[citation needed] In the last two decades, the city has become known for both its aggressive promotion of tourism and its booming hardware manufacturing industry.

According to legend, when the mother of Sun Quan, the King of Wu, was ill, she went on a pilgrimage to pray for "eternal well-being" at a temple in Lizhou.

After she recovered, Sun Quan was very pleased and named the area Yongkang ("eternal well-being") after her speedy recovery.

At that time, it was a part of Wushang City; however, during the Tang dynasty, Yongkang was independently recognized under the name Lizhou, eventually becoming the general administrative area of Yue Prefecture.

Additionally, the city is a national base for the production of anti-theft doors, electric bicycles, scooters, and thermal cups.