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Guangxi's rich natural resources
Updated: 2005-09-28 10:19 Water
Thickly crossed by rivers,
Guangxi is rich in water resource. It is estimated that the surface water
flowing in the province amounts to 188 billion cubic meters, accounting for 7.12
percent of the nation's total and ranking fifth among the provinces. The per
capita possession of water resources in Guangxi is 4,138 cubic meters, nearly
double the national average. The three largest water systems running through the
province are Zhujiang (Pearl River), Yangtze and Duliu rivers.
Because of the abundant water resources, Guangxi is estimated to have an
energy potential with a power generating ability coming to 78.8 billion kw/h
annually. Statistics of 1999 showed that existing hydropower stations in Guangxi
had a total installed capacity of 6.1 million kw, with the annually generated
electricity being 24.73 billion kw/h, leaving an immense room for development.
Minerals
Guangxi is known for having various mineral
deposits, and it serves as one of the 10 important production bases of
nonferrous metals in China. The number of proven mineral resources comes to 96,
including 53 of which the deposits ranks 10th or above among provinces. The
region has especially abundant reserves of manganese and tin, which amount for
one third of the national total. In addition, Guangxi takes a leading role in
having the reserves of vanadium, tungsten, antimony, silver, aluminum, talcum
and so forth. What makes the province a favorite place for mineral development
and production is that the mineral resources are found relatively concentrated
lying beneath the earth.
Tourism
The picturesque scenic spots in Guangxi are
famous worldwide, symbolized by Guilin, a natural beauty produced by unique
karst geography. At present, the province has established several tourist
attractions including three state-level natural scenic spots, 11 state-level
forest parks, 30 regional natural scenic spots, 15 state-level cultural and
historical relics, 221 regional cultural and historical relics and one
state-level tourist resort in Beihai City.
Marine resources
The southern section of Guangxi is
ringed by seacoast. The Beibu Bay, a natural semi-enclosed bay in the northwest
of the South China Sea, covers an area of 129,300 square km, with the depth of
water averaging 38 meters, the deepest point at 100 meters down.
Located in the tropic zone, the Beibu Bay provides a favorable environment
for the breeding and growth of various fish species. It is home to over 500
types of fish and shellfish. Among them over 50 are of economic value. They
include red snapper, grouper, Spanish mackerel, butterfish and red coat. The
total fish resources amount to 750,000 tons. The Beibu Bay Fish Farm covers an
area of some 40,000 square sea miles.
Sub-tropical vegetation and animals
By now, 929
kinds of land-based vertebrate animals are found in Guangxi, accounting for 43.3
percent of those found in China. Among these wild animals are 149 kinds which
are rare species.
Guangxi ranks first among the Chinese provinces in being home to the rare
species of plants. About 8,354 wild plants have been found in the region,
including 122 kinds which are near distinction and need special protection.
Fruits
Among the 670 species of fruits growing in
China, 110 take their roots in Guangxi. As the tropical or sub-tropical fruits
account for 80 percent of the total growing there, Guangxi is regarded as a
leading province in China to produce and export the delicacies. The region is
well known for high-quality shaddock, banana, pineapple and orange. The year
2001 saw Guangxi producing a total of 4.05 million tons of fruits, ranking first
among the Chinese provinces.
Forests
The survey made in recent years showed that
the forests in Guangxi occupied a land of 13.2 million hectares, accounting for
55.54 percent of the province's total territory. Good climate and geographical
location enable Guangxi to have as many as over 8,000 tree species, including
more than 1,000 kinds of arbor. Most of the precious forest resources are seen
concentrating in the northeast section and Baise area, where about 39 percent of
the province's timber products are put out.
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