Chaoyang history

The city of Chaoyang, located in Liaoning Province, is one of the most ancient centres of civilization within the territory of China. Its history is rooted deep in the millennia, confirmed by numerous archaeological finds, including ruins of the prehistoric Hongshan culture. The first written records of a settlement at this location, known then as Liucheng County, date back to the 3rd century BC.

A key moment in the city's history occurred in the 4th century AD. In 342, the ruler of the Former Yan state moved the capital here and named it Longcheng, which means "Dragon City". This high status was maintained during the reigns of the Later Yan and Northern Yan dynasties, cementing Chaoyang's role as a vital political, military, and cultural hub in the northeast. Its strategic geographical position at the intersection of trade routes between the central plains and the northern lands contributed to its prosperity.

In the early period of its development, Chaoyang became one of the first and most important centres for the spread of Buddhism in the region. It is believed that approximately 1,660 years ago, the Longxiang Temple was founded here—the first Buddhist temple in Northeast China. Thanks to its status as a capital and its multi-ethnic population, which included various peoples, the city actively developed as a centre of trade and cultural exchange. Its modern name, which translates as "Morning Sun", was given to the city much later, in 1778, during the Qing Dynasty.

Key Milestones in Chaoyang's History

The history of Chaoyang spans thousands of years, ranging from prehistoric cultures to its status as a capital and a modern city. Below are the main events that have shaped its rich past.

• Around 5000 BC: The territory is settled by representatives of the Neolithic Hongshan culture, as evidenced by archaeological finds at Niuheliang.
• 3rd Century BC: First mentioned in the historical chronicles of the Western Han Dynasty under the name "Liucheng County".
• 342 AD: The ruler of the Former Yan state establishes his capital here and names it Longcheng, meaning "Dragon City".
• 342–436 AD: The city retains its capital status during the reigns of the Former Yan, Later Yan, and Northern Yan dynasties.
• Around 385 AD: Longxiang Temple is founded on Phoenix Mountain (Fenghuangshan)—the first Buddhist temple in Northeast China.
• 485 AD: The North Pagoda of Chaoyang is constructed, one of the oldest in the region.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907): Following the bloody An Lushan Rebellion, the city gradually falls into decline.
• Liao Dynasty (916–1125): The city regains significance and is renamed Xingzhong Prefecture.
• Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368): During the period of Mongol rule, the city ends up abandoned.
• 1778: During the Qing Dynasty, Chaoyang County is established, receiving its name, meaning "Morning Sun", from a mountain and a line of ancient poetry.
• 1904: Administrative status is raised to Chaoyang Prefecture.
• 1955: After the founding of the PRC, Chaoyang officially becomes part of Liaoning Province.
• 1984: Chaoyang receives the status of a prefecture-level city.

Key Stages of the City's Development

The history of Chaoyang is a journey from an ancient capital to a modern scientific and industrial centre. Key transformations have shaped its unique appearance and economic significance for China.

• Capital Centre of Ancient China. In the 4th century AD, the city, then bearing the name Longcheng ("Dragon City"), became the capital of three dynasties consecutively—Former, Later, and Northern Yan. This status turned it into a crucial political, military, and cultural node in the northeast of the country.
• Cradle of Buddhism in the Region. Chaoyang became one of the first places for the spread of Buddhism in Northeast China. The founding of temples here, such as Longxiang in the 4th century, secured the city's role as a spiritual centre, the influence of which persisted for centuries.
• "World Fossil Capital". In the 20th century, the surroundings of Chaoyang became famous worldwide due to unique paleontological finds, including fossils of feathered dinosaurs and early birds. This transformed the city into a global centre for scientific research and gave a powerful boost to the development of educational tourism.
• Industrial Transformation. In the 20th century, the city's economy underwent significant changes. Chaoyang developed as an important industrial hub specializing in metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and diesel engine production. This laid the foundation for its modern economic structure.
• Agricultural Base. Along with industry, the city is a vital agrarian region. Wheat, corn, cotton, and fruits are grown here, ensuring economic diversification and food security.
• Development of Modern Tourism. Relying on its rich historical heritage—from ancient capitals and Buddhist shrines to unique fossils—Chaoyang is actively developing its tourism infrastructure. The creation of museums, such as the Paleontological Museum, and the enhancement of historical monuments attract an increasing number of travellers to the city.

