I. Geography and natural conditions

Elevation extremes:

Situated in the southeast ring of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the highest point of Guangxi stands at 2,141 above sea level.

Natural resources:

(1) Water resources:

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 6.9 percent of the nation’s total and ranking fourth among the provinces. The per capita possession of water resources in Guangxi is 4,101 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.

(2) 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.

(3)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, six state-level natural reserves, 30 provincial-level natural scenic spots, 15 state-level cultural and historical relics, 221 provincial-level cultural and historical relics, 19 forest parks and 10 summer or winter resorts.

(4) Marine resources:

The southern section of Guangxi is ringed by seacoast. Becaust of the geographical location, the region has every reason to develop fishing, marine chemistry, marine resources and ocean tourism.

(5) 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 homing 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.

(6) A kingdom of fruits:

Among the 670 species of fruits growing in China are110, which at present 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 1999 saw Guangxi putting out a total fruits of over 4 million tons, ranking first among the Chinese provinces.

(7) Vast stretches of natural forests:

The survey made in 1999 showed that that forests in Guangxi occupied a land of 10.6 million hectares, the rate of forest cover was 39.26 percent, and that the accumulation of growing woods totaled 277 million cubic meters. Good climate and geographical location enables Guangxi to have as many as over 8,000 tree species, including more than 1000 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.

(8) Environment and current issues:

A record of 1999 showed that 12 major pollutants coming from the industrial discharges were put under well control in the region according to state statute in environment. In Nanning, Guilin and Beihai, three cities subjected to intense environmental care, the environment quality has reached the national standard for important cities and scenic spots. The air quality in major cities and towns in the province have all reached the second level. About 80 percent of the local rivers are maintained clean or basically clean.