallurgy, chemicals, and textiles, while its geography continues to draw visitors to sites like West Hill and the expansive Liangzi Lake. By integrating ancient history with high-density agricultural and transit infrastructure, Ezhou represents a distinct model of development in modern China.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Ezhou
- Also: Wikidata — Ezhou · CC0
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