Ganzhou: The ancient southern city that became the world's tungsten and orange capital.

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Nestled in the mountains of Jiangxi, Ganzhou is a sprawling prefecture-level city with a history dating back to 201 CE. Once a strategic river hub for rice farming and trade, it has evolved into a modern industrial center, famously known as the world's leading producer of both oranges and tungsten.

Ganzhou's history is deeply tied to the Gan River basin, which served as a vital communication route from the north. Established as a county during the Han dynasty in 201 CE, the area saw significant population growth during the Song dynasty as northerners migrated south. By 1153, the city adopted the name Ganzhou, a designation it has largely retained through various administrative reorganizations. Today, the city covers 39,400 square kilometres, with over 83% of its landscape defined by mountainous terrain and over 70% by forest cover.

The city's modern identity was shaped by mid-20th-century political shifts. Between 1939 and 1945, Chiang Ching-kuo served as commissioner, implementing the 'Gannan New Deal' to address social issues like opium use and homelessness. He established the Chinese Children's Village in 1942 to support war orphans. Later, in 1999, Ganzhou transitioned into a prefecture-level city. Its economic landscape is now diverse, with a 2021 GDP of ¥416.9 billion, driven by a strong secondary sector and a growing tertiary sector.

Ganzhou is a repository of cultural heritage, boasting 17 National Cultural Relic Protection Units. Visitors can explore ancient city walls dating to the Song dynasty or walk across the Dongjin Bridge, a 400-metre pontoon structure made of wooden boats linked by iron chains. Beyond its history, the city is a hub of modern infrastructure, connected by high-speed rail to Shenzhen since 2021 and served by the Ganzhou Huangjin Airport. It remains a significant cultural center, being the birthplace of Nobel Laureate Gao Xingjian.

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