Changzhou history

The city of Changzhou, situated in the fertile Yangtze River Delta, boasts a rich and documented history spanning over 2,500 years. Its story is a tale of strategic location, trade, and cultural flourishing.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements in the territory of modern Changzhou emerged thousands of years ago. During the Spring and Autumn Period, in 547 BC, these lands were granted as a fiefdom and named Yanling. Later, during the Han Dynasty (202 BC), Piling County was established here. The city received its current name, Changzhou, much later, in 589 AD during the Sui Dynasty, when the prefecture of the same name was formed.

Key Factors of Development

Changzhou's rapid development was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position in the Yangtze Delta in the south of Jiangsu Province provided favorable conditions for agriculture.
• Trade and Transport: The Grand Canal played a decisive role in establishing the city as a major commercial hub. Passing through the city, this vital waterway connected the north and south of China, transforming Changzhou into a bustling port for the transport of rice, textiles, tea, and other goods.
• Administrative Importance: For many centuries, the city maintained its status as an important administrative center—a prefecture, a commandery, and later a municipality—which contributed to its stability and growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Changzhou has been known not only as a trading hub but also as a center for craftsmanship and culture. The city became famous for the production of high-quality cotton fabrics, which saw a new wave of development in the 1920s. Furthermore, Changzhou is renowned as the home of a unique craft—the making of intricately painted combs. The city also made a significant contribution to China's cultural life, becoming the birthplace of many scholars and artists.

The history of the city of Changzhou spans over 2,500 years and is closely linked to the development of key trade routes and cultural centers in China. Located in the fertile Yangtze River Delta, the city has played a vital role in the administrative and economic life of the region for centuries.

Key Events in the History of Changzhou

• 547 BC — First significant mention: the lands where the modern city is located were granted as a fiefdom and named Yanling.
• 202 BC — Establishment of Piling County during the Han Dynasty.
• 281 AD — Creation of Piling Commandery, which included seven counties.
• 305 AD — Due to the practice of naming taboos, the commandery was renamed Jinling.
• 589 AD — The city receives its modern name: following administrative division reforms during the Sui Dynasty, Changzhou Prefecture was formed.
• 609 AD — Completion of the Grand Canal, which passed through the city, turning Changzhou into a prosperous port and a vital trade hub.
• 840 AD — Changzhou Prefecture receives the status of "Illustrious" (望), becoming one of the ten most important prefectures of the Tang Empire.
• 1277 AD — During the reign of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, the prefecture was upgraded to the status of Changzhou Route (Region).
• 1357 AD — The region was transformed into Changzhou Prefecture (Changzhou Fu) during the Ming Dynasty era.
• 1726 AD — During the Qing Dynasty, due to population growth, administrative expansion occurred, and the prefecture came to administer 8 counties.
• 1912 AD — After the Xinhai Revolution, Changzhou Prefecture was abolished, and the urbanized area was separated into a distinct city.
• 1920s — Beginning of industrialization: the first cotton mills opened in the city, laying the foundation for its industrial development.
• 2023 AD — Changzhou's Gross Domestic Product exceeded 1 trillion yuan, and the city entered China's prestigious "Trillion Yuan Club" of cities.

Stages of Changzhou's Modern Development

Since the second half of the 20th century, Changzhou has journeyed from a traditional industrial city to one of the leading innovation and economic centers of China. Key transformations have affected its economy, urban environment, and cultural landscape.

• Industrial Transformation (from the 1950s): After the founding of the PRC, the city began actively developing heavy industry in addition to the existing textile sector. This laid the foundation for a diversified manufacturing base, which today includes mechanical engineering, electronics, and metallurgy.
• Creation of High-Tech Zones (from the 1990s): The establishment of the Changzhou National High-Tech District and other innovation parks, such as the China-Israel Innovation Park, became a catalyst for attracting investment and developing science-intensive industries.
• Construction of the Tianning Pagoda (2007): The completion of the world's tallest pagoda (153.79 m) was not only a major cultural event but also created a new architectural symbol for the city, reflecting its ambitions and connection to history.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure (2010s): The opening of the metro system in 2019 and integration into China's high-speed rail network significantly improved mobility within the city and its transport accessibility in the Yangtze Delta region.
• Status as the "Capital of New Energy" (2020s): The city has become a national leader in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and solar energy equipment. The production chain in the power battery sector has reached 97% completeness, which is the best indicator in the country.
• Economic Breakthrough (2023): Changzhou's Gross Domestic Product exceeded 1 trillion yuan, allowing the city to join the prestigious "Trillion Yuan Club" of cities. This success is largely due to the rapid growth of the new energy industry.

