Heze history

The history of the city of Heze is rooted in deep antiquity. The first settlements in this territory were connected with the era of the Zhou Dynasty, when the State of Cao existed here (11th century BC — 487 BC). Throughout the centuries, the region played a notable role in the history of China. An important historical name for these places became Caozhou (曹州), as the area was named during the Sui Dynasty. This name is still used in the titles of cultural sites, for example, the famous "Caozhou" Peony Garden. The modern name Heze (菏泽) is an abbreviation derived from the names of He Mountain (Heshan) and the Leize body of water.

The formation and development of the city were determined by several key factors. Firstly, its geographical position on the fertile plain in the lower reaches of the Yellow River promoted the development of agriculture. Secondly, the region repeatedly found itself at the centre of important political events. For instance, it was here, in the Dingtao area, that Liu Bang proclaimed himself emperor and founder of the great Han Dynasty. Throughout many dynasties, including the Ming and Qing, Caozhou was a significant administrative centre governing vast territories, which facilitated the development of trade and crafts. The discovery of a sunken Yuan Dynasty ship with well-preserved porcelain testifies to the developed river trade.

Since ancient times, Heze has been known for its cultural and economic distinctiveness. The city rightfully bears the title of the "Peony Capital of China", with a history of cultivation here spanning over 1,400 years. Peony cultivation reached its peak during the Ming and Qing eras, transforming into an important part of the local economy and culture. Furthermore, the region is closely connected with classical Chinese literature — Yuncheng County, part of modern Heze, is considered the homeland of many heroes from the famous novel "Water Margin".

Key Milestones in the History of Heze

The history of the city known today as Heze spans several millennia. During this time, it has changed many names and witnessed landmark events that defined its cultural and political landscape.

• Zhou Era (11th century BC — 487 BC): The State of Cao flourished on the territory of modern Heze, laying the foundations of the region's early culture.
• 206 BC: In the Dingtao area, part of modern Heze, Liu Bang proclaimed himself emperor, founding the powerful Han Dynasty.
• Sui Dynasty (581–618): The region receives the name Caozhou (曹州), which would be closely linked to its history for many centuries.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907): Active peony cultivation begins during this period, and the development of the Grand Canal increases the city's economic importance as a trading hub.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): In 1445, Caozhou is restored to the status of a prefecture, and peony cultivation reaches its zenith, bringing the region fame as the "Capital of Peonies".
• 1735: During the Qing Dynasty, the area is upgraded to the status of Caozhou Prefecture, and the settlement receives the modern name Heze, formed from the names of He Mountain and Leize Lake.
• 1913: Following the Xinhai Revolution and administrative division reform, the prefectures and areas were abolished, changing the region's status.
• 1949: After the establishment of the PRC, the Heze Special District was created, which temporarily became part of the experimental Pingyuan province.
• 1952: The Heze Special District was returned to Shandong Province.
• 1992: The annual International Peony Festival begins, attracting tourists from all over the world to Heze and confirming its status as a floral capital.
• 2021: Heze Mudan Airport opens and the high-speed railway line enters operation, significantly improving the city's transport accessibility.

The history of Heze is a journey from an ancient principality to a modern metropolis, known throughout China as the "Peony Capital". The city has undergone numerous transformations that have defined its current appearance and economic significance.

• Ancient Origins (State of Cao): The region's history dates back to the Zhou Dynasty era (11th century BC), when the State of Cao was located here. Later, under the Sui Dynasty, this area was named Caozhou, a name that still lives on in cultural sites, such as the famous "Caozhou" Peony Garden.
• Centre of Power of the Han Dynasty: The Dingtao area, now part of Heze, became the place where Liu Bang proclaimed himself emperor and founder of the great Han Dynasty, highlighting the historical significance of these lands.
• Administrative and Trade Hub (Ming and Qing Dynasties): During the Ming and Qing eras, Caozhou was a vital administrative centre governing vast territories. Its location on a fertile plain promoted the development of agriculture, trade, and crafts, as evidenced by archaeological finds such as a sunken Yuan Dynasty ship laden with porcelain.
• Rise of the "Peony Capital": Peony cultivation, which has a history of over 1,400 years here, reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Starting from the 17th century, Heze (then Caozhou) established itself as the country's main centre for growing these flowers. This became not only an important part of the culture but also a significant economic sector.
• Formation of Modern Status: After the establishment of the PRC and a series of administrative reforms, the Heze Special District was created, which later became a prefecture-level city within Shandong Province. This solidified its status as a major regional centre.
• Economic Diversification in the 21st Century: In recent decades, Heze's economy has been actively diversifying. Beyond traditional agriculture and peony cultivation, industries such as textile footwear production and artistic porcelain are developing, creating new jobs and contributing to rising prosperity.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure and Tourism: Modern Heze is an important transport hub with a developed road network. The status of "Peony Capital" and the hosting of annual festivals attract many tourists, transforming the city into an international tourism brand.

