Handan history

Handan is one of the oldest cities in China, with a history spanning over 3,000 years. This city is one of the significant cradles of Chinese civilization and has left a profound mark on the country's cultural and political heritage.

Foundation and Capital Status

The first mentions of the city date back to approximately 500 BC. Handan reached its greatest prosperity during the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), when it became the capital of the powerful State of Zhao. It was during this period that the city transformed into a major political, economic, and cultural center of Northern China. Furthermore, Handan is renowned as the birthplace of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China.

Key Development Factors

The city's prosperity was driven by several factors:

• Political Significance: Its status as the capital of the State of Zhao ensured stability and an influx of resources to the city.
• Geographical Location: Situated on the North China Plain at the foot of the Taihang Mountains, Handan occupied a strategically important position at the crossroads of trade routes.
• Economic Power: In ancient times, the city was one of the largest centers for iron production. Later, during the Han Dynasty, it remained a vital commercial hub.

Cultural and Economic Heritage

Early Handan was famous not only for its political influence but also for its rich culture. The city is considered the origin of many Chinese idioms, such as "Handan Toddler" (learning to walk in Handan), which reflects its deep influence on language and folklore. The area is also famous as the home of Cizhou ceramics—a unique type of porcelain with white glaze and black painting, which became an important part of Chinese craftsmanship.

Key Dates in the History of Handan

• Around 5000 BC — The Neolithic Cishan culture flourishes in the territory of modern-day Handan, evidenced by discoveries of ancient pottery and traces of early agriculture.
• 386–228 BC — Handan becomes the prosperous capital of the powerful State of Zhao during the Warring States Period.
• 259 BC — Ying Zheng is born in Handan; he would later unify China and become its first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
• 206 BC – 220 AD — During the Han Dynasty, the city is one of the empire's five largest trade and craft centers.
• 220–280 AD — Yecheng, located within the territory of the modern Handan prefecture-level city, becomes the capital of the Kingdom of Wei during the Three Kingdoms period.
• 6th Century AD — During the Northern and Southern Dynasties period, Buddhist cave temples known for their unique sculpture are created in the Xiangtangshan mountains.
• 960–1279 AD — During the Song Dynasty, the region becomes the center of production for the famous "Cizhou" ceramics, prized throughout China for their distinctive decor.
• 1946 — The first issue of the "People's Daily" (Renmin Ribao), the future official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, is published in Handan.
• 1953 — Handan officially receives the status of a prefecture-level city within the PRC.
• Second half of the 20th Century — The city transforms into a major industrial center of Northern China with developed metallurgy, coal, and textile industries.

Major Stages of Handan's Development

The history of Handan is a journey from an ancient capital to a modern industrial center. The city has repeatedly played a key role in the political, cultural, and economic life of China. Below are the main milestones of its centuries-old development.

• Capital of the State of Zhao (386–228 BC): In the Warring States Period, Handan reached its first peak, becoming one of the most powerful political and cultural centers of Northern China. This status laid the foundation for its future greatness and left a rich historical legacy.
• Trade Center of the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD): The city was among the top five commercial centers of the empire, highlighting its economic significance in ancient China. Its prosperity was based on trade and developed crafts.
• Political Center in the Three Kingdoms Era (220–280 AD): The city of Yecheng, located in the territory of modern Handan, was the capital of the Kingdom of Wei. This maintained the region's high political status following the fall of the Han Dynasty.
• Center of "Cizhou" Ceramics (Song Dynasty, 960–1279): The region became famous throughout China for the production of unique "Cizhou" ceramics, known for their distinctive style and black-and-white painting. These items became an important part of the country's cultural heritage.
• Birthplace of the "People's Daily" (1946): It was in Handan that the first issue of the newspaper was printed, which subsequently became the main official organ of the Communist Party of China, securing the city's place in the country's modern history.
• Rise of an Industrial Giant (Second half of the 20th Century): In the PRC, Handan was transformed into a major industrial hub with a focus on metallurgy, coal mining, machine building, and the textile industry.
• Global "Capital of Fasteners" (21st Century): The Yongnian district in Handan has transformed into the largest center for fastener manufacturing in China and one of the leading ones in the world, supplying products to over 110 countries.
• Modern Urban Planning and Transport Hub: Today, Handan is actively developing as a modern city with high-speed rail connections and an airport, combining industrial power with a respectful attitude toward its rich past.

