| Wuchang | |
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| — City — | |
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Wuchang
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| Coordinates: | |
| Country | China |
| Province | Heilongjiang |
| Metropolitan area | Harbin |
| Area | |
| • Total | 7,512 km2 (2,900.4 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 450 m (1,476 ft) |
| Population (End of 2008) | |
| • Total | 979,627 |
| • Density | 130.4/km2 (337.8/sq mi) |
| Website | www.hljwch.gov.cn |
Wuchang (Chinese: 五常; Pinyin: Wǔcháng) is a city in the Harbin metropolitan area in Heilongjiang province of the People's Republic of China.
The name "Wuchang" has been in use since 1855. At that time people began to reclaim wasteland, and built five noble lodges. It was changed to Wuchang Bureau in 1882, and changed to Wuchang Mansion in 1909. In 1913 Wuchang County was set up. It was changed to Wuchang Town in 1993.
The area of Wuchang is 7,512 km², and it had 979,627 population at the end of 2008.
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Wuchang is a semi-mountainous town; its ground slopes from southeast to northwest. Wuchang rises over 450 metres above sea level. The mountain Zhangguangcai Ling twists toward the southeast; many hills appear in different layers, such as Laoye Ling and Eagle South Mountain. The Songnen Plain to the northwest provides a flat area with highly fertile soil for agriculture.
The Lalin River and Mangnu River run through Wuchang.
The average temperature is 3.5 °C (38.3 °F). January, the coldest month, is about −19.1 °C (−2.4 °F). July is the hottest month at about 22.4 °C (72.3 °F). The annual precipitation is 625 mm; the frost-free season is 124 days and the annual sunshine hours are 2,576.
Wuchang has many advantages for agriculture, such as loamy soil, abundant water, and suitable weather. Grain crops dominate the mix such as rice, corn, soybean, sorghum, cereal and wheat. Other crops that contribute to the local economy include beet and tobacco.
American actress sisters Jayne Meadows (born in 1920) and Audrey Meadows (born in 1922) were born in Wu'Chang and lived there for six years, learning Chinese as their first language. Jayne appeared on Broadway, in 18 Hollywood films, provided the voice-over for Billy Crystal's mother in City Slickers and City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold, and appeared in many television productions including as a regular panelist for the game show I've Got a Secret. She married Tonight Show pioneer host and comedian Steve Allen. Audrey became a prominent Hollywood star from her success in the TV series "The Honeymooners" and the TV series "Too Close for Comfort" as well as several other roles.