The architectural appearance of Heze presents a striking contrast between the heritage of ancient China and the rapid modernization of recent decades. Like many Chinese cities with a rich history, Heze has lost a significant part of its old buildings, yet it has preserved the spirit of the past in garden ensembles and is actively shaping a new, modern silhouette.

Traditional Architecture and the Heritage of Caozhou

The historical architecture of Heze, dating back to the times when the city was known as Caozhou, is best traced today not in residential quarters, but in landscape and temple complexes. Many of them, although reconstructed, follow the canons of classical Chinese architecture of the Ming and Qing eras.

• Garden and Park Style: The city's main architectural treasures are concentrated in its famous peony gardens, such as the Caozhou Peony Garden. Their layout reflects the traditional principles of the Chinese garden: a harmonious combination of pavilions with curved roofs, rockeries, artificial ponds, and winding bridges. These elements create a sense of unity between nature and architecture.
• Temple Architecture: Religious and memorial structures demonstrating traditional building techniques have been preserved in the city and its surroundings. They are characterized by the use of wood as the main structural material, massive tiled roofs, and decorative carving.
• Lost Heritage: Unfortunately, the old city walls and gates, characteristic of administrative centres in imperial China, have not been preserved in Heze. The historical look of "old Caozhou" can today be imagined mainly through museum exhibits and individual reconstructed sections.

Modern Urban Planning and a New Era

Since the end of the 20th century, and especially in recent years, Heze has been experiencing a construction boom that is radically changing its appearance. The city's development is subject to modern principles of functionality, scale, and transport efficiency.

• Functional Modernism: Objects of transport infrastructure have become key symbols of the new Heze. Opened in 2021, Heze Mudan Airport and the high-speed railway station are examples of modern functional architecture. They are distinguished by concise forms, spacious light-filled halls, and the use of glass and metal — all dedicated to the goal of ensuring comfort and high capacity.
• New Public Spaces: Modern cultural centres, museums, and exhibition halls are being actively built in the city. Their architecture typically follows global postmodern trends, combining bold geometric forms with references to local culture, for example, the shape of a peony flower.
• Urban Planning: The modern development of Heze is characterized by the appearance of wide avenues, high-rise residential complexes, and landscaped public parks, reflecting the transformation of the historic centre into a dynamically growing metropolis.

Notable Figures Associated with Heze

The land of Heze, which bore the name Caozhou for centuries, became the birthplace or the site of key events in the lives of many prominent figures in Chinese history — from emperors and generals to stars of the modern stage.

• Liu Bang (circa 256–195 BC) — the founder and first emperor of the Han Dynasty. It was in the Dingtao area, now part of Heze, that Liu Bang proclaimed himself Emperor Gaozu. This event became a turning point in the history of China, marking the beginning of one of the most powerful and enduring empires.
• Fan Li (6th–5th centuries BC) — a politician, strategist, and widely considered the first business magnate in Chinese history. After retiring from government service, he settled in Dingtao (then known as Tao) and, under the name Tao Zhugong, amassed a huge fortune through trade. He is revered as a "God of Wealth", and his business acumen and philosophy have become legendary.
• Emperor Ai (27–1 BC) — the eleventh emperor of the Western Han Dynasty. He was born on the territory of the modern Dingtao District. His reign fell during the period of the dynasty's decline, but his connection to the region is an important part of Heze's historical heritage.
• Huang Chao (died 884) — a native of Caozhou (the old name for Heze), who led one of the largest peasant uprisings in Chinese history at the end of the Tang Dynasty. He managed to capture the capital Chang'an and proclaimed himself emperor of the new Qi Dynasty, which dealt a crushing blow to the power of the Tang and hastened its fall.
• Song Jiang (historical prototype lived in the 12th century) — a rebel leader during the Song Dynasty and the central character of the classic Chinese novel "Water Margin". His homeland is traditionally considered to be Yuncheng County, part of modern Heze. Although the character in the novel is largely literary, he is based on a real historical figure and holds immense cultural significance for the region.
• Peng Liyuan (born 1962) — a contemporary and world-famous native of Yuncheng County. A distinguished performer of folk songs, a Major General in the People's Liberation Army of China, and the wife of PRC President Xi Jinping. For her beauty and talent, she is often called the "Peony Fairy", which symbolically connects her with Heze's main cultural asset.