Tangshan is a mainly industrial prefecture-level city in Hebei province, Peoples Republic of China. It became known after the 1976 Tangshan earthquake, at least 8.2 on the Richter scale which flattened the city. The city has since been rebuilt and has become a tourist attraction.

Population: 7,190,000 (Urban Population: 3,010,000)

Area: 13,472 square kilometers (5205 square miles)

Nationalities: Han, Man, Hui, Mongol

Administrative Division: 6 districts (Lubei, Lunan, Guye, Kaiping, Fengrun, Fengnan); 6 counties (Luan, Luannan, Leting. Qianxi, Yutian, Tanghai); 2 county-level cities (Zunhua, Qianan); 4 development zones; 1 precinct; I industrial area

Location: Seated in eastern part of Hebei Province, the city is 180 kilometers (112 miles) east of Beijing, 120 kilometers (75 miles) northeast of Tianjin and 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of Qinhuangdao with the Bohai Sea 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of the Tangshan downtown. Tangshan neighbors Beijing, Tianjin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Shanxi, Henan, Shandong provinces

Physical Features: Situated at the bottom of Yanshan Mountains southern slope, the north of the city occupies mountainous areas, the central plain and the coastline of 199.3 kilometers (124 miles) to the south. Coal, iron, petroleum, natural gas, and salt make up the main natural resources.

Climatic Features: Enjoying a warm-temperate monsoon climate, the city is dry in spring, hot and rainy in summer, and chilly in winter. The average annual temperature is near 11C(51.8F), and its average yearly rainfall reaches 760 millimeters (30 inches).

When to G Summer and autumn are the beat seasons to visit - with the calm sea in summer, cool and pleasant weather in autumn.

History: According to archaeological discoveries, it was validated that this area was inhabited as far back as 45,000 years ago. It became a shire in Han dynasties (206BC-220AD) and obtained its name Tangshan by the Dachengshan Mountain which was vouchsafed by the emperor in Tang Dynasty (618-907). Since Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it has been an industrial center and was officially founded as a city in 1938.

Local Highlights: Ping Opera and Leting Drums Song (the most characteristic local operas); Tangshan  Shadow Puppetry Play.