Mianyang is the second largest prefecture-level city of Sichuan province in Southwest China. Mianyang covers an area of 20,281 square kilometers consisting of Jiangyou, a county-level city, six counties and two urban districts. In 2006, Mianyang was ranked as China's third "most suitable city for living" by China Daily, after coastal cities Dalian and Xiamen., but it has since dropped out of the top 10.
Mianyang, called Fuxian (Fu County) in ancient times, had advanced in agriculture during the Qin (221−206 BCE) and Han (206 BCE−220 CE) dynasties. It has a history of over 2,200 years since the Emperor Gaozu of Han established the first county in this area in 201 BCE.
Mianyang has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate and is largely mild and humid, with four distinct seasons. Winter is short, mild, and foggy, though precipitation is low. Summers are long, hot and humid. Annual average temperature is 16 °C (60.8°F) in Mianyang City.
Mianyang is an important scientific research and production base, consisting of 18 institutes including the China Academy of Engineering Physics and the China Aerodynamics Research Institute. Moreover, it houses 50 large- and medium-size enterprises. There are six universities and colleges in the city, and it is well known as a science and technology centre at Mianyang City.
The city has highway and railway connections to several major cities and is on the road from Xi'an to the provincial capital of Chengdu as well as the Baocheng Railway running from Baoji in Shaanxi province to Chengdu.
Mianyang Nanjiao Airport, which is the second largest airport in Sichuan province, has direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi'an, Shenzhen, Kunming, Hangzhou, and so on.
Mianyang city is a historical and cultural city of Sichuan Province and the city has one 5A level scenic spot named as Beichuan Qiang city tourist area and 13 4A level scenic spots, such as Qiqushan temple, Jiuhuang mountain, Jiangyou Li Bai Memorial Hall and etc.
Population: 2.4 million
Temperature: average 16 °C (60.8°F)
