Binzhou
| Binzhou 滨州 Binzhou | ||||||||||||||||
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Binzhou (滨州 in Traditional Chinese Characters) is the Capital of the Cote du Danoise Kwampa. It is the fifth largest city in the Kingdom, the largest city in the MwaKitaï and the largest city in Cote du Danoise. As of April 2012, the city's population is 6,250,110. Demographically, 57% of the city's population are ethnic Kitwaïs, making it the largest city in the country to have a Kitwaïs majority.
Founded in 41 AD by Chinese traders, the city is considered as the centre of modern day Kitwaïs culture, and is home to the only University in the world where Kitwaïs is used as a language of instruction. The city is home to a collection of East-Asian style Palaces and Castles, the Old Town characterised by Chinese architecture in particular. The city is economically important today and is home to many companies that serve the MwaKitaï region. AirKitwais is based in the city alongisde one of three stock exchanges in the country, the MZMÉ Stock Exchange. Built as a port, the city still has a vibrant busy port, and is located on TiV-1 (Train i Venme 1 - High Speed Rail 1), which links Ifhumué to Kalada in the West.
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History
Binzhou was founded in 41 AD by a group of Chinese traders. They built a small dock for ships to land into and built housing. What started off as a village grew into a town within 10 years as Okwaïs and Chinese people immigrated there. At first the population was made up of mainly men as they had come to work in the growing port. Women began to start arriving however, sometimes as part of a family, but they were increasingly single. By 55AD the gender imbalance had balanced out.
Binzhou was upgraded to a town in 150 A.D. and continued to grow alongside maritime trade. The city has a large, sheltered natural harbour which aided the growth of the city. Despite being located in West Africa, trade by land and sea with China increased and diplomatic relations developed.
In the 14th Century Binzhou had 100,000 people and was one of the largest cities in the Kingdom. By this time it was a large important port as not only did it receive ships from China, but was a hub for boats going to the Île de Gwara. In the late 14th century, a Chinese Prince was promised in marriage to the Queen. As part of the marriage, the Chinese royal family offered the Okwaïs Royal Family gifts. These gifts consisted of several things, however most importantly two royal palaces, that were built in Oriental style.
L'Age d'Or
The L'Age d'Or was a period in time in which Okwe experienced great wealth. As a result, Binzhou experienced great wealth also, and a modernisation effort began. A new boulevard, Kukuzi Kitwaïs, was built from the centre of the city to the eastern edge, as a gateway for people to enter. It was built with a median of trees and plants, as well as palm trees lining the edges. This road still exists today, and is one of the major thorough-fares in the city. It was constantly expanded over time to keep up with the expansion of the city. Not only was the Kukuzi Kitwaïs built, but several public squares and gardens were built for Queen Nzinga's visit. One prominent square, Nzinga Place, is today one of the largest public squares in Binzhou. At it's centre is a large fountain made of marble, and the square is made up of marble. The Ulugu i Nwesa (The Queendom Garden) was established during Nzinga's visit and are said to contain specimens of all her favourite plants.
Geography
Binzhou is located in a coastal plain, with hills towards the west along the coast, and mountains a few miles to the North inland. The city is located within the tropical coastal belt of the nation and is surrounded by tropical forest. Due to it's location, the city experiences tropical storms. The most notable tropical storm that has hit Binzhou was Hurricane Loshon, which hit the city in 1996.
Cityscape
Binzhou is located in the coastal plain along the southern coast of the Kingdom. The plain is covered in lush rainforest which is habitat to several endemic species of animals, including the Okwan Elephant. The area around Binzhou is also home to several native plant species.
Climate
Binzhou has a humid-tropical climate, with distinct seasons. A dry season when the Harmattan winds blow in from the Sahara occurs from February to June, when temperatures reach their highest and the city is noticeably drier. From June to September the weather is hot but not as dry as the Harmattan, and is similar to summer in many Northern Hemisphere countries. The months from September to November are characterised by Kweshe (Monsoon Season), in which the city recieves 75% of it's yearly amount of rainfall, and it is not uncommon for there to be floods. The final season occurs from November to February and is Pura or Hurricane Season.