The architectural appearance of Handan is a living reflection of its centuries-old history, demonstrating the transition from an ancient capital to a modern industrial city in China. Its urban development can be broadly divided into several key eras, each leaving its unique mark.

Ancient World and Imperial Dynasties

During the Warring States Period (475–221 BC), when Handan was the capital of the State of Zhao, the city was built according to the canons of ancient Chinese urban planning. It had a clear layout, was surrounded by massive walls, and housed palace complexes within. Although most wooden structures of that time have not survived, iconic monuments testify to its former grandeur:

• Wuling Terrace (Congtai): Erected during the Warring States Period, it was used for military reviews. Despite numerous reconstructions, the terrace remains a historical symbol of the ancient city.
• Xiangtangshan Cave Temples: Created in the 6th century AD during the Northern Qi Dynasty, these Buddhist grottoes are an outstanding example of religious architecture and sculpture.
• Wahuang Palace (Nuwa Palace): Built in the 6th century and dedicated to the goddess Nuwa, this complex is designed in harmony with the mountain landscape, demonstrating a high level of ancient engineering.

Architecture of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

A striking example of late imperial architecture is the Guangfu Ancient City, located in the vicinity of Handan. In this well-preserved city, one can see the traditional layout and buildings of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) eras, including city walls, ancient streets, and temples. This walled city allows visitors to experience the atmosphere of a time when architecture was subject to strict rules of symmetry and hierarchy.

Industrial and Modern Era

In the second half of the 20th century, Handan's architectural appearance began to change radically due to its transformation into a major industrial center of Northern China. Traditional structures were replaced by functional buildings characteristic of industrial development. Today, the city is actively developing, combining industrial strength with a careful preservation of its past. Modern transport hubs, high-rise buildings, and public spaces are being built, such as the Handan Museum, which preserves the region's history. In some districts, one can find a blend of Eastern and Western architectural styles, testifying to the rich cultural exchange in the city's history.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Handan

For thousands of years, the city of Handan and its surroundings have been the birthplace and center of activity for many iconic figures in Chinese history. These individuals left a deep mark on the country's politics, philosophy, military affairs, and culture.

• Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC) — The first emperor of a unified China. Born in Handan, which was then the capital of the hostile State of Zhao where his father was held hostage. It was he who ended the Warring States Period, centralized administration, standardized writing, weights, and currency, and began the construction of the Great Wall of China. His reign was a turning point in Chinese history.
• Xunzi (c. 313–238 BC) — A prominent Confucian philosopher. A native of the State of Zhao, with Handan as its capital, Xunzi became one of the most influential thinkers of his time. Unlike Mencius, he argued that human nature is inherently "evil" and that only education and rituals can guide one onto the path of virtue. His ideas had a significant influence on the further development of Confucianism and Legalism.
• Lian Po (Warring States Period, 3rd century BC) — A renowned general of the State of Zhao. He was one of the most respected military commanders of his time, known for his successful campaigns, particularly against the State of Qi. His name is inextricably linked with Handan, the capital of Zhao, which he defended. The story of his complex relationship with the official Lin Xiangru became the basis for a famous Chinese idiom about reconciliation for the sake of national interests.
• Lin Xiangru (Warring States Period, 3rd century BC) — A wise official and diplomat of the State of Zhao. Thanks to his intelligence and bravery, he managed to preserve the precious He Shi Bi jade for his kingdom without yielding to the pressure of the powerful State of Qin. His service at the court in Handan is an example of loyalty and diplomatic mastery.
• Cao Cao (155–220 AD) — General, poet, and de facto ruler of Northern China during the Three Kingdoms era. Although not born in Handan, he made the city of Yecheng (within modern Handan's territory) his residence, turning it into the political, economic, and cultural center of his domains. From here, he governed the State of Wei, laying the foundation for the future dynasty.
• Gongsun Long (c. 320–250 BC) — Philosopher, representative of the "School of Names." He was also associated with the State of Zhao and its capital, Handan. Gongsun Long is known for his paradoxical logical arguments, the most famous of which is the thesis "A white horse is not a horse."
• Zhang Weili (born 1989) — Mixed martial artist. Born in Handan, she is the first and only Chinese champion in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) history. She has become a symbol of strength and perseverance for many modern Chinese athletes and has brought fame to her hometown on the international stage.