Maoming. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Maoming is a beautiful prefecture-level city located on the coast of the South China Sea in southwest Guangdong province.

According to historical records, Maoming was part of Xiang county and Nanhai county during the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC); Maoming county was not set up until the Sui Dynasty (581-618). Maoming was established in 1959, and the system in which counties were placed under its administration was implemented in 1983.

It currently has jurisdiction over two districts, namely Maonan and Dianbai, and manages the three county-level cities of Gaozhou, Huazhou and Xinyi. The total land area of Maoming is 11,458 square kilometers. The permanent resident population of Maoming stood at 6.17 million at the end of 2020.

Maoming city is relatively developed in agricultural economy. It produces agricultural products of high yield, high quality and high economic benefit. Its "Lingnan Fruits" and aquaculture are famous at home and abroad.

Maoming is rich in tourism resources. The natural landscapes and cultural relics have a unique Western Guangdong style and distinctive local characteristics. To the south Maoming faces the sea on the South China geological fault line, where the coastline is zigzag, the bays are numerous, the beaches are long, and the waters are clear. Maoming has abundant green forest areas sprinkled with hot springs having obvious health effects; in addition its cultural heritages are rich and varied.