Fuyun history

The history of Fuyun County, located in northern Xinjiang, is inextricably linked to the rich natural resources of the Altai Mountains. The city's name can be translated as "Rich Accumulation" or "Fortunate Destiny," which symbolically resonates with the treasures discovered beneath its soil. Although these lands served as summer pastures for nomadic peoples for centuries, the modern history of the settlement as an administrative and industrial centre began in the first half of the 20th century, when geologists confirmed the presence of unique deposits.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of this remote territory into an important settlement in China was driven by a combination of geographical and economic reasons:

• Geological Discoveries: The primary driver of development was the discovery of rare metals and minerals. The famous Mine No. 3 in the Koktokay area, managed by the county, became a legendary site that ensured a rapid influx of specialists and infrastructure development.
• Water Resources: Its location at the headwaters of the Irtysh (Ertix) River provided the settlement with necessary water for life and industrial needs amidst a rather harsh climate.
• Trade Routes: Proximity to borders facilitated cultural exchange, although domestic industry remained the main vector of development for a long time.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Fuyun was formed around the mining industry. This created a unique socio-cultural phenomenon: alongside the traditional yurts of nomadic herders, who had lived in harmony with the nature of Altai for centuries, workers' settlements for engineers and miners emerged. Such proximity formed a distinct way of life where industrial achievements coexisted with ancient traditions of hospitality and animal husbandry. Today, this historical heritage, along with geological parks, forms the basis of the region's tourism appeal.

Chronology of Development

• Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD): The territory of the modern county was within the sphere of influence of the Xiongnu nomadic empire.
• 1762: The lands came under the administrative control of the Qing Empire, consolidating control over the region.
• 1930s: Soviet geologists discover unique deposits of rare metals and minerals in the Altai Mountains.
• 1937: The beginning of active geological exploration, determining the future fate of the region as a major industrial centre.
• 1950: The People's Government of Fuyun County is officially formed.
• 1951: A joint Soviet-Chinese enterprise is founded for the large-scale development of mineral resources in Koktokay.
• 1955: Management of mines and enterprises fully transfers to China, marking a stage of independent development.
• 1964: Beryllium mined here is used in the successful test of China's first atomic bomb.
• 1967: Lithium from the local Mine No. 3 supports the creation and testing of the PRC's first hydrogen bomb.
• 1980: The administrative centre of the Koktokay district receives town status, facilitating the development of urban infrastructure.
• 1999: The legendary Mine No. 3 ceases large-scale industrial mining, beginning its transformation into a heritage site.
• 2005: The creation of the Koktokay National Geopark is approved, opening unique landscapes to tourists.
• 2012: The Koktokay Scenic Spot receives the highest 5A category from the National Tourism Administration.
• 2017: The geopark is officially included in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, receiving global recognition.

Key Stages of Transformation

The history of the development of Fuyun County is a journey from secluded nomadic encampments to a strategic industrial centre and a modern tourism destination. Several turning points can be highlighted that shaped the city's current economic and cultural appearance:

• The Beginning of Industrialisation (1930s–1950s)
  The discovery of extremely rich deposits of rare metals turned the region into an important mining hub. This led to the construction of the first permanent buildings and roads, and an influx of specialists, which permanently changed the demographic composition and lifestyle of the local population.
• Strategic Contribution to State Development (1960s)
  During this period, China used resources from local mines to implement aerospace and energy programmes. This stage gave the city a special historical status, which today serves as the foundation for popular "red tourism" and patriotic routes.
• Ecological Turn (Late 1990s)
  The decision to conserve the mines and cease large-scale extraction marked the beginning of a new era. The city shifted from extensive exploitation of the subsoil to its protection, allowing the unique landscapes of Altai to be preserved for future generations.
• Transport Breakthrough (2015–2019)
  The commissioning of a civil airport and connection to the railway network brought Fuyun out of geographical isolation. This gave a powerful impulse to trade and ensured a steady flow of tourists, previously limited by complex logistics.
• Global Recognition (2017)
  The inclusion of Koktokay Geopark in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network became a mark of quality for the city's tourism industry. This event attracted international investment in the hospitality sector and stimulated the modernisation of the urban environment.

