Chifeng history

The history of Chifeng is rooted in deep antiquity, spanning millennia and encompassing several great civilisations. Although the modern city is relatively young, the land on which it stands has been the centre of significant historical events and cultural shifts.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first traces of human activity in this region date back to the Neolithic Hongshan Culture (c. 4700–2900 BC), which took its name from the Hongshan district in Chifeng. This culture is renowned for its exquisite jade artefacts, including the famous "First Dragon of China", and is considered one of the cradles of Chinese civilisation. However, a key moment in the establishment of an urban centre in this region was the rise of the Liao Empire (907–1125), founded by the nomadic Khitan people. Their first capital, Shangjing, was established in the 10th century on territory that is now part of the Chifeng municipal area, laying the foundation for a political and cultural hub. The modern city itself received its name, which translates as "Red Peak" or "Red Rock", in honour of a distinctive red-coloured mountain located to the northeast of its centre.

Key Development Factors

The historical development of Chifeng was defined by several important factors:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated at the junction of the Mongolian Plateau and the North China Plain, which historically made it a vital crossroads for trade routes and a contact zone between nomadic and sedentary civilisations.
• Political Power: Its status as the capital of the powerful Liao Empire transformed the region into an administrative, military, and cultural centre, contributing to its growth and prosperity.
• Fusion of Cultures: Over the centuries, various peoples—Khitans, Mongols, Manchus, and Han Chinese—interacted here, enriching the local culture and economy.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, the Chifeng region was distinguished by a unique cultural and economic landscape. In the Neolithic era, the Hongshan culture demonstrated a high level of craftsmanship, particularly in jade working. During the Liao Empire, the economy was mixed: it combined traditional Khitan herding with agriculture adopted from the Chinese. Cities like the capital Shangjing were centres of crafts, trade, and the Buddhist religion, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. This rich heritage remains an important part of Chifeng's identity today.

Key Milestones in Chifeng's History

The land on which modern Chifeng stands holds a legacy of millennia. It was the cradle of ancient civilisations and the centre of powerful empires whose influence is still felt today. Immerse yourself in the past of this fascinating region by tracing the events that defined its unique character.

• c. 4700–2900 BC — The Neolithic Hongshan Culture flourishes on the territory of modern Chifeng. It is known worldwide for its exquisite jade artefacts, including the famous "First Dragon of China", and is considered one of the cradles of Chinese civilisation.
• 907 — The Khitan chieftain Abaoji founds the powerful Liao Empire, which becomes a dominant force in East Asia for two centuries.
• 918 — In the very heart of Chifeng's future territory, in the modern Bairin Left Banner, Emperor Abaoji establishes the first, or Supreme, capital of his empire — Shangjing. This event turns the region into a crucial political and cultural centre.
• 1125 — The Liao Empire falls under the onslaught of the Jurchens, who create their own Jin Empire. The region passes under the control of the new dynasty.
• 13th Century — These lands become part of the vast Mongol Empire led by Genghis Khan, facilitating further mixing of cultures and peoples.
• 1778 — During the Qing Dynasty, Chifeng County is officially established. Its Mongolian name is Ulan-Hada, which means "Red Rock". This lays the administrative foundation for the modern city.
• 1955 — Following the dissolution of Rehe Province, the northern counties and banners are transferred to the Ju Ud League (the predecessor of Chifeng) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
• 10 October 1983 — The State Council of the PRC decides to dissolve the Ju Ud League and establish the prefecture-level city of Chifeng in its place, which exists to this day, uniting ancient history with modern development.

Stages of Chifeng's Development: From Antiquity to Present Day

The history of Chifeng is a kaleidoscope of cultural, political, and economic transformations. For millennia, the city and its surroundings have played a key role in the history of China, journeying from the cradle of an ancient civilisation to a modern industrial and tourism hub.

• Formation of a Cultural Brand (20th Century): Although the Hongshan culture existed thousands of years ago, it was its archaeological discovery in the 20th century that became a turning point. This heritage transformed into the region's calling card, positioning Chifeng as one of the sources of Chinese civilisation. Today, this forms the basis for tourism development and cultural research, attracting scholars and travellers from around the world.
• Laying the Imperial Heritage (10th–12th Centuries): The transformation of the region into the centre of the powerful Liao Empire with its capital in Shangjing left an indelible mark. This period laid the foundations of urban planning, created a unique cultural fusion of nomadic and sedentary traditions, and left behind a rich archaeological legacy. The ruins of the capital and temples today are not merely monuments but key points of attraction shaping Chifeng's historical image.
• Transition to Modern Administration (1778): The official establishment of Chifeng County during the Qing Dynasty was a decisive step from a historical territory to a modern administrative unit. This stage solidified its status as an important regional centre, which subsequently facilitated more systematic governance, planning, and integration into the state structure.
• Beginning of Industrialisation (20th Century): The development of the transport network, particularly the construction of railways, and the commencement of mineral extraction, primarily coal, provided an impetus for industrial growth. This period marked the transition from an agrarian economy to an industrial one, leading to population growth and urbanisation.
• Creation of the Prefecture-Level City (1983): By the decision of the State Council of the PRC, the prefecture-level city of Chifeng was formed, uniting the city and surrounding territories into a single administrative unit. This allowed for centralised management, the development of comprehensive urban planning schemes, and the acceleration of economic development across the entire region.
• Modern Economic Diversification (21st Century): In recent decades, Chifeng's economy has been actively transforming. Alongside traditional industry and agriculture, the service sector, particularly tourism, is beginning to play a key role. The city successfully utilises its rich historical heritage (monuments of the Hongshan and Liao cultures) and unique natural landscapes to attract travellers.

