Hefei history

The city of Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, boasts a rich and centuries-old history spanning over 2,000 years. Its formation and development are inextricably linked to its strategic position, military events, and the trade routes of ancient China.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements in the territory of modern Hefei existed as early as the period from the 8th to the 6th century BC, when these lands were part of the small State of Shu. However, the city took shape as an administrative unit later. During the Qin Empire (221–206 BC), the seat of the county authorities was already located here. The city received its name, which translates as "the confluence of the Fei rivers," thanks to a geographical feature — at this spot, the waters of the Fei River, previously divided into two streams, merged.

Key Factors of Formation

Several key factors influenced the early history of Hefei, defining its importance for many centuries to come:

• Geographical Location: Situated between the Huaihe and Yangtze rivers, Hefei served as an important transport hub and a natural barrier, making it a strategically valuable point.
• Military Significance: The city was the arena for many significant battles. The Battle of Hefei in the 3rd century AD, during the Three Kingdoms period, is particularly famous and forever inscribed the city into China's military history.
• Administrative Status: Throughout various dynasties, including the Ming and Qing, Hefei (also known as Luzhou) was the capital of the prefecture, which contributed to its growth and influence.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the Western Han Dynasty, Hefei was already a well-known trading city. Later, during the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1279), it established itself as a major centre for the trade of grain and vegetable oils. By the end of the 19th century, the city was among the four most significant commercial hubs of Anhui Province. The city's economy was closely tied to the agriculture of the surrounding fertile lands, while its culture developed in line with the general traditions of the great Chinese dynasties.

Key Dates in the History of Hefei

• 8th–6th centuries BC — Early settlements exist on the territory of the modern city, forming part of the small State of Shu.
• 221 BC — During the Qin Empire, the administrative centre of the Jiujiang Commandery is established here, marking the formal beginning of its administrative history.
• 2nd century BC — During the Western Han Dynasty, the city becomes a bustling trading point at the intersection of important routes.
• 3rd century AD — The famous Battle of Hefei takes place, one of the key battles of the Three Kingdoms era, forever inscribing the city into the military history of China.
• 581–618 — During the Sui Dynasty, the city receives the name Luzhou, which would be used for many centuries.
• 960–1279 — During the Song Dynasty, the city establishes itself as a major centre for the trade of grain and vegetable oils.
• 1066 — A memorial temple is built in honour of Bao Zheng, a famous and incorruptible official of the Song era, becoming one of the city's main attractions.
• 1368–1911 — Throughout the reign of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the city retains the status of the administrative centre of Luzhou Prefecture.
• 1912 — After the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the empire, Hefei County comes under the direct administration of the provincial government.
• 1945 — The urban administrative unit of Hefei is officially separated from the county of the same name.
• 1949 — Hefei officially becomes the capital of Anhui Province, giving a powerful impetus to its economic and cultural development.
• 1958 — The University of Science and Technology of China is founded, cementing the city's status as one of the country's leading scientific and educational centres.

The history of Hefei is a journey from an ancient trading settlement to one of the leading scientific, technical, and industrial centres of modern China. The city's key transformations reflect its dynamic development over the centuries.

• Ancient Trade Hub: The city's roots go back more than 2,000 years; as early as the Han Dynasty, it was known as a trading point. By the Song Dynasty era (960–1279), it had turned into an important centre for the trade of grain and vegetable oils, laying the foundation for its economic significance.

• Designation as Provincial Capital: In 1949, Hefei received the status of the administrative centre of Anhui Province, replacing the city of Anqing in this role. This decision became a powerful impulse for urban planning and administrative development, turning a small city into an important regional hub.

• Post-War Industrialisation: Beginning in the 1950s, active industrialisation began in Hefei. Major enterprises were built, including a steel complex, textile factories, and chemical plants. The development of the Huainan coal basin and the construction of railways strengthened its industrial potential.

• Rise as a Science Centre: A turning point was the relocation of the University of Science and Technology of China — one of the country's leading universities — to Hefei in 1970. Following this, a branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and numerous research institutes opened here, turning the city into a national centre of science and innovation, second only to Beijing in the concentration of scientific projects.

• High-Tech Era: In 1991, one of the country's first high-tech development zones was created in the city. This attracted investment in electronics, bioengineering, and new materials, defining Hefei's modern economic landscape.

