Beihai history

The history of the city of Beihai is rooted in deep antiquity. Serving as a trading port and fishing hub, it has been known since the times of the Qin and Han dynasties. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), the city became one of the departure points of the famous Maritime Silk Road. An important milestone in its early history is the settlement of Bailong ("White Dragon"), established in 1374 and renowned as a centre for pearl harvesting for the imperial court. It is believed that Beihai received its current name, which translates as "North of the Sea," around 1662, during the early Qing Dynasty.

The key factors that determined Beihai's destiny as a vital coastal centre are closely linked to its geography and historical events. Its advantageous location on the coast of the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea provided the city with a strategic advantage for the development of maritime trade. A turning point was the signing of the Chefoo Convention in 1876, under the terms of which Beihai was opened to foreign trade, transforming it into an international port. Following this, representatives from European nations began to actively settle in the city, building consulates, hospitals, and trading companies, contributing to rapid modernisation and economic growth.

The city's economic and cultural development went hand in hand with its transformation into an international port. Initially, Beihai's economy was built on maritime industries such as fishing and, in particular, the pearl trade. With its opening to foreigners, the city quickly turned into a bustling trading hub, and this fusion of cultures was reflected in its unique architecture. The most striking example is Beihai Old Street (Zhuhai Road), where "Qilou" or arcade buildings have been preserved to this day. Their style represents a blend of European and traditional Southern Chinese architecture, serving as a hallmark of the city and a testament to its rich history.

Key Moments in the History of Beihai

The history of Beihai is a chronicle of the transformation of an ancient fishing settlement into an international trading port and a modern resort. Below are the main milestones of its centuries-old journey.

Ancient History and the Middle Ages

• Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD): The region where modern Beihai is located becomes one of the starting points of the Maritime Silk Road, marking the beginning of its history as an important centre of maritime trade.
• 1374 (Ming Dynasty): The Bailong ("White Dragon") settlement is founded, becoming famous as a centre for harvesting pearls for the imperial court.
• 1662 (Qing Dynasty): The area receives its current name — Beihai, which translates as "North of the Sea".

Modern Era and Opening to the World

• 1876: In accordance with the "Chefoo Convention," Beihai officially opens to foreign trade, which radically changes its economic and cultural development.
• Late 19th – Early 20th Centuries: Following the opening of the port, representatives of eight Western powers begin to settle in the city, building consulates, hospitals, churches, and trading companies.
• 1883: Construction begins on the famous Old Street (today Zhuhai Road), the architecture of which reflected a blend of European and Southern Chinese styles.

Contemporary History

• 4 December 1949: Beihai comes under the administration of the People's Republic of China.
• 1952: The city is officially transferred to the administrative control of Guangxi Province.
• 1965: Beihai is permanently consolidated within the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region after several administrative changes.
• 1982: The city officially receives the status of an international tourism centre.
• 1984: Beihai becomes one of the 14 coastal cities in China opened to foreign investment, giving new impetus to its economic growth.

The history of the city of Beihai is a fascinating journey from an ancient port on the Maritime Silk Road to one of the modern tourism and economic hubs of southern China. Key transformations in its development reflect a rich cultural heritage and strategic importance on the coast of the South China Sea.

• Starting Point of the Maritime Silk Road. Even during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), the region where Beihai is now located served as a port for maritime trade, laying the foundations for its centuries-old connection with the sea.
• Centre of Pearl Harvesting. In 1374, the Bailong ("White Dragon") settlement was founded here, gaining fame for harvesting pearls of the highest quality for the Ming Dynasty imperial court.
• Opening to Foreign Trade. A turning point in the city's history was 1876, when, under the Chefoo Convention, the port of Beihai was opened to trade with foreign powers. This attracted Europeans to the city, who built consulates, hospitals, and trade missions, initiating its modernisation.
• Formation of Unique Architecture. From the end of the 19th century, the famous Old Street (today Zhuhai Road) began to be developed, featuring the "Qilou" architectural style. These arcade buildings, combining European and Southern Chinese features, became the city's hallmark and a symbol of cultural fusion.
• Status as an "Open" City in New China. In 1984, Beihai was included in the list of 14 coastal cities opened to foreign investment. This decision provided a powerful boost to economic growth, attracting capital and technology.
• Development of the Tourism Cluster. Since the 1980s, the city has actively developed as a resort. Thanks to the famous Silver Beach with its white sand, Beihai has transformed into one of the most popular centres for beach holidays in the country.
• Infrastructure Modernisation. To support the growing economy and tourism, a modern international airport and a deep-water port were built in the city, and connections to the national high-speed railway network were established.
• Economic Diversification. Beyond tourism and maritime industries, modern Beihai has focused on developing high-tech sectors, including petrochemicals, electronics, and seafood processing, strengthening its economic base.

