Hechi history

The history of the city of Hechi and its surroundings is rooted in deep antiquity, yet its formation as a modern administrative centre is relatively recent. This region in the northwest of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China has always played a significant role due to its strategic position and abundant natural resources.

Foundation and First Mentions

The territory of modern Hechi has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. The first administrative structures appeared here during the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), when the region was incorporated into the Guilin and Qianzhong commanderies. Over the centuries, these lands were part of various administrative units, while Hechi itself was established as a unified prefecture-level city only in 2002 through the merger of existing counties and a special district created in 1965.

Key Factors of Development

The development of Hechi was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Situated on the southern edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the city lies in a mountainous area with complex terrain. An abundance of rivers, including the Hongshui River, facilitated the development of agriculture and transport.
• Trade and Resources: During the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912), Hechi became an important crossroads for trade routes. The region is extremely rich in minerals, including tin, antimony, zinc, and indium, making it one of the key centres of the mining industry in China.
• Administrative Role: Beginning with the Han Dynasty, Hechi gradually transformed into an important political and cultural hub in northwest Guangxi. Its modern status as a prefecture-level city consolidated this role in the 21st century.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Hechi is the birthplace of the ancient Baiyue culture. It is a multi-ethnic region home to the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, Maonan, and other peoples, creating a unique cultural tapestry. The Zhuang people make up the majority of the population, and their traditions, language, and festivals, such as the "San Yue San" festival, play a central role in cultural life. The economy was initially agrarian, but over time, mining and hydropower gained crucial importance.

• 214 BC — After the conquest of the Lingnan lands by the Qin Dynasty, the territory of modern Hechi first entered the imperial administrative system, becoming part of the Guilin Commandery.
• 111 BC — Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty established the first counties here, initiating the long process of integrating the region into the state structure.
• 1053 — The suppression of the Nong Zhigao rebellion by Song Dynasty troops facilitated the strengthening of central authority and the spread of Han culture to the southern frontiers of China.
• 1279 — During the Yuan Dynasty, the "Tusi" system was officially enshrined, entrusting the governance of territories to local tribal chieftains in exchange for loyalty to the emperor.
• 1726 — The Qing government launched the massive "Gaitu Guiliu" reform, replacing hereditary local rulers with appointed officials to centralise power.
• 1929 — The region became one of the arenas for the Baise Uprising; Donglan County (now part of Hechi) played a key role in forming revolutionary bases in the south of the country.
• 1965 — The Hechi Special District was officially formed, becoming the administrative predecessor of the modern prefecture.
• 2002 — The State Council approved the establishment of Hechi Prefecture-level City, providing impetus for large-scale urbanisation and industrial development.
• 2014 — Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport commenced operations; its unique runway is built atop the levelled peaks of mountains.
• 2023 — The opening of the Guiyang–Nanning high-speed railway integrated the city into the national high-speed transport network.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of the city of Hechi is a journey from a remote mountain region to a major industrial and tourism hub in southern China. The following milestones defined the modern economic, urban, and cultural character of the prefecture:

• Emergence as a Non-Ferrous Metallurgy Centre (Mid-20th Century)
  The discovery and large-scale extraction of tin, antimony, and zinc deposits turned the agrarian district into the industrial heart of Guangxi. This provided the city's economic foundation and an influx of specialists, securing Hechi's status as the "Capital of Non-Ferrous Metals".
• Achieving Prefecture-Level City Status (2002)
  Administrative reform and the unification of scattered counties into a single prefecture allowed for centralised management and budgeting. This event became a catalyst for comprehensive urban planning, infrastructure renewal, and improved quality of life.
• Opening of Hechi Jinchengjiang Airport (2014)
  The construction of an airport on the tops of sheared-off mountains was a true engineering marvel that solved the problem of transport isolation. The arrival of the air harbour opened the region to investors and tourists, significantly accelerating business activity.
• Development of the "World Longevity Capital" Brand
  International recognition of Bama County (part of Hechi) as a longevity zone reoriented part of the economy towards health and wellness tourism. This led to a boom in the service sector, the construction of sanatoriums, and the development of eco-friendly product manufacturing.
• Integration into the High-Speed Rail Network
  Connection to the national high-speed rail network (specifically the Guiyang–Nanning line) linked the city with the country's largest metropolises. Reduced travel time stimulated trade exchange and made the city accessible for weekend trips.
• Ecological Modernisation of Industry
  The transition from extensive resource extraction to deep processing and the implementation of "green" technologies allowed for a reduction in environmental impact. The transformation of old industrial zones into modern technology parks has changed the city's industrial landscape.
• Cultural Capitalisation of Ethnic Heritage
  State support for the traditions of the Zhuang, Yao, and Mulao peoples turned folklore into an important economic resource. Ethnic festivals and crafts have become the foundation of event tourism, forming a unique and recognisable image of the region.

