Changde history

The city of Changde, located in Hunan Province, boasts a rich and centuries-old history. Archaeological findings, such as those at the Chengtoushan site, bear witness to human activity in this region as far back as the Neolithic era, over 9,000 years ago. Throughout its long history, the city has changed names multiple times but has always maintained its strategic and cultural significance.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first administrative units in the territory of modern Changde appeared in the 2nd century AD, when a county named Linyuan was established here. In ancient times, the city was known as Wuling and Langzhou. These names reflect its early role as an important centre from which Chinese authorities managed the mountain tribes of western Hunan. The city has borne its current name—Changde—since approximately the 12th century.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Changde was largely predetermined by its favourable location and natural resources. The key factors in its rise included:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on the northern bank of the Yuan River, near where it flows into the Dongting Lake system, making it the natural centre of the northwestern Hunan plain. This location facilitated the development of shipping and trade.
• Trade: Starting from the late 19th century, Changde transformed into a thriving commercial hub and the main market for agricultural produce in the Yuan River basin. It was known as the "land of fish and rice" thanks to its fertile lands and abundance of water resources.
• Administrative Role: For centuries, Changde served as a vital administrative point from which control over the surrounding territories was exercised.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Changde has been known as a bustling trading city. It served as a centre for the collection and distribution of goods such as timber, cotton, and medicinal herbs arriving from the western districts of the province. Although the dominance of Changde's trading firms ceased after 1949, the city retained its importance as a vital trade node and transport hub.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Changde is a chronicle of millennia, from Neolithic settlements to its transformation into a significant modern city. Below are the key milestones of its rich past.

• Circa 4000 BC — On the territory of modern Changde, in the Chengtoushan area, one of the oldest settlements in China emerges, surrounded by a wall and moat, where the Daxi and Qujialing cultures flourished.
• Circa 2nd Century AD — During the Han Dynasty, the first county named Linyuan is established here, marking the beginning of the region's administrative history.
• 6th Century (Sui Dynasty) — The territory becomes part of administrative units with authorities located by the Lishui River and receives the name Langzhou.
• 13th-14th Centuries (Yuan Dynasty) — Following the Mongol conquest, the Changde Region (常德路) was officially formed in the southern part of these lands.
• 14th Century (Ming Dynasty) — After the overthrow of the Mongols, the region was reorganized into the Changde Prefecture (常德府), strengthening its administrative status.
• Late 19th Century — The city becomes a prosperous commercial centre and the main market for rice, cotton, timber, and other goods in the Yuan River basin.
• 1913 — Following the Xinhai Revolution and administrative division reform, Wuling County was renamed Changde (常德县), securing the city's modern name.
• November-December 1943 — The Battle of Changde takes place, one of the most critical engagements of the Second Sino-Japanese War, during which Chinese troops achieved a strategic victory.
• 1949 — After the establishment of the PRC, Changde retains its significance as a key transport and trade hub, although it loses its dominant role in private trade.
• 1979 — Archaeologists discover the ancient settlement of Chengtoushan, opening a new chapter in the study of the region's prehistoric past.

The development of Changde is a story of transformation from an ancient trading post to a modern industrial and cultural centre. The key milestones that defined the appearance of the city today encompass economic, urban planning, and cultural changes.

Main Stages of Changde's Development:

• Emergence as a Major Trade Hub (Late 19th – Early 20th Century). Thanks to its location in the fertile Yuan River basin, Changde turned into a thriving commercial centre. The city became the main market for rice, cotton, timber, and medicinal herbs, laying the foundation for its economic prosperity.
• Industrial Diversification (Second Half of the 20th Century). After 1949, the city's economy underwent significant changes. Alongside traditional trade, modern industries began to develop actively: petrochemical, textile, food processing, as well as the manufacturing of machinery and ceramics.
• Archaeological Discoveries and Cultural Revival (Since 1979). The discovery of the Neolithic settlement of Chengtoushan became a turning point in the city's cultural life. This discovery attracted global attention to the region's ancient history and served as an impetus for the development of historical and cultural tourism.
• Development of Tourism Infrastructure (Late 20th – Early 21st Century). City authorities paid great attention to landscaping and creating recreational zones. A prime example is the transformation of Liuye Lake into a major urban park, referred to as "China's No. 1 City Lake," which made Changde more attractive for residents and visitors alike.
• Implementation of the "Sponge City" Concept (Since 2015). Changde became one of the first pilot cities in China to implement the innovative "Sponge City" urban planning concept. This project aims to solve problems with urban flooding and water pollution by creating green infrastructure (permeable pavements, rain gardens, wetlands) to collect and reuse rainwater.

The architectural appearance of Changde is a vivid example of how history and modernity shape a unique urban landscape. Historically, the city followed the architectural traditions of southern China, characteristic of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a predominance of wooden and brick structures featuring elegant tiled roofs. However, a large part of the ancient buildings was lost, particularly due to destruction during the Battle of Changde in 1943. This event radically changed the face of the city, leaving behind only fragments of its past heritage.

Post-war reconstruction and especially the rapid growth in recent decades have led to the formation of a new, eclectic style. Today's Changde represents a blend of several architectural approaches. On one hand, there is typical modern Chinese development with wide avenues, high-rise residential complexes, and business centres. On the other hand, large-scale projects to recreate the historical atmosphere have been implemented in the city. A striking example is the Daxiaohe (Daxiaohe Street) district, known as "River Street," where houses in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties have been reconstructed. These buildings on stilts along the stone-paved embankment create a picturesque image of the old city.

Among the iconic modern structures, the Chinese Poetry Wall stands out—a massive project combining a protective flood dyke with a cultural space. Numerous poems and calligraphic works are engraved on its surface, making it a unique monument of modern architecture and literature. Furthermore, the city has implemented advanced urban planning concepts, such as the "Sponge City," aimed at creating a sustainable and eco-friendly urban environment through "green" infrastructure in parks and public zones. Thus, the architecture of Changde is not frozen history, but a dynamically developing environment where the latest technologies coexist with nostalgia for a lost past.

Distinguished Personalities of Changde

The city of Changde and its surroundings have given China and the world many talented individuals—from revolutionary figures and politicians to distinguished scholars, writers, and modern artists. Here are just a few names whose lives and work are inextricably linked with this region.

• Song Jiaoren (1882–1913) — A Chinese revolutionary and political leader, one of the founders and the first leader of the Kuomintang party. Born in Taoyuan County. He was an ardent supporter of establishing a parliamentary republic in China and played a key role in the Xinhai Revolution. His tragic death as a result of an assassination had a huge impact on the subsequent history of China.
• Jian Bozan (1898–1968) — An influential Chinese Marxist historian, academician, and one of the leaders of Peking University. Born in Taoyuan County. His works on the ancient and medieval history of China, written from the perspective of historical materialism, defined the development of historical science in the PRC for many years.
• Lin Boqu (1886–1960) — A prominent political figure, one of the oldest members of the Communist Party of China. Born in the county now known as Linli. Lin Boqu was a participant in the Long March, held high posts in the PRC government, and contributed to the development of Chinese poetry.
• Ding Ling (1904–1986) — One of the most famous Chinese female writers of the 20th century. Born in Linli County. In her works, she raised acute social themes, particularly the status of women in traditional society. Her novel "The Sun Shines Over the Sanggan River" was awarded the Stalin Prize in 1952.
• Zhou Chengzhou (born 1982) — A contemporary Chinese artist, photographer, and film director born in Changde. His works, dedicated to issues of industrialization, the connection between humans and nature, and spiritual quests, have received recognition at international exhibitions and film festivals, representing a new generation of the city's creative intelligentsia.