Beihai's Architectural Landscape: From Colonial Heritage to Modernity

The architecture of Beihai clearly reflects two key periods in its history: its transformation into an international trading port in the late 19th century and its rapid development as a modern tourism and economic centre since the 1980s. These eras have formed two completely different, yet harmoniously coexisting, urban landscapes.

Historical Core: European Fusion and the "Qilou" Style

The urban development of Beihai's historical section is inextricably linked to its opening to foreign trade in 1876. This period led to the emergence of a unique architectural style that became the city's calling card. The main features of this era include:

• "Qilou" Style: The most iconic feature is the architectural ensemble of Beihai Old Street (Zhongshan Road and Zhuhai Road), developed from 1883. The buildings here are designed in the "Qilou" style (arcade houses), which represents a blend of Western architectural trends (specifically Neoclassical and Victorian styles) with traditional Southern Chinese (Lingnan) architecture.
• Functionality and Aesthetics: The main feature of "Qilou" is the covered galleries on the ground floors, supported by columns, creating a continuous shaded walkway along the street. This was a practical solution for the subtropical climate, protecting pedestrians and shop windows from the sun and rain. The building facades are richly decorated with stucco moulding, bas-reliefs, and elements of European decor.
• Colonial Heritage: Beyond the commercial streets, the city preserves buildings of former consulates (including British, German, and French), churches, hospitals, and customs houses built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These structures are striking examples of the colonial architecture of that time.

Modern Development: Modernism and New Urbanism

Starting in 1984, when Beihai received the status of an "open" coastal city, a new stage of its urban development began. The architecture of this period contrasts with the historical centre and is characterised by the following features:

• Functional Modernism: New districts of the city are developed with modern high-rise residential complexes, international hotel chains, office buildings, and large shopping malls. Their appearance is dominated by glass, steel, and concrete, typical of modern Chinese urbanism.
• Infrastructure Projects: The look of modern Beihai is largely defined by large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Fucheng International Airport, the deep-water port, and the high-speed railway station.
• Resort Architecture: Along the coast, especially in the area of the famous Silver Beach, resort development prevails—hotels with extensive grounds, villas, and apartments designed to create a comfortable environment for leisure and relaxation.

Distinguished Personalities Connected to the City

The history of Beihai has been shaped by the influence of many prominent figures from different eras. Although not all of them were natives of the city, their decisions and contributions have had a tremendous impact on its destiny.

• Deng Xiaoping — A Chinese statesman and the architect of the "Reform and Opening-up" policy. His decision in 1984 to include Beihai among the 14 open coastal cities became the catalyst for the modern economic miracle, transforming the city into a major tourism and investment hub.
• Sir Thomas Wade — A British diplomat who played a key role in the conclusion of the Chefoo Convention of 1876. This treaty opened Beihai to international trade, which led to the appearance of European architecture in the city and laid the foundation for its unique multicultural appearance.
• Emperor Hongwu (Zhu Yuanzhang) — The founder of the Ming Dynasty. During his reign in the 14th century, the Hepu region (the historical core of Beihai) gained fame as the primary supplier of high-quality pearls for the imperial court, cementing the city's reputation as the "Pearl Capital" for centuries.
• Guo Moruo — A renowned Chinese writer, poet, and historian of the 20th century. Captivated by the beauty of Beihai during his visit, he dedicated enthusiastic verses to the city, which significantly increased its cultural prestige and popularity among travellers.
• Chen Jitang — An influential military and political figure who governed the provinces of Guangxi and Guangdong in the 1920s and 1930s. During his administration, projects were implemented that influenced the development of infrastructure and the administrative structure of the region, including Beihai, during a crucial era of the Republic of China.