Anshan history

The history of Anshan traces the journey from an ancient settlement and a small postal station to one of the largest industrial centres in China. The city, whose name translates as "Saddle Mountain" due to the shape of a nearby hill, was shaped by the influence of rich natural resources and the turbulent events of the 20th century.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the official founding date of the city is considered to be 1387, archaeological findings indicate that people lived in this territory about 20,000 years ago. During the Ming Dynasty, a postal station was established here, which gave the future city its name. The first evidence of iron smelting in this region dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 25 AD), highlighting the area's ancient connection with metallurgy.

Key Development Factors

A key factor in Anshan's development was its geographical location near the Qianshan mountain range, which is rich in iron ore deposits. Real industrial growth began in the 20th century. In 1918, a steel enterprise was established here, which in the following decades turned Anshan into one of the most important industrial hubs in Asia. After 1949, the restored Anshan Iron and Steel Group became the flagship of the country's heavy industry, securing the city's nickname as the "Capital of Steel".

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the settlement's economy was built around servicing the postal route and iron mining. The cultural significance of the region was largely determined by the proximity of the Qianshan Mountains, where Buddhist and Taoist monasteries were built over centuries. However, it was the industrial specialisation that defined the unique character of the city. In the early stages of its rapid growth, Anshan's economy was almost entirely focused on metallurgy and mining, which shaped its modern appearance.

Key Stages in Anshan's History

The history of Anshan is a chronicle of the transformation of a small settlement into one of Asia's leading industrial centres. From ancient times to the present day, the city has undergone a journey marked by significant events that defined its modern image as China's "Steel Capital".

• Approx. 20,000 BC — Archaeological findings indicate the first human settlements in the territory of modern Anshan.
• 1387 — During the Ming Dynasty, a postal station was established, giving the name to the future city — Anshan ("Saddle Mountain").
• 1587 — The settlement was fortified for protection against Manchu tribes, emphasising its strategic importance.
• 1904–1905 — The city was heavily damaged during the Russo-Japanese War.
• 1918 — A joint Sino-Japanese steel enterprise was founded, laying the foundation for future industrialisation.
• 1931 — After the Mukden Incident, the enterprise came entirely under Japanese control.
• 1 December 1937 — Anshan officially received city status and became part of the state of Manchukuo, transforming into a major industrial centre.
• 1945 — After the end of World War II, the city returned to Chinese control.
• 19 February 1948 — Anshan was taken under control by the People's Liberation Army of China during the Civil War.
• 9 July 1949 — The restored Anshan Iron and Steel Group (Angang) resumed operations, becoming the flagship of the PRC's heavy industry.
• 1953–1957 — As part of China's First Five-Year Plan, the plant was fully modernised with the assistance of the USSR and turned into the country's largest metallurgical complex.
• 1990s — The Jade Buddha Garden was created in the city to house the world's largest Buddha statue made of a single piece of jade.
• 2021 — The merger of Ansteel Group with Ben Gang Group took place, resulting in the formation of the third-largest steel company in the world.

The history of Anshan is a path from an ancient settlement to one of the most vital industrial centres of China. The city, whose name translates as "Saddle Mountain", has passed through several key stages that defined its modern appearance and economic power.

• Foundation and Early Development. Although people have lived in this territory for thousands of years, the official founding date of the city is considered to be 1387, when a postal station was built here during the Ming Dynasty. For a long time, it remained a small locality known for iron mining.
• Beginning of the Industrial Era. A turning point in the city's history was the creation of a joint Sino-Japanese steel enterprise in 1918. This event laid the foundation for transforming Anshan into a major industrial hub.
• Rise of the "Steel Capital". After the establishment of the PRC in 1949, the city became a key element of the First Five-Year Plan and the country's industrialisation. The restored and expanded Anshan Iron and Steel Group (Angang) became the largest in China, earning the city the nickname "The Steel Capital".
• Technological Modernisation. In the late 20th century, to increase efficiency and address environmental issues, a large-scale modernisation was carried out at Anshan's factories. The introduction of new technologies, such as continuous steel casting, marked a new stage in industrial development.
• Economic Diversification. In the 21st century, facing challenges related to reliance on heavy industry, Anshan began actively developing other sectors. Today, the city focuses on high technology, tourism, and the service sector, striving for a more balanced economy.
• Cultural Revival. Alongside its industrial heritage, Anshan is developing its cultural potential. The construction of impressive sites, such as the Jade Buddha Temple with the world's largest statue made of solid jade, highlights the city's ambition to become an attractive tourist destination.

