The Hekou district of Dongying city – located in East China’s Shandong province – is typical of the rich Yellow River delta landscape with its abundant natural resources and picturesque tourist spots.
In the first half of last year, the total regional GDP of the district hit 11.82 billion yuan ($1.64 billion). By sector, the value added of the primary industry was 1.23 billion yuan, an increase of 3.6 percent year-on-year; the value added of the secondary industry reached 6.13 billion yuan, up 11.7 percent and the value added of the tertiary sector totaled 4.46 billion yuan, up 5.9 percent year-on-year.
In the full year, the GDP of Hekou grew by 8.5 percent year-on-year. Its fixed-asset investment increased by 11.6 percent; the value added of industries above designated size surged by 21.3 percent and the general public budget revenue jumped by 11.03 percent year-on-year. In 2023, 72 new projects were signed up there with a total investment of 47.58 billion yuan and the implemented funds amounted to 9.97 billion yuan, an increase of 39.3 percent year-on-year.
Natural resources
The main mineral resources in Hekou district include petroleum, natural gas, geothermal energy, coal, shells and brine. Of these, petroleum and natural gas have relatively high utilization rates. Coal resources in Hekou are mainly distributed in Gudao and Yihe towns.
Common afforestation tree species mainly include poplar and willow trees and the commercial fruit species cover Chinese dates, apples, pears, peaches, grapes and pomegranates. The main flower and tree species planted in the urban areas include cedars, pomegranates, and roses. The Yellow River is the only available freshwater resource.
Scenic spots
The Gudao Botanical Garden in Hekou was established in May 1997 and is the largest botanical garden with the most diverse varieties in the Yellow River Delta region. In 2008, the garden was designated as a National AA Tourist Attraction.
The Gudao Locust Tree Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area is located in the eastern part of Hekou, with a planned area of 50,000 mu (3,330 hectares). The core scenic area, Gudao's 10,000-mu locust tree forest, was established in 1960. In 2012, the Gudao Locust Tree Forest Hot Spring Tourist Area was rated as a national AAA tourist attraction.
