Chizhou history

Chizhou is a city with a rich and centuries-old history, located in Anhui Province. Its development is closely linked to its geographical position at the foot of famous mountains and its proximity to the Yangtze River, which made it an important cultural and administrative centre throughout many dynasties.

Foundation and Early Mentions

The history of Chizhou is rooted in deep antiquity. Although the exact date of its founding is not recorded as a single event, the territory of modern Chizhou was inhabited and played a significant role as early as the reign of the early Chinese dynasties. An administrative unit named "Chizhou" was established significantly later, but the region was well-known even before that.

• Tang Dynasty (618–907): During this period, the region acquired special significance. It was then that the famous poet Li Bai, travelling through these places, was so impressed by the beauty of the local mountains that he named them Jiuhuashan — "Mountain of Nine Glories". This name has survived to this day and has become a symbol of the region.
• Buddhist Heritage: Since the Tang era, the Jiuhuashan mountains, located within Chizhou, became one of the four sacred sites of Chinese Buddhism. This occurred after the Korean prince Kim Gyo-gak achieved enlightenment here in the 8th century, which attracted a multitude of pilgrims and monks to the region.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Chizhou was defined by several key aspects that formed its historical appearance.

• Geographical Location: Proximity to the Yangtze River facilitated the development of trade and transport connections, linking the city with other important regions of China.
• Religious Centre: Its status as a sacred Buddhist land turned Chizhou into a major centre of pilgrimage. This promoted the construction of temples and monasteries, which numbered over a hundred during its peak, and attracted scholars, monks, and artists to the city.
• Cultural Influence: The beauty of nature, especially Mount Jiuhuashan, inspired poets and painters, making Chizhou a notable cultural hub, particularly during the Tang Dynasty era.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Since ancient times, Chizhou has been not only a spiritual but also an economically active region. The city's prosperity was based on pilgrimage tourism, trade, and agriculture. The presence of many monasteries supported the local economy, while the fertile lands in the surrounding areas allowed for the development of agriculture. Cultural life was centred around Buddhist traditions, temple fairs, and literary activities inspired by the picturesque landscapes.

Brief History of Chizhou in Dates

• 621 — During the Tang Empire, the Chizhou Prefecture (池州) was formed for the first time, marking the beginning of its official administrative history.
• 765 — Chizhou Prefecture was re-established after a temporary abolition; it included the counties of Qiupu, Qingyang, Shidai, and Zhide.
• 8th Century — The Korean prince Kim Gyo-gak achieved enlightenment on Mount Jiuhuashan, after which the mountains became one of the four sacred sites of Chinese Buddhism.
• 9th Century — The poet Du Mu, serving in Chizhou, wrote the famous poem "Qingming", immortalizing Xinghua Village in this region.
• 926 — During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, Qiupu County, where the prefecture authorities were located, was renamed Guichi (贵池县).
• 13th-14th Centuries — After the Mongol conquest, the administrative unit of Chizhou Region (池州路) was created.
• 14th-17th Centuries — During the Ming Dynasty, the Chizhou Region was transformed into the Chizhou Prefecture (池州府), strengthening its administrative status.
• 1911 — Following the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of imperial power in China, a reform was carried out, during which prefectures, including Chizhou, were abolished.
• 2000 — The modern prefecture-level city of Chizhou was established, marking a new stage in the development of the city and region.
• 2019 — Construction of the Chizhou Yangtze River Highway Bridge was completed, an important infrastructure project that improved the region's transport connections.

The history of Chizhou is a journey from an ancient administrative centre to a modern city that harmoniously combines industrial development, rich cultural heritage, and environmental care. Located in Anhui Province on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, the city has played an important role in the life of China for centuries. Below are the key milestones of its development.

Major Stages of Chizhou's History

• Foundation in the Tang Era (621)

  The official history of the city begins in 621, when Chizhou Prefecture was established during the Tang Dynasty. This event laid the foundation for its future administrative and cultural significance in the region.

• Becoming a Buddhist Centre (8th Century)

  Mount Jiuhuashan, located within the territory of Chizhou, became one of the four sacred sites of Chinese Buddhism. This happened after the Korean prince Kim Gyo-gak achieved enlightenment here. Its transformation into a major pilgrimage centre contributed to economic growth and the construction of temples and monasteries.

• Cultural Flourishing (Tang and Song Eras)

  The city gained fame as a "land of poets". Great men of letters, such as Li Bai and Du Mu, visited these places and praised their beauty in their works. It was here that the "Zhaoming" anthology was compiled — one of the earliest collections of poetry in the history of Chinese literature.

