Mianchi is known for the ancient Yangshao Culture, the remains of which were first found by Swedish geologist Johan Gunnar Andersson.

In 1921, he discovered some pieces of pottery in the north of Mianchi County, near the town of Yangshao.

In 2006, the government of Mianchi County experimented with direct democracy, allowing citizens could voice their thoughts about proposed projects through petitions.

Mianchi has aluminium and coal industries, as well as float glass factories and silicon refineries.

Other industries are breweries, electronics, building materials, smelting, chemicals, medicine and food.