The architectural appearance of Chaoyang represents a unique blend of styles reflecting its centuries-old history—from an ancient capital to a modern industrial and scientific centre. The urban development of the city can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its unique mark.

Ancient and Medieval Architecture

The founding of the city as the capital Longcheng ("Dragon City") in the 4th century predetermined its early urban structure. Like many ancient Chinese capitals, it was likely planned as a fortress with defensive walls and a clear grid of streets. A central place in the architectural heritage of this period is occupied by Buddhism. Iconic monuments of the Tang and Liao eras are the famous pagodas. The North Pagoda, built in the 5th century and reconstructed in the 11th century, and the South Pagoda are striking examples of classic multi-tiered brick architecture. These structures, along with temple complexes such as the temple on Phoenix Mountain (Fenghuangshan), formed the spiritual and architectural landscape of medieval Chaoyang.

Architecture of the Ming, Qing, and Pre-Industrial Periods

After losing its capital status, the city developed as a regional administrative and trading centre. During this period, traditional Chinese architecture prevailed: administrative buildings (yamens), temples, and residential houses with inner courtyards (siheyuan). Although fewer monumental structures remain from this period compared to the era of the pagodas, its influence can be traced in the layout of the old quarters of the city.

Industrial and Modern Development (20th-21st Centuries)

In the mid-20th century, Chaoyang, like many cities in Northeast China, experienced large-scale industrialization. This led to the emergence of a completely new architectural style—Soviet functionalism. Large industrial enterprises were built, and standardized residential districts and public buildings grew around them, where function prevailed over form. From the end of the 20th century to the present day, Chaoyang's architectural look is changing once again. The city is actively being built up with modern high-rise residential complexes, office centres, and public infrastructure facilities, such as the National Geopark of Fossil Birds. The new development reflects the city's status as an important economic and scientific hub, integrating modern design solutions into the historically established urban fabric.

Prominent Figures Associated with Chaoyang

The city of Chaoyang, known in antiquity as Longcheng, has throughout its centuries-old history been the birthplace and centre of activity for many significant figures who left their mark on politics, science, and military affairs.

• Murong Huang (297–348) — Founder of the Former Yan state. As the chieftain of the Xianbei Murong tribe, he proved himself a talented strategist and politician. In 342, Murong Huang moved the capital to Longcheng (modern Chaoyang), turning the city into an important political centre of Northeast China. His rule laid the foundation for the further strengthening of the dynasty.
• Feng Ba (died 430) — Emperor of the Northern Yan state. An ethnic Han Chinese who served as a general at the court of the Later Yan, he came to power in 409 and founded a new dynasty with its capital in Longcheng. His reign was marked by attempts to strengthen the state through alliances with neighbouring tribes, particularly the Rouran.
• Zhao Shangzhi (1908–1942) — Military commander and hero of the anti-Japanese resistance. A native of Chaoyang, he joined the Communist Party of China and became one of the key commanders of the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. His detachments waged active guerrilla warfare against Japanese invaders in Manchuria. Zhao Shangzhi died in 1942, and the city of Shangzhi was renamed in his honour.
• Wang Yongzhi (1932–2024) — A distinguished scientist and designer in the field of astronautics. Although born in Changtu County, his career is closely linked to the development of science and technology for which modern Liaoning is known. Wang Yongzhi was the chief designer of China's manned spaceflight programme and the Shenzhou series spacecraft. His contribution to space exploration earned him the highest state awards of the PRC.
• Bai Yinsai — Paleontologist and director of the Chaoyang Geological Museum. His work played a key role in the study and popularization of paleontological finds of global significance made in the vicinity of Chaoyang. Thanks to his efforts, the city received the unofficial status of the "City of Fossils" and became a centre of attraction for scientists from all over the world researching fossil birds and dinosaurs of the Cretaceous period.