The architectural appearance of Hechi is a visual history of its transformation from an industrial centre into a modern city. Unlike the ancient capitals of China, its urban landscape was formed not under the influence of imperial dynasties, but as a result of the industrial boom of the 20th century and subsequent modernisation.

The Industrial Era (Mid-20th Century)

A key stage in the city's construction occurred in the mid-20th century, when Hechi became one of the main centres for non-ferrous metal mining. During this period, architecture was strictly utilitarian in the spirit of socialist pragmatism. The cityscape was filled with simple and functional buildings: brick and concrete administrative blocks, standard residential quarters for workers, and massive factory complexes. Aesthetics gave way to practicality, with the main task being to meet the needs of rapidly growing industry.

Modern Urban Planning (Late 20th – 21st Century)

With the onset of the reform and opening-up policy, the face of Hechi began to change radically. Strict industrial developments were replaced by modern architectural solutions. Today, the city is actively developing: new residential complexes, modern shopping centres, and public spaces are being erected. Urban planning emphasises eco-friendliness and the creation of a comfortable urban environment, aligning with the region's new course towards "green" development. A unique example of the fusion of modern architecture and nature is the "Canyon of Knowledge" bookstore, built directly into the sheer wall of a giant karst sinkhole.

Traditional and Ethnic Motifs

Although modern development dominates the city itself, unique examples of traditional architecture have been preserved in the surroundings of Hechi. In villages inhabited by the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao peoples, one can find distinctive structures reflecting their culture: houses with roofs shaped like bulls' heads and mushroom-shaped granaries. Ancient buildings constructed in the Lingnan style, featuring characteristic wooden frames and latticed patterns on windows, have also been preserved in the region, telling the story of the area's rich trading history.

The prefecture-level city of Hechi and the lands within its jurisdiction have been the birthplace of many prominent individuals who have left a significant mark on the culture and history of China. Among them are legendary heroes, revolutionaries, and figures of the arts.

Liu Sanjie (刘三姐)

Role: Legendary folk singer, cultural symbol of the Zhuang people.

Significance: Liu Sanjie, or "Third Sister Liu", is a central figure in Zhuang folklore, famous for her unsurpassed talent for singing folk songs. Although her existence belongs to the realm of legends, presumably from the Tang Dynasty era, she is revered as the "Goddess of Song". Her stories, praising wisdom, justice, and the love of freedom, have become an integral part of Guangxi's cultural heritage. The Yizhou district in Hechi is considered her homeland, hosting a popular tourist complex dedicated to her life.

Wei Baqun (韦拔群, 1894–1932)

Role: Revolutionary, one of the leaders of the peasant movement.

Significance: A native of Donglan County (now part of Hechi), Wei Baqun was one of the key organisers of the peasant movement in Guangxi and a prominent figure in the early period of the Communist Party of China. He became one of the leaders of the famous Baise Uprising in 1929 and commanded a division within the Chinese Red Army. Wei Baqun is considered a national hero and a symbol of the revolutionary struggle in the region. His former residence in Donglan County has been turned into a memorial complex.

Wei Guoqing (韦国清, 1913–1989)

Role: General of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), political figure.

Significance: Like Wei Baqun, Wei Guoqing was born in Donglan County. He had a brilliant military and political career, becoming one of the highest-ranking representatives of the Zhuang people in the PRC government. Wei Guoqing served as the head of the Guangxi government (1958–1975), Director of the PLA General Political Department, and was a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee. His activities had a significant impact on the development of Guangxi and the country's political life in the second half of the 20th century.

Lu Tao (卢焘, 1882–1949)

Role: Military and political figure of the Republic of China period.

Significance: A native of Yishan County (today the Yizhou District in Hechi), Lu Tao was an influential general and governor of Guizhou Province during the Warlord Era. He participated in the Xinhai Revolution and held important posts in the government. Lu Tao is known for his contribution to the modernisation of the army and the administration of provinces in Southwest China during a complex period of republican history.

Mo Wenhua (莫文骅, 1910–2000)

Role: General of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

Significance: Hailing from Nandan County (part of Hechi), Mo Wenhua was a participant in the "Long March" and a prominent political commissar in the PLA. He held leadership positions in various military districts and military educational institutions, making a significant contribution to political and ideological education in the Chinese army. His career serves as an example of a successful military figure emerging from this region.