Daqing history

The history of Daqing is, in essence, the story of the development of one of the world's largest oil fields. The city owes its existence to "black gold," and its development is inextricably linked to China's oil industry.

Foundation and First Mentions

Until the mid-20th century, there were no major permanent settlements on the site of modern Daqing. The first settlers appeared here only at the beginning of the 20th century, when the Chinese Eastern Railway was constructed. A turning point in the region's history was the discovery in 1959 of a gigantic oil and gas field, which was named Daqing, translating to "Great Celebration." This event marked the beginning of large-scale development of the territory. By 1960, to accommodate workers and engineers arriving from all over the country, a city was founded, initially called Anda, and officially renamed Daqing in 1979.

Key Development Factors

The main drivers of Daqing's growth were:

• Geographical Location: The city is located in the center of the fertile Songliao Plain, where the supergiant oil field was discovered.
• Economic Policy: The development of the Daqing field became a national priority, ensuring an influx of immense resources and workforce. A powerful industrial base was created here in a short period.
• Labor Migration: To develop the field in harsh northern conditions, tens of thousands of workers, engineers, and military personnel were sent from all over China, becoming the first inhabitants of the new city.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From its inception, Daqing was formed as a model industrial center. Its early culture was closely intertwined with production and labor heroism. In the 1960s, the slogan "In industry, learn from Daqing!" was popular throughout China, emphasizing the city's status as a standard to emulate. The economy was entirely concentrated on oil extraction and refining, which turned the desolate area into one of the country's most important petrochemical centers.

Key Dates in the History of Daqing

The history of Daqing is inextricably linked to the discovery and development of one of the world's largest oil fields. The city, whose name translates as "Great Celebration," grew from a desolate plain into a major industrial center in just a few decades.

• 1913 — Anda County is founded, on the territory of which the city of Daqing would later appear.
• September 26, 1959 — Considered the date of the discovery of the supergiant Daqing oil and gas field, which became a turning point in the region's history.
• 1960 — To accommodate oil workers, a city is founded, initially named Anda, and active development of the field begins.
• June 1, 1960 — The first tanker of oil was shipped from Daqing, marking its transformation into China's main oil base.
• 1960s — The slogan "In industry, learn from Daqing!" spreads throughout China, turning the city into a symbol of industrial development and labor heroism.
• 1964 — The Anda urban district is reorganized into the Anda Special District for more effective management of the growing industrial zone.
• 1967 — The army is sent to the city to maintain order during the Cultural Revolution, making Daqing one of the first industrial centers under military control.
• December 1979 — The city is officially renamed Daqing, cementing its modern name.
• Late 1980s — The city leadership begins a course towards economic diversification to reduce dependence on depleting oil resources.
• 1992 — Lindian County and Dorbod Mongol Autonomous County are transferred to the jurisdiction of Daqing City, expanding its administrative boundaries.
• Beginning of the 21st Century — New industries are actively developing in the city, such as agriculture (particularly the dairy industry) and the production of high-tech products.

Major Stages of Daqing's Development

The history of Daqing is not just a story about oil, but also a vivid example of a successful transformation from a specialized center into a multi-profile modern city. Having passed the stage of rapid field development, Daqing has focused on sustainable development and economic diversification.

• 1960–1970s — Unique Urban Planning. Unlike most industrial cities, Daqing was built on a pioneering principle of integrating urban and rural zones. Residential quarters, industrial facilities, and agricultural lands were created as a unified system, reflecting the specifics of a city that grew around oil fields.
• 1990s — Creation of a Petrochemical Cluster. A strategic step was the transition from simple raw material extraction to deep processing. Large plants were built that began producing high value-added products: ethylene, polymers, synthetic fertilizers, and much more.
• 2000s — Focus on New Industries. Understanding the need to reduce oil dependence, the city began actively developing high-tech industries, automotive manufacturing, and modern agriculture. A high-tech zone was created to attract investment, alongside enterprises for the production of building materials and software.
• 21st Century — Ecological Transformation. In recent decades, immense attention has been paid to improving the urban environment. Numerous parks have been created, such as Longfeng Park and Daqing Forest Park, and lakes and wetlands have been revitalized. These measures have turned Daqing from a purely industrial center into a modern and green city, comfortable for living.

The architectural appearance of Daqing is a visual history of a young city built from scratch in the mid-20th century. Its development was dictated not by centuries-old traditions, but by the practical tasks of developing the largest oil field. Therefore, in Daqing, you will not find buildings in Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque styles — its architecture begins with the era of socialist modernism and continues with contemporary structures.

Main Architectural Stages

• 1960–1980s: Soviet Functionalism and Unique Planning. Founded in 1959, the city was built according to principles of functionality. The architecture of this period consists primarily of utilitarian residential blocks for workers and engineers, as well as industrial facilities. A pioneering approach for that time was applied in urban planning: urban districts were deliberately interspersed with agricultural lands, creating a unified "city-village" system. Buildings of that era are characterized by simple forms and a lack of decoration, typical of Soviet influence in architecture.
• 1990s – Early 2000s: Era of Pragmatic Modernization. With the beginning of economic diversification, the city's architecture became more diverse. During this period, the first modern shopping centers, office buildings, and public spaces appeared, beginning to form a new, more dynamic image of the city. An example of such development is Daqing Times Square, which became one of the centers of business and social life.
• 21st Century: Modern Architecture and Focus on Ecology. In recent decades, Daqing has been actively investing in creating a comfortable urban environment and building iconic structures. Architecture is becoming more expressive and technologically advanced. Key examples include the Daqing Oil Technology Museum, the "Iron Man" Wang Jinxi Memorial Hall, and the Daqing Television Tower. At the same time, great attention is paid to landscaping: numerous parks are being created and lakeside areas are being developed, transforming the former industrial center into a modern and green city.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Daqing

Despite its relatively short history, the city of Daqing has become the birthplace and training ground for many well-known figures in China. Primarily, these are people whose destinies are inextricably linked to the development of the oil field, as well as athletes who have brought fame to the city on the international stage.

• Wang Jinxi — A drilling worker and national hero. Known as "Iron Man Wang." He became a symbol of the selfless labor and perseverance of Chinese oil workers in the 1960s. Wang Jinxi led a drilling brigade that arrived to develop the Daqing field under the harshest conditions and achieved record results. His dedication and labor feats became part of the national ideology, and a memorial hall in Daqing bears his name.
• Zhang Hong — A speed skater and Olympic champion. Born in Heilongjiang province and closely linked to the region's sports school. At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, she sensationally won the gold medal in the 1000 meters, becoming China's first-ever Olympic champion in speed skating.
• Han Cong — A figure skater and Olympic champion. Although born in Harbin, his career, like that of many athletes from Heilongjiang province, is closely tied to regional centers, including Daqing. Paired with Sui Wenjing, he became an Olympic champion in 2022 in Beijing, a silver medalist at the 2018 Olympics, and a two-time world champion.
• Yu Xintian — A political figure. She was one of the city's leaders during its period of active development. She made a significant contribution to the social and economic infrastructure of Daqing, serving as mayor and secretary of the city party committee in the 1990s and early 2000s.
• Qin Tian Yu — An actor. Born in Daqing, he graduated from the prestigious Beijing Film Academy. He has starred in several dramas popular in China, including "Story of Kunning Palace" and "The Starry Love," earning recognition from viewers.