Changzhi history

Foundation and First Mentions: The history of Changzhi is rooted in deep antiquity. In ancient chronicles, this region is known as Shangdang and is mentioned as one of the key strategic points within ancient China. The first settlements emerged here thousands of years ago, and the city itself played a vital role as early as the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), serving as the arena for significant historical events, such as the famous Battle of Changping.

Key Development Factors: Changzhi owes much of its development to its unique geographical location. Situated on a plateau in the Taihang Mountains, it served as a natural fortress and controlled important mountain passes connecting Shanxi Province with the North China Plain. This made it an essential military and administrative centre for many centuries, and in 386 AD, it even served as the capital of the Western Yan state.

Early Cultural and Economic Features: Since ancient times, the city was not only a military citadel but also a hub of crafts and trade for the surrounding territories. Thanks to its status as the administrative centre of the Shangdang Commandery, it attracted officials, scholars, and merchants. This contributed to the formation of a rich cultural heritage, traces of which can be found in local temples, architecture, and traditions that have survived to this day.

Key Milestones in the History of Changzhi

The history of Changzhi, known by various names throughout different eras, spans over two millennia. Here are the main events that shaped its identity:

• Warring States Period (475–221 BC): The territory where Changzhi is located today was known as the strategically important region of Shangdang.
• Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC): After the unification of China by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Shangdang Commandery (上党郡) was officially established here, cementing its administrative status.
• 386 AD: Murong Yong of the Xianbei people proclaimed himself emperor of the Western Yan state and established his capital in Zhangzi, within the territory of modern Changzhi.
• 578 AD: During the Northern Zhou Dynasty, the Luzhou (潞州) prefecture was formed, giving the city a new name that it would bear for many centuries.
• 583 AD: Under the Sui Dynasty, the Shangdang commandery was disbanded, and Luzhou became the administrative centre.
• 1529 AD: During the Ming Dynasty, the status of Luzhou was elevated to Lu'an Prefecture (潞安府), highlighting its increased importance.
• 1912 AD: Following the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the monarchy in China, an administrative reform was carried out, during which prefectures, including Lu'an, were abolished.
• 1949 AD: After the establishment of the PRC, the Changzhi Special District (长治专区) was created.
• 1951 AD: The city of Changzhi received the status of a provincial-level city, marking a significant step in its modern administrative development.

The modern history of Changzhi is a journey of transformation from an ancient administrative centre into a major industrial and cultural city. Its development is marked by several key events that have shaped its current appearance.

Major Development Milestones of Changzhi:

• Shangdang Campaign (1945): This event was a turning point in the city's history. Immediately after the end of World War II, the first major battle between the Kuomintang forces and the Communist Party of China took place here. The Communist victory in this battle secured their influence in the region and predetermined the future political fate of Changzhi.
• Foundation of an Industrial Centre (1949–1950s): After the establishment of the PRC in 1949, Changzhi was designated as a vital industrial hub. Active industrialisation began, based on rich coal reserves. The city became a centre for ferrous metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and energy, which radically changed its economy and structure.
• Receiving City Status (1951): An important administrative step was granting Changzhi the status of a provincial-level city. This strengthened its role as an independent and significant unit within Shanxi Province, facilitating further urban and social development.
• Soviet-style Urban Planning: During the period of active industrialisation, the architectural appearance of the city began to change rapidly. Construction was subordinated to industrial needs: factories, plants, and residential quarters for workers were built, often under the influence of Soviet functional architecture.
• Administrative Reform (1985): During a nationwide reform, old administrative units were disbanded, and the modern prefecture-level city of Changzhi was formed in their place. This allowed for optimised management and the integration of surrounding counties into a unified economic system.
• Economic Diversification (Late 20th – Early 21st Century): Following the policy of reform and opening up, the city's economy began to move away from complete dependence on heavy industry. The development of other sectors began, including light industry, the service sector, and modern technologies.
• Cultural Revival and Tourism: The city gained recognition as a "City of Folk Art of China" thanks to its rich traditions, including local opera. Cultural heritage and historical monuments became the foundation for the development of the tourism industry.
• Centre for International Cooperation (Present Day): In recent years, Changzhi has actively positioned itself as a venue for international events, such as the China-ASEAN Cooperation Week. This testifies to the city's desire for innovative development and integration into the global economy.

