Baishan history

The history of the city of Baishan, located in Jilin Province, is inextricably linked to its geographical position in the very heart of the Changbai Mountains. The city's name literally translates as "White Mountain" and was given in honour of the famous Changbai Mountain (also known as Paektu Mountain), which is sacred to local peoples. Although settlements in this region have existed for a long time, the modern administrative history of the city began in the 20th century.

Foundation and Administrative Formation

In the early 20th century, these lands were part of Tonghua County. Over the course of the century, the administrative division changed repeatedly: in 1959, the city of Hunjiang was formed. The territory received the status of a prefecture-level city on February 4, 1985. The city received its current name, Baishan, on January 31, 1994, when the authorities decided to rename Hunjiang to emphasize its connection with the Changbai Mountains.

Key Development Factors

The main drivers of the city's development have always been its geographical location and natural resources. Proximity to the Changbai Mountains, rich in forests and rare species of flora and fauna, defined its early economy based on resource extraction. Furthermore, the city holds strategic importance as it is located near the border with the DPRK (North Korea), formed by the Yalu River. Today, Baishan is known as the "first city in the Changbai Mountains" and is a significant tourism hub.

Economic and Cultural Features

Initially, Baishan's economy was oriented towards utilizing the region's natural wealth. In recent decades, there has been a significant shift towards tourism development. The city is actively developing the so-called "ice and snow economy", betting on winter sports, ski resorts, and ice and snow festivals. Baishan's cultural identity is closely interwoven with the Changbai Mountains, considered the homeland and spiritual centre for northern ethnic groups, including the Manchus.

Key Milestones in the History of Baishan

The history of the modern city of Baishan and its surroundings is closely tied to the administrative transformations of the 20th century, although the region itself has an ancient past. Below are the main stages of its formation.

• 1877 — The Maoershan Guard Post was established on the territory, then part of Tonghua County, to control the region.
• 1902 — The Maoershan Guard was renamed Badaojiang, and a separate Linjiang County was carved out of Tonghua County.
• 1930s — During the Manchukuo era, the territory changed administrative affiliation several times, becoming part of Andong Province and later Tonghua Province.
• 1946–1947 — The region became the arena for key battles during the Linjiang Campaign of the Chinese Civil War.
• 1954 — The Tonghua Special District, which included these lands, was officially transferred to Jilin Province.
• 1959 — Linjiang County was disbanded, and the city of Hunjiang was founded in its place.
• February 4, 1985 — A major administrative reform was carried out, resulting in the formation of the prefecture-level city of Hunjiang.
• January 31, 1994 — The prefecture-level city of Hunjiang was officially renamed Baishan to emphasize its connection with the Changbai Mountains ("White Mountains").
• February 2010 — The central district of Badaojiang was renamed Hunjiang District, restoring the historical name to the main part of the city.

The history of Baishan is a journey from a sparsely populated border territory to an important industrial and tourist centre in Northeast China. The city's key transformations are linked to the development of rich natural resources and changes in administrative status.

Major Milestones in Baishan's Development

• Early 20th Century: The territory of the modern city was part of Tonghua and Linjiang counties. This period was characterized by the gradual development of the region, rich in timber and minerals.
• 1959 — Foundation of Hunjiang City: The city of Hunjiang, the predecessor to modern Baishan, was formed on the site of Linjiang County. This event laid the foundation for future industrial development and urbanization.
• 1985 — Achieving Prefecture-Level Status: Hunjiang was transformed into a prefecture-level city, which significantly raised its administrative status and facilitated centralized management of the regional economy.
• 1994 — Renaming to Baishan: The prefecture-level city of Hunjiang was officially renamed Baishan. The new name, translating as "White Mountain," was chosen to highlight the city's inextricable link to the Changbai Mountains — a vital natural and cultural landmark.
• 1990s – 2000s — Economic Transformation: Following the depletion of certain natural resources, the city began to reorient its economy. There was a shift from heavy industry towards the development of tourism, mineral water production, and pharmaceuticals.
• Modern Stage — Tourism Development: Today, Baishan actively positions itself as the "first city in the Changbai Mountains" and a major tourist hub. Special attention is paid to developing the "ice and snow economy," including ski resorts, winter festivals, and sports events, turning "cold" resources into a profitable industry.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning of Baishan

