CHAO-CH'ING

also called Kao-yao, Pinyin Zhaoqing, or Gaoyao, city in western Kwangtung sheng (province), China. Chao-ch'ing lies on the north bank of the Hsi River, 50 miles (80 km) west of Canton, just above the famous Ling-yang Gorge, commanding the river route to Canton. Chao-ch'ing is an ancient city. A county town was established there in the 1st century BC, and a commandery, Kao-yao, was set up in AD 502519. From 589 onward it was known as Tuan, until in 1118 it became a superior prefecture, Chao-ch'ing. The centre of a prosperous and fertile agricultural district, Chao-ch'ing has various small industries processing local products and is a river port with much trade with eastern Kwangsi province. It is also an area of great scenic beauty. Pop. (1990) 194,784.