Benxi history

The city of Benxi, located in Liaoning Province in northeast China, boasts a rich history closely tied to the region's industrial development. Its formation is a journey from a small county settlement to an important centre of heavy industry.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of administrative organisation in the territory of modern Benxi begins in 1876, when Huairen County was established. However, Benxi County itself was created much later, in 1906, and was named after the local Benxihu Lake. In 1939, the county was transformed into Benxihu City, and the city received its modern, shorter name—Benxi—in 1948.

Key Factors of Formation

The main drivers of Benxi's growth were its geographical location and natural resources. The city is situated in the Taizi River valley and is rich in deposits of coal and iron ore. It was these factors that determined its destiny as an industrial hub. Key moments include:

• Resource Extraction: Coal mining in these parts began as early as the late 18th century, and iron smelting dates back to the Liao Dynasty (907–1125).
• Industrial Start: The transformation into an industrial centre began in 1905, when a joint Sino-Japanese company started coal mining operations.
• Metallurgy: In 1915, the first metallurgical plant was built, securing the city's status as one of the main centres of ferrous metallurgy in China.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early stages of its development, Benxi was predominantly an agrarian region with a population consisting of Han, Manchu, and Hui people. With the onset of industrial mining in the early 20th century, the city's economy began to change rapidly. Industrial development accelerated particularly between 1931 and 1945. The city became a magnet for workers and engineers, which contributed to population growth and the formation of a new urban landscape oriented towards the needs of heavy industry.

Key Milestones in the History of Benxi

The history of Benxi is a path from ancient settlements and the birth of metallurgy to becoming one of the pillars of China's heavy industry. The key events along this journey reflect both internal development processes and the influence of global historical changes.

• 907–1125 (Liao Dynasty): Small-scale iron production emerges in the region, laying the foundation for future industrial specialisation.
• Late 18th Century: Coal mining begins, becoming the second key factor for future industrial growth.
• 1876: Huairen County is established on these lands, marking the first step towards forming the modern administrative unit.
• 1905: A Sino-Japanese coal company is founded, giving a powerful impetus to Benxi's transformation into an industrial centre.
• 1906: Benxi County is created, named after the local Benxihu Lake.
• 1915: The first large metallurgical plant is built, definitively cementing the city's status as a centre of the iron and steel industry.
• 1931–1945: During the Japanese occupation, forced development of heavy industry occurs, especially steel production for military needs.
• 1939: The county receives city status and the name Benxihu.
• 1942: One of the largest coal mine accidents in world history occurs, claiming the lives of over 1,500 people.
• 1948: The city officially receives its modern and concise name—Benxi.
• 1950s: After wartime destruction, the city is actively restored and modernised, becoming one of the leading industrial centres of the new China.
• 1954: Benxi becomes part of the newly formed Liaoning Province with the status of a prefecture-level city.

Main Stages of Benxi's Development

The development of China and the city of Benxi is a story of impressive transformations that turned it from a small county centre into a significant industrial and cultural hub. Here are the key milestones that defined its modern appearance.

• Rise of the "Steel Capital" (Early 20th Century): With the opening of coal mines in 1905 and the construction of the first steel plant in 1915, the foundation of the city's economy was laid. Benxi quickly turned into one of the most important centres of heavy industry, which determined its urban layout and demographic composition for decades to come.
• Post-War Recovery and Growth (1950s): After a period of wars and destruction, the city was actively restored and modernised. Under the PRC's First Five-Year Plan, Benxi strengthened its status as one of the pillars of national metallurgy, contributing to significant population growth and the expansion of urban infrastructure.
• Administrative Reforms (1954–1989): In 1954, Benxi received the status of a prefecture-level city within the newly formed Liaoning Province. Further administrative changes, including the creation of the Benxi Manchu Autonomous County in 1989, reflected the growth of its regional importance and the multi-ethnic composition of its population.
• Era of Economic Reforms (Since late 1970s): Following the national policy of "Reform and Opening-up," a large-scale modernisation of industrial enterprises began in Benxi. This period was associated with the transition from a planned economy to a market economy, requiring the restructuring of old production facilities and increasing their efficiency.
• Economic Diversification and Education Development (Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries): Realising the need to move away from a mono-profile economy, the city began to develop other sectors. An important step was strengthening educational potential, an example of which is the location of the Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine campus in Benxi.
• Ecological Transformation and Tourism Development (21st Century): Like many old industrial centres, Benxi faced environmental challenges. In response, programmes were launched to improve the environment and develop a "green" economy. The city began to actively utilise its tourism potential, particularly its famous karst caves, turning them into popular attractions.

The architectural appearance of Benxi is a living chronicle of its industrial history. The city, which grew into one of the key industrial centres of China, cannot boast ancient imperial palaces; however, its urban development vividly reflects the key stages of the 20th and 21st centuries. The urban landscape is dominated by a combination of functional buildings from the industrial era and modern high-rises.

The foundation of the city's historical buildings consists of structures that appeared during the era of rapid industrialisation. In the mid-20th century, industrial complexes, administrative buildings, and residential quarters were actively erected in Benxi in the style of socialist functionalism. This style is characterised by monumentality, strict geometric forms, and a lack of excessive decoration—architecture was designed, first and foremost, to solve the practical tasks of a rapidly growing industrial city.

Since the late 20th century, the appearance of Benxi has begun to change rapidly, as in many other cities in China. The era of modernism and postmodernism brought with it the construction of modern high-rise residential complexes, business centres gleaming with glass and steel, and large shopping malls. Old industrial districts are gradually giving way to new public spaces and parks, making the urban environment more comfortable for living.

Thus, Benxi's architectural identity lies not in following classical styles, but in visually demonstrating the transition from the industrial era to modern urbanism. Today's iconic landmarks are not only the preserved industrial giants of the past but also new cultural centres, stadiums, and bridges, symbolising dynamic development and the city's aspiration towards the future.

The city of Benxi, known primarily as an industrial centre, is also the birthplace of several outstanding individuals who have contributed to the sports, politics, and culture of China.

• Li Nina — A Chinese freestyle skier specialising in aerials. She is a two-time Olympic silver medallist (2006 and 2010) and a three-time world champion. Li Nina is one of the most decorated athletes in the history of this sport, bringing fame to her hometown on the international stage.
• Liu Zige — An Olympic champion swimmer. At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, she won the gold medal in the 200-metre butterfly, setting a new world record. Her success was a landmark event for Chinese swimming.
• Wang Dongming — A prominent Chinese political figure. Born in Benxi, he has held high posts, including Secretary of the CPC Sichuan Provincial Committee and Chairman of the All-China Federation of Trade Unions. His career is an example of the significant political influence of people from this region.
• Ma Long — One of the greatest players in the history of table tennis. Although born in the neighbouring city of Anshan, his sports career is closely linked to Liaoning Province. Ma Long is a multiple Olympic and World champion whose name is known to sports fans around the world.