Huili

The city of Huili, located in the south of Sichuan Province, has a rich and centuries-old history. Its past is closely intertwined with trade routes and its strategic position on the border of ancient kingdoms.

Founding and Early Mentions

Huili's history as a settlement dates back more than 2,000 years. The ancient city owes much of its current appearance and structure to the Ming Dynasty era, when more than 600 years ago, a powerful citadel was erected here, determining its future development.

Key Factors of Formation

The city's development was driven by several important factors:

• Geographical Location: Huili historically occupied a strategically vital spot at the junction of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, earning it the nickname "The Key to Sichuan and Yunnan."
• Trade: The city was one of the key inns and transit points on the ancient Southern Silk Road, which contributed to its economic prosperity.
• Strategic Importance: Due to its location in a mountainous area, Huili served as an important military and administrative center, controlling the routes between regions.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

Since ancient times, Huili has been not only a fortress but also an important cultural and economic hub. The city became known as a center for trade and crafts. One of its hallmarks was the production of green-glazed pottery—a unique craft recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Active trade and the blending of cultures left their mark on the city's architecture and traditions, which have been preserved to this day.

Key Milestones in Huili's History

The history of Huili spans more than two millennia. Over this time, it has evolved from a small county center into an important strategic and cultural point in southern China. Here are some of the key moments in its rich history:

• 111 BC — During the Western Han Dynasty, Huiwu County (会无县) was founded on this site, marking the first official administrative establishment in the region.
• 675 AD — During the Tang Dynasty, the county was renamed Huichuan County (会川县).
• 1277 AD — During the reign of the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, a larger administrative district, Huichuan-lu (会川路), was established.
• 1392 AD — Under the Ming Dynasty, after the suppression of a local uprising, the city was reorganized into a military garrison, and its walls were reinforced with stone, giving it the appearance that is partially preserved to this day.
• 1729 AD — During the Qing Dynasty, its administrative status was elevated to Huili Prefecture (会理州), and the city became a major regional center.
• 1913 AD — Following the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the Qing Empire, the prefecture was transformed into Huili County (会理县).
• 1935 AD — During the "Long March," the famous "Huili Meeting" took place in the vicinity of the city, strengthening Mao Zedong's leadership position.
• 2011 AD — For its rich history and well-preserved heritage, the city was granted the status of a National Historical and Cultural City of China.
• 2021 AD — Huili County was officially converted into a county-level city, highlighting its growing importance in modern Sichuan Province.

Key Milestones in Huili's Development

Huili's development is a story of transformation that turned an ancient military outpost into a thriving cultural and economic center. Below are the main milestones that shaped the modern face of the city.

• Ancient Outpost and Trade Hub: Founded over 2,000 years ago, Huili quickly became a strategically important point on the Southern Silk Road. Its location at the junction of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces fostered economic prosperity and cultural exchange, laying the foundation for its future growth.
• Ming Dynasty Urban Planning: In the 14th century, the city was enclosed by a massive stone wall. This measure not only strengthened its military significance but also formed a unique architectural appearance that remains its hallmark to this day.
• Center of Unique Craftsmanship: Huili became famous as the birthplace of green-glazed pottery—a distinctive ceramic art recognized as intangible cultural heritage. This craft became an essential part of the city's cultural identity and economy.
• China's "Pomegranate Capital": In the modern era, Huili has evolved into China's largest center for pomegranate cultivation. The agricultural sector has become a key economic driver, providing a significant portion of the region's income and exporting products to many countries worldwide.
• Recognition of Historical Value: In 2011, the city was officially granted the status of a National Historical and Cultural City of China. This recognition served as a powerful catalyst for tourism development and programs to preserve its unique heritage.
• Digital Transformation of the Agrosector: Following modern trends, the "Pomegranate Price Index" based on blockchain technology was launched in Huili. This innovation aims to increase transparency and strengthen the brand of local products in the global market, serving as a bright example of economic modernization.
• Administrative Status Elevation: In 2021, Huili County was officially converted into a county-level city. This change reflects its growing role in the region, urbanization processes, and the transition to a new stage of modern development.