The architectural landscape of Changzhou represents a multi-layered canvas where centuries-old traditions intertwine harmoniously with futuristic ambitions. The city's urban development reflects its historical journey from an ancient trading hub on the Grand Canal to a modern metropolis leading in the high-tech sphere.

Traditional Architecture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

The historical core of Changzhou has preserved the charm of classical Chinese architecture typical of the southern Yangtze Delta regions. The foundation of this style consists of buildings from the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) eras. They are characterized by wooden frame structures, gracefully curved tiled roofs, internal courtyards, and intricate carvings. A prime example is the historical district of Qingguo Lane, often called a "living fossil" of the city's cultural history. This area, built as early as 1581, is a labyrinth of narrow streets lined with the homes of scholars, officials, and merchants, demonstrating the traditional layout of "small bridges, flowing water, and houses by the river."

Industrial Architecture and 20th Century Influence

In the early 20th century, with the development of the textile industry, buildings reflecting the new industrial era began to appear in Changzhou. These were functional factory and warehouse structures, some of which have survived to this day, such as the former Dacheng factories. The architecture of this period combined elements of Western constructivism with local building traditions, which was typical for Chinese industrial cities of that time.

Modern and Futuristic Architecture (21st Century)

The modern stage of Changzhou's development is marked by the appearance of bold and ambitious architectural projects that have formed a new, recognizable city skyline. These buildings often become symbols of the innovative spirit and economic growth.

• Tianning Pagoda. Although the pagoda itself is a recreation of a historical shrine, its current form is a modern engineering and architectural masterpiece. Completed in 2007, it became the tallest pagoda in the world (153.79 m) and a landmark symbol connecting the city's past and present.
• Changzhou Culture Plaza. Designed by the German firm gmp Architekten, this complex consists of six monumental pavilions housing a museum, library, and art galleries. Its architecture reflects elements of southern Chinese culture and the city's aquatic environment, creating a unified public space.
• The Lotus Building. Located in the Wujin district, this building, designed by the Australian firm Studio505, is perhaps the most famous example of Changzhou's modern architecture. Shaped like a blooming lotus flower, it serves as a cultural center and symbolizes purity and prosperity. It is a striking example of parametric and bionic architecture that has become the city's calling card.

Changzhou's urban planning today follows the principle of polycentricity, where the historical center is carefully preserved, while new districts, such as Wujin and Xinbei, develop as modern business, cultural, and residential clusters with advanced infrastructure, including a metro system and expressways.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Changzhou

The city of Changzhou, with its rich history spanning centuries, has been the birthplace or center of activity for many prominent figures who have left a significant mark on China's culture, politics, and science. Here are some of them:

• Su Shi (Su Dongpo) (1037–1101) — One of the greatest poets, calligraphers, and statesmen of the Song Dynasty. Although he was not born in Changzhou, he chose this city for his residence in the final years of his life and passed away here. His connection to Changzhou is immortalized in local culture.
• Yun Shouping (1633–1690) — A prominent painter of the Qing Dynasty, one of the "Six Masters of the Early Qing." He became famous for his unique style in the "bird-and-flower" genre, reviving the "boneless" painting technique and exerting a huge influence on subsequent generations of artists.
• Sheng Xuanhuai (1844–1916) — An influential official and industrialist of the late Qing Dynasty, a key figure in the "Self-Strengthening Movement." He founded China's first commercial bank and telegraph company and initiated the construction of numerous railways, laying the foundations for the country's industrialization.
• Qu Qiubai (1899–1935) — A writer, publicist, translator, and one of the early leaders of the Communist Party of China. He was an important figure in the May Fourth Movement and made a significant contribution to the development of modern Chinese literature, as well as introducing China to Russian classical and Soviet literature.
• Y.R. Chao (Zhao Yuanren) (1892–1982) — A distinguished linguist, composer, and polyglot, often called the "father of modern Chinese linguistics." His works on the phonology and grammar of the Chinese language became fundamental. He is also known for creating the famous poem "Lion-Eating Poet in the Stone Den," demonstrating the homophony of the Chinese language.
• Liu Haisu (1896–1994) — One of the pioneers of modern Chinese art and a reformer of art education. He founded the first academy of fine arts in China, where he introduced Western teaching methods, including drawing from life, which was a revolutionary step for that time.
• Zhou Youguang (1906–2017) — A linguist and economist who gained worldwide fame as the "father of Pinyin"—the official system for the romanization of the Chinese language. His work radically simplified the learning of Chinese for both Chinese people and foreigners and played a key role in raising the literacy rate in the country.