Gansu

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oases fed by water from the Qilianshan Mountains marking the course of the Silk Road.

The climate has a Continental character, with cold, dry winters and warm, humid summers.

Gansu became part of the Chinese empire back in the time of Emperor Shihuang of the Qin dynasty (221-206 BC). Being surrounded by oases the region was well suited to serve as a part of a route linking east to west. Buddhism found its way here along this route as early as the 1st C BC. As a result a number of trading centers along the Silk Road, such as Dunhuang and Jiuquan, became centers of the new religion, accompanied by the construction of numerous cave temples, the most famous of which being those in Dunhuang.

Traditionally a poor region, the province has enjoyed rapid industrial development in recent years, with Lanzhou becoming the center of industry and transport. Crude oil exploration has become of great importance, and other natural resources include coal, copper, lead and zinc.

There is a water shortage in most parts of the province, so irrigation projects are essential to agricultural development. However, such projects often result in serious problems brought about by large-scale resettlement programs, since most peasants have no desire to leave their land. The major agricultural products are wheat, maize, millet, cotton, linseed and melons. Pigs, sheep, cattle and horses are also reared.

The towns of Dunhuang and Jiuquan offer much of interest to the visitor.