Architectural Appearance: From Industrial Functionalism to Modern Forms

The architecture of Anshan is a clear reflection of its turbulent industrial history in the 20th century. Unlike the ancient capitals of China, the city's appearance was shaped not by imperial dynasties, but by industrial giants and urban planning concepts of the modern era. Here, it is not traditional pagodas and temple complexes that dominate, but monumental structures subject to the logic of production and the ideology of their time.

Main Architectural Eras

• Japanese Industrial Style (1920–1940s). During the period when Anshan became part of Manchukuo, Japanese engineers laid the foundation for its industrial infrastructure and urban layout. This stage is characterised by strict functionalism: the construction of steel plants, administrative buildings, and residential quarters for workers was subject solely to practical tasks. The architecture of this time is devoid of decorative excesses and reflects a pragmatic approach to land development.
• Soviet Neoclassicism or "Su Style" (1950–1970s). After the formation of the PRC and with active assistance from the USSR, Anshan experienced a rebirth as the flagship of the country's heavy industry. This period left the most noticeable architectural legacy in the city. With the participation of Soviet specialists, entire districts were erected, and a monumental style dominated the architecture, known in China as "Su Style" ("style imitating the Soviet"). Its features include symmetrical compositions, massive buildings, wide avenues, and residential blocks built according to standard designs for metallurgical plant workers. This style, often called Stalinist Empire style, was intended to embody the image of the power and prosperity of the socialist state.
• Modern Chinese Architecture (from the 1990s to the present). With the beginning of economic reforms, the appearance of Anshan began to change. Alongside industrial giants and Soviet buildings, modern business centres, high-rise residential complexes made of glass and concrete, and large shopping malls began to appear. This new layer of architecture creates a contrast between the historical industrial centre and the dynamically developing modern city.

Iconic Objects and Districts

The urban core of Anshan is the Anshan Iron and Steel Group (Angang), which in itself is a grand monument of industrial architecture. Around it, workers' settlements with characteristic 1950s buildings were formed. A vivid example of the transformation of urban space was the Jade Buddha Garden, opened in the 1990s. This large-scale complex, created to house the world's largest jade Buddha statue, is an example of modern architecture that references traditional cultural symbols, striving to create a new, more multifaceted image of the city.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Anshan

The city of Anshan, known as China's "Steel Capital", is the birthplace of many prominent figures who have left their mark on politics, sports, and the arts. These individuals, born in different eras, have brought fame to their hometown far beyond its borders.

• Zhang Jinghui (1871–1959) — Political and military figure. A native of Tai'an County (today part of the Anshan metropolitan area), he was a general and played a significant role in the political life of the first half of the 20th century, notably serving as the Prime Minister of Manchukuo. His figure represents a complex historical era of the region.
• Ann Hui (born 1947) — Film director. Born in Anshan, Ann Hui became one of the key figures of the Hong Kong New Wave cinema. Her films, dedicated to social and humanistic themes, have received numerous international awards, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival for Lifetime Achievement.
• Zhang Dejiang (born 1946) — State and party leader. Another native of Tai'an County, Zhang Dejiang had a distinguished political career, reaching the highest echelons of power in the PRC. He served as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (2013–2018), which is one of the key positions in the country's state hierarchy.
• Lei Jiayin (born 1983) — Actor. A popular contemporary actor born in Anshan, known for numerous roles in film and television. He is a laureate of prestigious awards and enjoys great popularity among audiences, representing the modern culture of the city.
• Ma Long (born 1988) — Athlete (Table Tennis). One of the most titled players in the history of table tennis, Ma Long was born and began his sporting journey in Anshan. He is a multiple Olympic champion and World Champion, as well as a holder of the "Grand Slam" in table tennis, making him a true legend of world sports.