• Recognition of Cultural Heritage (Modern Era)

  In our days, unique local traditions have received official recognition. Chizhou Nuo Opera, known as the "living fossil" of Chinese drama, and Qingyang Opera have been included in the list of National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. This highlights efforts to preserve the region's rich history.

• Creation of the Prefecture-Level City (2000)

  In 2000, Chizhou received the status of a prefecture-level city, marking the beginning of a new stage in its urban planning and economic development. This decision facilitated the modernization of management and attracted new investments.

• Development of Transport Infrastructure (2010s)

  The opening of Jiuhuashan Airport in 2013 and the inclusion of the city in the high-speed rail network significantly improved its transport accessibility. This strengthened Chizhou's ties with other major cities and stimulated the development of tourism and business.

• Ecological Development and Industrial Modernization

  Today, Chizhou actively develops the concept of a "green city", for which it has been awarded the titles of "National Garden City" and "National Forest City". In parallel, industrial zones are being created, turning it into a modern centre where innovation is combined with a respectful attitude towards nature.

The architectural appearance of Chizhou represents a harmonious combination of centuries-old traditions and modern urban planning. Historically, its development was defined by its status as an important Buddhist centre and its location in Anhui Province, known for its unique architectural style.

Traditional Architecture: Dynastic Heritage and Huizhou Style

The historical buildings of Chizhou and its surroundings reflect two key architectural traditions:

• Temple Architecture: The foundation of the architectural heritage consists of Buddhist temples and monasteries, located primarily on Mount Jiuhuashan. Most of them were built or reconstructed during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. These structures are characterized by multi-tiered curved roofs covered with glazed tiles, the use of wood as the main material, and skillful carving. Complexes such as the Huacheng Monastery are organically integrated into the natural landscape, which is an important feature of Chinese architecture.
• Huizhou Style: As with many cities in Anhui Province, ancient buildings in Chizhou are characterized by the Huizhou architectural style. Its distinctive features are white walls and black tiled roofs, creating a strict yet elegant monochrome image reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink wash painting. Buildings in this style are often decorated with intricate carvings on wood, stone, and brick, and their internal layout is designed to ensure comfort and security.

Modern Urban Development

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Chizhou has been undergoing an active phase of urbanization. The urban environment is changing dynamically due to the implementation of major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of the bridge across the Yangtze River, the opening of the airport, and high-speed rail connections. Along with the preservation of historical quarters and temple complexes, new residential districts, modern commercial buildings, and industrial zones are appearing in the city. This process reflects the general trend of development in Chinese cities, striving to combine economic growth with the preservation of cultural heritage.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Chizhou

The history and culture of Chizhou were shaped by many outstanding personalities — poets, thinkers, and spiritual leaders. Their legacy is still felt in the atmosphere of the city and its surroundings.

• Li Bai (701–762) — A great poet of the Tang Dynasty, whose name is inextricably linked with this region. Travelling through these places, he was so charmed by the beauty of the local mountains that he named them Jiuhuashan — "Mountain of Nine Glories". His poems praising the nature of Chizhou forever inscribed this land into the cultural treasury of China.
• Du Mu (803–852) — Another famous poet of the Tang era who served as an official in Chizhou. His famous poem "Qingming" immortalized Xinghua Village, located within the territory of modern Chizhou, making it a symbol of nostalgia and spring melancholy for many generations of Chinese people.
• Kim Gyo-gak (696–794) — A Korean prince who became a Buddhist monk. He spent most of his life in seclusion on Mount Jiuhuashan. According to legend, he achieved enlightenment and was recognized as the earthly manifestation of the Bodhisattva Kshitigarbha. His spiritual feat turned Jiuhuashan into one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism, defining Chizhou's destiny as an important centre of pilgrimage.
• Tao Yuanming (365–427) — An outstanding poet of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. Although he was not a native of Chizhou, his philosophy of reclusion and praise of rural life had a huge influence on subsequent poets, including Li Bai and Du Mu. The idyllic landscapes of Chizhou became a living embodiment of the ideals described in Tao Yuanming's poetry.
• Miao Zan (dates unknown) — A scholar and calligrapher of the Qing Dynasty era, a native of Guichi County (modern central district of Chizhou). He was known for his talent in calligraphy and contributed to the cultural life of the region, serving as an example of the local intelligentsia that supported and developed the traditions of scholarship in the province.