The architectural appearance of Changzhi represents a unique combination of ancient traditions and modern trends, reflecting its rich history and dynamic development. The city and its surroundings are rightfully considered an "open-air museum of ancient Chinese architecture," as a vast number of ancient buildings have been preserved here. This region is famous for ancient wooden structures, many of which date back to the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.

Traditional Architecture and Temple Complexes

The historical heart of the city and its environs is rich in architectural monuments demonstrating classic styles of Chinese building. Key examples include:

• Lu'an City-God Temple (Chenghuang Temple): Founded during the Yuan Dynasty, this temple complex is one of the best-preserved in China. Its buildings from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties serve as a visual guide to the evolution of temple architecture.
• Ancient Temples in the Vicinity: Near the city lie gems such as the Faxing Temple, which retains architectural features of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and the Chongqing Temple, a model of the Song Dynasty style. Also notable are the Longmen Temple and Dayun Temple with their unique wooden structures and frescoes from the Five Dynasties era (907-960).
• Shangdang Gate: Once the gate of the ancient prefecture administration, rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, it is today one of the symbols of the city.

Industrial and Modern Era

In the second half of the 20th century, during the period of active industrialisation, the architecture of Changzhi underwent significant changes. As noted earlier, quarters appeared in the city built under the influence of Soviet functionalism, which was characteristic of industrial centres of that time. These buildings were distinguished by simple forms and a lack of decoration, meeting the main objective — providing housing for the growing number of workers.

With the advent of the 21st century, urban planning stepped into a new phase. Ambitious modern projects are being implemented in the city, aimed at creating a comfortable urban environment for the younger generation. A striking example is the residential complex Y-Loft City in the new business district, designed by the Superimpose Architecture bureau. These towers, with their sculptural forms, light facades, and thoughtful layouts, demonstrate a departure from standard development and a striving to create bright, functional, and aesthetically attractive architecture that meets the challenges of rapid urbanisation.

Notable Figures Associated with Changzhi

Throughout its centuries-old history, the land of Changzhi, known in ancient times as Shangdang, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures for China. These individuals left their mark on politics, military affairs, philosophy, and public life.

• Lian Po (廉頗) — A great general of the Warring States Period (3rd century BC). As a general of the State of Zhao, he became famous for his successful defensive strategy during the famous Battle of Changping against the Qin army, which unfolded on the territory of modern Changzhi. His name is a symbol of resilience and military talent.
• Murong Yong (慕容永) — The last emperor of the Western Yan state (4th century AD). In 386, he moved the capital of his state to Zhangzi (now a county within the prefecture-level city of Changzhi), making this region the temporary political centre of the country.
• Xuanzang (玄奘) — The famous Buddhist monk, scholar, and traveller of the Tang Dynasty (7th century). Although Xuanzang was not born here, his family was closely connected to the region: his great-grandfather Chen Qin served as the prefect of Shangdang Commandery (the historical name of Changzhi). His epic journey to India for Buddhist sutras had a tremendous influence on the culture and religion of all of China.
• Wei Zheng (魏徵) — An outstanding statesman and chancellor at the court of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (580–643 AD). He is known for his directness and wise counsel, which helped create one of the most prosperous eras in Chinese history. Although he was born in another province, his service and influence extended to the entire empire, including the strategically important Shangdang region.
• Shen Jilan (申纪兰) — A public and political figure of modern China (1929–2020). Living in a village near Changzhi, she became the only person to be elected as a deputy to the National People's Congress for all 13 consecutive terms, starting from 1954. Shen Jilan went down in history as the initiator of enshrining the principle of "equal pay for equal work" for men and women in the 1954 PRC Constitution.