The architectural appearance of Fuyun County differs significantly from traditional Chinese cities with their pagodas and temple complexes. Here, the urban fabric is woven from the rugged industrial heritage of the mid-20th century and modern infrastructure focused on eco-tourism. The settlement's development proceeded not through changing dynastic eras, but through stages of industrial development and subsequent urbanisation.

The Industrial Era and Functionalism

The period from the 1950s to the 1980s was decisive for the formation of the region's historic core, especially in the Koktokay town area. The architecture of this time was subject to the strict utilitarian tasks of the mining industry.

• Socialist Functionalism: Buildings were erected to ensure mine operations and housing for specialists. Characteristic features include the use of red brick, simplicity of form, lack of decorative excesses, and pitched roofs adapted for snowy winters.
• Soviet Influence: Since subsoil development in the early stages involved Soviet geologists, elements of Soviet urban planning can be traced in the layout of old quarters: a regular street grid, cultural centres with classical porticos, and standard low-rise residential buildings.

Modern Development and Regional Style

Since the beginning of the 21st century, following the closure of major mines and a shift towards tourism, Fuyun has begun to actively transform. The new stage of urban planning is characterised by a desire to create a comfortable environment and highlight local identity.

• Modern Style: New administrative buildings, shopping centres, and transport hubs, such as the airport and railway station, are executed in a concise modern style using glass and concrete.
• Ethno-Architecture: In tourist zones and hotel designs, motifs of Kazakh culture are actively used. This manifests in the stylisation of buildings as traditional dwellings, the use of national ornaments on facades, and the integration of authentic yurts into hotel complexes.

Landmark Districts and Objects

The architectural landscape of the county is formed by several key zones, each reflecting its own era:

• Koktokay Historical Quarter: A unique ensemble of industrial architecture. Preserved here are the old geological administration building, a historic hydroelectric power station (partially underground), and residential quarters of the "red period," which have now been converted into museum objects and creative spaces.
• Irtysh River Embankment: An example of modern landscaping in China. A recreation zone with promenades, parks, and small architectural forms has become the centre of public life in the renewed city.

Notable Figures

The history of Fuyun County is closely intertwined with the destinies of people who discovered its riches, created its industrial power, and praised the beauty of this land. The list of significant figures includes geologists, scientists, ordinary workers, and cultural figures.

• Ayiguozi Shalimu
  Local prospector and discoverer
  In 1949, this local resident discovered a rich vein of rare metals, which later became known as the "Ayiguozi Mine." His find played a key role in expanding geological exploration in the region and discovering new deposits, cementing Fuyun's status as a "geological treasury."
• Li Siguang
  Distinguished geologist, Minister of Geology of the PRC
  Although the famous scientist worked on a national scale, his theories of geomechanics became the foundation for mineral exploration in the Altai. It was thanks to Li Siguang's scientific forecasts that large-scale surveys were launched in the region, turning the remote county into a strategic centre of the mining industry.
• Qian Sanqiang
  Nuclear physicist, "Father of the Chinese atomic bomb"
  The scientist's destiny is inextricably linked with the county's resources. Rare metals (beryllium and lithium) mined in the shafts of Koktokay were critically important for his research and the development of the first atomic and hydrogen bombs in China. His contribution highlights the region's strategic importance for national science and defence.
• Tan Qiye
  Honorary miner, production leader
  A representative of the first generation of Chinese miners who arrived in Fuyun in the 1950s. His career became a symbol of the dedication of thousands of workers who, in severe climatic conditions (with temperatures down to -40°C), manually mined the ore necessary to repay the country's national debt.
• Li Juan
  Contemporary writer and essayist
  Author of popular books, such as "My Altai," in which she describes the daily life of local nomads and the harsh beauty of Fuyun's nature with love and humour. Her work opened this remote corner to a wide audience, inspiring many tourists to visit the region and become acquainted with the culture of the Kazakh people.
• Bahtibek Kasimhan
  Local historian and guardian of history
  A local enthusiast who has assembled a unique collection of everyday items and tools from the era of active mine development. The private museum he created and his work as a guide help preserve the memory of the city's industrial past and pass on the history of the "Koktokay spirit" to new generations.