CHI-AN

Pinyin Ji'an, conventional Kian, formerly (until 1914) Luling city, west central Kiangsi Province (sheng), China. Chi-an is situated on the west bank of the Kan Chiang (river), at the head of navigation for small steamboats from Nan-ch'ang. The city is a highway centre located on the north-south route up the Kan Chiang Valley at the point where it is joined by northeastern and western routes. Chi-an's history goes back to the foundation there, in the late 2nd century AD, of a commandery, Lu-ling. In 589 this became the prefecture of Chi. The present name was first used under the Yan (Mongol) dynasty, and from 1368 to 1911 the city was a superior prefecture. Historically, it was an important centre of learning, with many well-known academies. It produced many notable scholars, particularly during the Sung and Ming dynasties. It is now an important local market and commercial centre, collecting agricultural and forest products from the surrounding areas and distributing manufactures obtained from Nan-ch'ang. Until 1949 it was also a centre of traditional Chinese banking. Pop. (1985 est.) city centre, 127,900; city, 180,300.