Huili's architectural character is a beautifully preserved page of history, frozen in stone and wood. The city rightfully holds the title of a National Historical and Cultural Heritage site of China, as its layout allows visitors to see firsthand the urban planning principles and styles of the great Ming and Qing dynasties. A stroll through its streets is a true journey through time, where every house and alleyway guards its own centuries-old secrets.

The foundation of the old city's layout was laid during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when Huili transformed into an important military and administrative center. The city was designed according to classic Chinese canons and represents a striking example of garrison architecture. Its structure resembles a chessboard, with main streets radiating from a central point. This strict symmetry, oriented to the cardinal points, still defines the appearance of the historical center today. The city was once surrounded by a massive stone wall with four gates, which not only protected it but also clearly defined the boundaries of the urban space.

The heart of Huili and its primary architectural landmark is the Bell and Drum Tower (Zhonggulou). This majestic structure, located at the intersection of the central streets, served not only for timekeeping but was also the symbolic center of the city. The tower features exquisite wood carvings and characteristic curved roof eaves, serving as a benchmark of Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) architecture. Its unique design attracts connoisseurs of ancient architecture from all over the country.

The streets of Huili, paved with bluish stone, are lined with traditional buildings featuring wooden frames, raw brick walls, and roofs covered in gray tiles. Of particular interest are the residential houses built on the "siheyuan" principle—a complex of several buildings forming a cozy inner courtyard. This layout not only created a private space for the family but was also adapted to the local climate. Many old houses still preserve the atmosphere of past centuries, turning the ancient city into a living museum under the open sky.

Notable Figures Associated with Huili

Throughout its long history, the city of Huili has been the stage for significant events and the home of talented masters. Its destiny is linked to the names of both national leaders and local figures who have left a notable mark on history and culture.

Participants of the "Huili Meeting" (1935)

In May 1935, during the legendary "Long March," an expanded meeting of the CCP Central Committee Politburo took place in Huili, known in history as the "Huili Meeting." This event strengthened Mao Zedong's position as a military strategist and confirmed the effectiveness of his mobile warfare tactics. Key participants of this historic meeting included:

• Mao Zedong — Leader of the Communist Party of China. At the meeting, he resolutely defended his military strategy, which finally secured his authority in army leadership.
• Zhu De — Commander-in-Chief of the Red Army. As one of the top military leaders, he supported Mao Zedong's course toward conducting mobile warfare.
• Zhou Enlai — One of the leading figures of the CCP. At the meeting, he spoke in support of Mao's tactics, playing an important role in consolidating the leadership.
• Peng Dehuai — Commander of the 3rd Army Group. He was a central figure at the meeting, as it was to him that Lin Biao addressed the proposal to change the command.
• Lin Biao — Commander of the 1st Army Group. His letter criticizing "exhausting maneuvers" served as the immediate reason for convening the meeting, where his position was critiqued.

Historical Figures of Other Eras

Yuelu Timur

A Mongol aristocrat of the late 14th century. His uprising against the Ming Dynasty and its subsequent suppression in 1392 became a turning point for Huili. It was after these events that the emperor ordered the city to be fortified, transforming it into a powerful military garrison with stone walls, which shaped its historical appearance.

Masters and Keepers of Traditions

Han Jinfu

A modern master recognized at the provincial level as a keeper of intangible cultural heritage—the art of Huili green-glazed pottery. Han Jinfu played a key role in the revival and preservation of this unique pottery technique, which spans many centuries.

Han Chunyin

The son of Han Jinfu and successor to the family dynasty of potters. He is also an official heir to the green-glazed pottery tradition and holds the title of "Master of Arts and Crafts of Sichuan Province." Han Chunyin is actively involved in innovating and promoting this craft, managing the Green Pottery Cultural Park in Huili.