Dadukou history

At the Source: From Ferry Crossing to Industrial Hub

The history of the Dadukou district is a journey from a vital river transport hub to the heart of the region's heavy industry. The area received its name, which literally translates as "Entrance to the Great Ferry Crossing," thanks to the strategically important ferry service across the Yangtze River.

Foundation and First Mentions
As a settlement linked to the crossing, Dadukou has been known since the Qing Dynasty. For centuries, it was a bustling point on the trade route where the paths of merchants and travellers converged. However, its modern urban history began in 1938, when the facilities of the Hanyang Iron Works were evacuated here during wartime hostilities, providing a powerful impetus for the settlement's development.

Key Factors of Formation
The development of the territory was defined by three main factors:

• Geography: Its location in the bend of the Yangtze River provided natural access to water for transport and industrial needs.
• Transport Logistics: The existing ferry infrastructure allowed for the rapid establishment of raw material supplies and the export of finished products.
• Political Will: The government's decision to relocate strategic enterprises deep inland, into China (to the rear areas), turned a quiet coastal zone into an industrial bastion.

Early Cultural and Economic Features
Prior to industrialisation, the economy was based on river trade and agriculture. With the arrival of the metallurgical giant, the face of the district changed: a unique working culture was formed, uniting local residents and specialists evacuated from the eastern provinces. Dadukou quickly acquired the features of a "city within a city" with its own infrastructure, fully oriented towards servicing steel production.

Timeline of Key Events

• Qing Dynasty (1644–1912): A major ferry crossing over the Yangtze River operated in this territory, giving the area its name — Dadukou, which means "entrance to the great ferry crossing".
• 1938: During the Second Sino-Japanese War, a steel plant was evacuated here from the eastern regions, laying the foundation for the district's industrial future.
• 1949: After the founding of the PRC, the plant was officially renamed the Chongqing Iron and Steel Company, becoming one of the flagships of the country's heavy industry.
• 1965: As part of a national programme to develop industry in the country's interior, Dadukou was officially established as an administrative district within the city of Chongqing.
• 1995: Changes in administrative-territorial divisions occurred, clarifying the modern boundaries of the Dadukou district.
• 1997: The metallurgical company was transformed into a joint-stock company and listed its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
• 2007: The company's shares were listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, and at the same time, the process of relocating production facilities out of Dadukou began.
• 2011–2013: The main phase of relocating polluting industrial facilities from Dadukou was completed, marking a turning point in the district's history.
• 2010s – Present: Dadukou is actively transforming from a "steel city" into a modern urban district with a focus on ecology, park zones, culture, and the service sector.

Key Milestones of Dadukou's Transformation

The development of Dadukou is a vivid example of how an industrial district can be completely transformed. From an industrial centre to a modern green corner of the metropolis — here are the main stages of this journey.

• Industrial Birth (1938). The relocation of the steel plant from the east of the country to Dadukou during the war became the starting point. This event defined the district's destiny for decades to come, turning it from a quiet crossing into the heart of Chongqing's heavy industry.
• Gaining Status (1965). The official establishment of Dadukou as an administrative district cemented its role as an industrial giant. This facilitated planned growth, the construction of housing for workers, and the formation of a unique "steel city" culture.
• Economic Modernisation (1990s – 2000s). The metallurgical company's entry into stock exchanges marked a transition to market mechanisms. This step attracted investment and integrated the district's economy into broader financial processes.
• The Great Relocation (2007–2013). The decision to move polluting production facilities outside of Dadukou became a pivotal moment. This complex process freed up vast territories and paved the way for a radical change in the vector of development.
• Ecological Renaissance (2010s – Present). Parks, public spaces, and modern residential complexes began to appear on the site of former factory workshops. The main priorities became improving the quality of life and restoring the environment, which turned Dadukou into one of the greenest districts in Chongqing.
• Cultural Transformation. Preserving industrial heritage became an important part of the new identity. The Chongqing Industrial Museum was created on the grounds of the former plant, telling the story of the industry of the city and the district itself, symbolising the transition from the past to the future.
• Infrastructure Development. Parallel to the ecological and cultural transformation, transport and social infrastructure developed actively. The construction of new metro lines, roads, and modern social facilities has made Dadukou an attractive and convenient district for living.

The architectural appearance of Dadukou is a visual history of its transformation from an industrial appendage into a modern, ecologically oriented district. Urban planning here directly reflects the shift in economic and social priorities, having journeyed from utilitarian construction to the creation of a comfortable urban environment.

Major Architectural Stages

• The Industrial Era (Mid-20th Century): With the appearance of the metallurgical combine, the district's development acquired features of Soviet functionalism. The foundation consisted of monumental factory buildings, administrative offices, and standard residential blocks for workers. The layout was subordinate to production logistics, and the aesthetics were strictly utilitarian in nature.
• Period of Post-Industrial Transformation (From the 2010s): The withdrawal of industrial enterprises became a catalyst for a complete rethinking of the urban space. Old workshops were replaced by modern architecture oriented towards the individual. This stage is characterised by the appearance of high-rise residential complexes with well-thought-out infrastructure, large shopping and entertainment centres, and numerous park zones.

Landmarks and Districts

A key symbol of Dadukou's architectural revival is the Chongqing Industrial Museum. It is a striking example of adaptive reuse, where historic factory structures were carefully preserved and integrated into a modern museum space. Old concrete supports and steel trusses contrast with new light metal and glass volumes, creating a dialogue between the district's past and future. This project set the tone for all further development, where industrial heritage is not destroyed but becomes part of a new cultural identity.

Today, Dadukou's urban development is focused on creating a "green framework" — a system of parks, squares, and embankments that connect residential quarters and public centres. New development is carried out according to the principles of comprehensive territorial development, where schools, shops, and recreational areas are created immediately alongside housing.

Notable Figures Associated with Dadukou

Although Dadukou is known primarily as an industrial centre, it is also the birthplace or place of activity for a number of notable figures in the history and culture of China. Some of them are presented below.

• Zhao Kehuai (赵可怀, ?-1603) — A historical figure from the Ming Dynasty. He was a distinguished official who rose to the rank of Minister of War. For his honesty and dedication to service, he was posthumously awarded the high title of "Grand Mentor of the Heir Apparent," which underscores his significance in the region's history.
• Tu Mingjing (涂铭旌, 1928-2019) — A materials scientist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. His work was closely linked to the industrial development of Chongqing. He made a huge contribution to the science of metals and the development of new materials, which had direct relevance to Dadukou's steelmaking specialisation.
• Zeng Hengyi (曾恒一, 1923-2016) — A metallurgical engineer and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. As the chief engineer of the Chongqing Iron & Steel Company, he played a key role in the technological development of the enterprise, which defined the appearance and economy of Dadukou for decades.
• Li Xuerui (李雪芮, born 1991) — A world-renowned badminton player. Born in Dadukou, she became the Olympic champion in singles at the 2012 London Games and a former world number one. Her achievements have brought fame to her home district on the international sports arena.
• Yin Tao (殷桃, born 1979) — A popular Chinese actress. She was born in Chongqing and is connected to the Dadukou district. Yin Tao is the recipient of numerous prestigious television and theatre awards in China, including the Golden Eagle, Magnolia, and Flying Apsaras awards.
• Li Yundi (李云迪, born 1982) — A world-famous virtuoso pianist. He was born in Dadukou and, at the age of 18, became the youngest winner of the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition. His international success has made him one of the most recognisable cultural figures to emerge from Chongqing.
• Li Ying (李影, born 1993) — A professional footballer. She was born in Dadukou and plays for the China women's national football team, participating in major tournaments such as the FIFA Women's World Cup.