The architectural appearance of Chifeng represents a unique blend of styles reflecting its rich and multi-layered history. From the majestic ruins of imperial capitals to modern skyscrapers, every stage of development has left its mark on the urban fabric of the city.

Legacy of the Liao Empire (10th–12th Centuries)

The defining architectural period for the region was the reign of the Liao dynasty, founded by the Khitans. Their capital, Shangjing, the ruins of which are located within modern Chifeng, was a model of monumental urban planning. The city had a clear layout, divided into two parts: the northern "Imperial City" for the Khitan nobility and the southern "Han City" for the Chinese population. Liao architecture combined elements of Tang Dynasty Chinese architecture with their own traditions. The most striking surviving monuments of this era are brick pagodas, typically octagonal in shape, distinguished by their massiveness and rich decoration.

Traditional Development (Qing Period, 18th–19th Centuries)

After the fall of the Liao Empire, monumental construction in the region quieted for several centuries. A new phase began with the establishment of Chifeng County in 1778 during the Qing Dynasty. This period was characterised by traditional Chinese development: administrative buildings (yamen), commercial rows, and residential houses with courtyards (siheyuan). This architecture was more functional and less grand in scale than the imperial structures of the Liao, forming the appearance of a typical county town of that time.

Industrial and Socialist Architecture (20th Century)

In the 20th century, with the arrival of industrialisation and the construction of railways, Chifeng's architectural landscape began to change. Industrial facilities and residential quarters built in the spirit of functionalism appeared. This period is characterised by simple brick or concrete buildings devoid of decoration, the main goal of which was to meet the needs of the growing working population. In the mid-century, the influence of Soviet architecture was noticeable, manifesting in strict geometry and standardised designs for public and residential buildings.

Modern Metropolis (Late 20th – 21st Centuries)

Since the formation of the prefecture-level city in 1983, Chifeng has experienced rapid growth and transformation. The city's modern architecture is a typical example of dynamic Chinese urbanism. The city centre is built up with high-rise office buildings of glass and concrete, large shopping malls, and modern residential complexes. Wide avenues and new public spaces sit alongside carefully preserved historical zones and archaeological parks, allowing the city to harmoniously combine its ancient heritage with a drive towards the future.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Chifeng

Throughout its rich history, the land of Chifeng has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many outstanding individuals—from the founders of empires to modern figures. These people have left a significant mark on the history, culture, and politics of the region and the entire country.

• Yelü Abaoji (872–926) — The founder and first emperor of the Khitan Liao Empire. It was he who united the Khitan tribes and in 918 founded the first capital, Shangjing, on the territory of the modern prefecture-level city of Chifeng. His activities laid the foundation for the empire's two-century dominance in East Asia and transformed the region into a crucial political and cultural centre.
• Empress Shulü Ping (879–953) — The wife of Yelü Abaoji, known for her intelligence and political influence. After her husband's death, she effectively ruled the state as regent and, contrary to the late emperor's will, ensured the ascension to the throne of her second son, Yelü Deguang, which helped maintain stability in the empire.
• Yelü Deguang (902–947) — The second emperor of the Liao dynasty, known by the temple name Taizong. He continued his father's work of expanding and strengthening the empire. His reign was marked by further expansion, including intervention in the internal affairs of Chinese states, which significantly increased Khitan influence.
• Gada Meiren (1892–1931) — A Mongol folk hero who led an uprising in the early 20th century against the sale of Mongol pasturelands to Chinese settlers. Although his activities took place in the Horqin grasslands (modern Tongliao, neighbouring Chifeng), he became a symbol of the Mongols' struggle for their land and traditions throughout the Inner Mongolia region. His story is immortalised in numerous songs and legends.
• Wang Lutong (born 1969) — A modern Chinese diplomat. He is a prominent representative of the region's natives on the international stage. He served as China's Ambassador to New Zealand (2013–2017) and was appointed Ambassador to Indonesia in 2024, demonstrating his important role in modern PRC diplomacy.
• Sun Yinghao (born 1999) — A singer and actor born in Chifeng. He gained fame through his participation in popular talent shows such as "Youth With You 3". He represents the new generation of the city's creative youth who have achieved success in China's entertainment industry.