• New Generation Automotive Hub: In the 21st century, Hefei has become one of China's key centres for the production of New Energy Vehicles (NEV). Giants such as BYD, NIO, and Volkswagen have located their production facilities here, stimulating the development of the entire industrial chain from batteries to finished electric vehicles.

The architectural appearance of Hefei is a vivid reflection of its rapid journey from an ancient settlement to one of the leading scientific and technical metropolises of China. Unlike cities with pronounced European styles such as Gothic or Renaissance, Hefei's urban planning history was shaped by the influence of traditional Chinese architecture, Soviet functionalism, and, primarily, ultra-modern trends.

The historical heritage of the city is represented by few but significant structures. The traditional architecture of the region, known as the Hui style, is characterised by elegance, strict forms, and harmony with nature. Although ancient quarters have practically not survived, echoes of this style can be seen in objects such as the Memorial Temple of Bao Zheng, built as far back as the 11th century. These surviving islands of antiquity serve as an important reminder of the city's deep roots.

After the 1950s, with the onset of active industrialisation, functionalism dominated in Hefei. The city was built up with standard residential and industrial buildings, where the main priority was speed of construction and practicality, which was typical for many rapidly growing industrial centres of that time. Today, many of these industrial zones are receiving new life: for example, a former diesel factory was transformed into the popular cultural and creative park `Hechai 1972`, preserving the industrial aesthetic.

The modern stage of development, which began at the end of the 20th century, has completely transformed Hefei. The city has become a platform for bold architectural experiments in the spirit of modernism and postmodernism. New business districts, especially the area around the picturesque `Swan Lake`, are built up with impressive skyscrapers and futuristic buildings. Iconic objects include the `Hefei Grand Theatre` with its flowing lines resembling a swan, and the high-rise building of the `Anhui Broadcasting and Television Centre`. In some modern projects, one can also encounter eclectic borrowings of Western styles, but they serve more as decorative elements than historical dominants.

Urban planning in Hefei today is synonymous with innovation. The city is one of the pioneers of the "Sponge City" concept, aimed at sustainable water resource management through the creation of green zones and permeable surfaces. A unique development strategy divides the city into three functional rings — the "brain" (science), the "muscles" (industry), and the "lungs" (ecology), emphasising Hefei's status as a city where technology and nature develop in close connection.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Hefei

The history of Hefei is rich with the names of outstanding figures who have left a significant mark not only on the history of the city but also on the entire country. Among them are incorruptible judges, influential politicians, brilliant generals, and world-renowned scientists.

• Zhang Liao (169–222) — A military commander of the Three Kingdoms era who served under Cao Cao. Although he was not a native of the city, his name is inextricably linked to Hefei thanks to the famous Battle of Xiaoyao Ford. Commanding a garrison of several thousand warriors, he heroically repelled the offensive of Sun Quan's 100,000-strong army, displaying outstanding courage and tactical mastery.
• Bao Zheng (999–1062) — A statesman and judge of the Northern Song Dynasty, a native of Hefei. He became a legendary symbol of justice, honesty, and incorruptibility. For his uncompromising fight against corruption and protection of common people, Bao Zheng received the nickname "Lord Bao — Blue Sky" among the people, signifying heavenly purity and justice. A memorial temple was erected in his honour in Hefei.
• Li Hongzhang (1823–1901) — One of the most influential officials, generals, and diplomats of the late Qing Dynasty. Born in Hefei, he played a key role in attempts to modernise China in the second half of the 19th century. He initiated the creation of modern arsenals, naval bases, and industrial enterprises, and also conducted negotiations with Western powers for a long time. His former residence in Hefei is a museum today.
• Duan Qirui (1865–1936) — A military commander and politician, a native of Hefei. He was one of the leaders of the Beiyang Army and repeatedly held the post of Premier and provisional head of the executive branch of the Republic of China in the 1910s and 1920s, exerting immense influence on the political life of the country during the complex "Warlord Era."
• Yang Chen-ning (born 1922) — A distinguished theoretical physicist born in Hefei. In 1957, together with Tsung-Dao Lee, he became the first Chinese person to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for fundamental research in the field of elementary particles. His works, particularly the Yang-Mills theory, formed the basis of the modern Standard Model of particle physics.