The architectural landscape of Baishan reflects its young history. Being a city that took administrative shape in the second half of the 20th century, it cannot boast ancient dynastic structures or monuments of classical European styles like Gothic or Baroque. Its appearance is defined by two key stages: the Soviet-Chinese industrial period and the modern era of tourism development.

Industrial Heritage: Functionalism and Soviet Influence

The foundation of the urban layout was laid in the mid-20th century when Baishan (then Hunjiang) developed as an industrial centre. This period is characterized by:

• Functional Development: Residential quarters and public buildings were constructed using standard designs with an emphasis on practicality rather than decorative flourishes. The main materials used were brick and concrete.
• Soviet Influence: Like many industrial cities in Northeast China, the architecture of that time shows traces of Soviet constructivism, albeit in a simplified form. This was expressed in the strict geometry of buildings and the ensemble planning of districts.
• Industrial Zones: A significant part of the city was occupied by factories and plants, whose structures still shape the look of old industrial districts today.

Modern Stage: Modernism and Resort Architecture

With the economy reorienting towards tourism in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Baishan's architectural appearance began to change radically. This stage is characterized by the following features:

• Modern High-Rise Development: Modern residential complexes, office buildings, and shopping centres have appeared in the city centre, executed in an international style using glass, steel, and composite materials.
• Iconic Resort Facilities: The most striking example of modern architecture is the Changbaishan International Tourist Resort. The complex includes hotels from global brands designed by leading architectural firms. Their design combines global modernist trends with an attempt to integrate buildings into the natural landscape of the Changbai Mountains, utilizing natural materials such as wood and stone.
• Urban Zoning: The modern development of the city follows a clear plan. Old industrial zones are gradually being revitalized, while new tourism clusters, such as ski resorts, are built as distinct, self-sufficient districts with their own infrastructure.

Thus, the architecture of Baishan is not frozen history but a dynamic process. It vividly demonstrates the transition from utilitarian industrial development to ambitious projects of the modern resort industry, which form its image today.

Notable Figures Associated with Baishan

Although Baishan has a relatively short history as a modern city, its territory has been the stage for important events and a formative place for several notable individuals, particularly in sports and politics. Many of them, being natives of Jilin Province, are closely linked to the city through sports bases and key historical moments.

• Chen Yun (1905–1995) — A prominent political and military leader of China. His name is inextricably linked to the history of the region due to the Linjiang Campaign (1946–1947) during the Civil War. As one of the leaders of the communist forces in Manchuria, he commanded troops in key battles that took place on the territory of modern Baishan. This campaign held strategic importance for the entire country.
• Shu Chang (born 1987) — A famous Chinese actress, singer, and television presenter. She was born in Baishan and moved to Beijing in early childhood, where she began her successful career in film and television. Despite her professional life being centred in the capital, she remains one of the most famous natives of the city.
• Wang Chunli (born 1983) — A Chinese biathlete and skier, and a participant in the Winter Olympic Games. Although she was born in Jilin City, her sports career is closely connected with the training bases in the Changbai Mountains located in the Baishan prefecture. This region is a hub for training Chinese winter sports athletes.
• Huang Xi (Joe Wong, born 1971) — A renowned stand-up comedian who gained popularity in the USA. He was born in Baishan to a Korean family and later moved to the United States for studies, where he built his career. His performances on platforms like the Late Show with David Letterman made him one of the most recognizable comedians of Asian descent on the American scene.
• Sheng Lianxi (born 1955) — A political figure whose career was closely tied to the development of Baishan. Holding various posts in the administration of the city and Jilin Province, he contributed to the economic and social development of the region during its period of active transformation.