The Republic of China created Liannan County in 1946 as part of government reforms for minority areas, with Sanjiang as the county seat. In 1955 it was officially designated Liannan Yao Autonomous County. From 1958–1961, the region was merged with various neighboring counties, but eventually restored under Shaoguan Prefecture's government. Liannan was transferred to the jurisdiction of Qingyuan city in 1988. [3]
In 2024, Liannan recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) of ¥7.207 billion, an increase of 0.2% year on year. The primary, secondary and tertiary sectors contributed ¥1.35 billion (18.7%), ¥1.397 billion (19.4%) and ¥4.459 billion (61.9%) respectively. Per capita GDP reached ¥53,087, while fixed asset investment declined by 31.2%. General public budget revenue totaled ¥305 million, up 5.5%, though tax revenue fell to ¥81 million. Public budget expenditure was ¥2.269 billion, down 4.6%.[7]
Agriculture and related industries grew modestly, with total output reaching ¥2.054 billion. Industrial value added above designated size increased by 3.7%, despite a contraction in construction activity. The tertiary sector dominated the economy, supported by tourism and foreign trade. Retail sales remained largely flat at ¥1.186 billion, while total imports and exports increased by 177.7%. Tourism recorded 474,400 visitors, generating ¥492 million in revenue. By the end of 2024, financial institution deposits stood at ¥6.666 billion and loans at ¥4.476 billion.[7]
12County Development, Reform, Industry, Information Technology, Science and Technology and Commerce Bureau (2025-06-10). "连南瑶族自治县2024年国民经济和社会发展统计公报"[Liannan Yao Autonomous County Statistical Communiqué on National Economic and Social Development in 2024]. liannan.gov.cn (in Chinese). Retrieved 2026-02-08.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)