Huizhou history

Huizhou, located in Guangdong Province, is a city with a rich and centuries-old history that has played a vital role in the development of the Pearl River Delta region for ages. Its history is a fascinating narrative of dynastic changes, administrative transformations, and cultural growth.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of administrative governance in the territory of modern Huizhou spans more than two millennia. The first mention dates back to the Qin Empire, when Fuluo County was established here in 214 BC. In the following centuries, the name and status of the settlement changed repeatedly: during the Jin Dynasty, it became Boluo County, and under the Sui Dynasty in the 6th century, it was transformed into Xunzhou Prefecture centred in Guishan County. The city received its current name — Huizhou — during the Song Empire, when the region was renamed Zhenzhou Prefecture, and subsequently Huizhou Prefecture.

Key Factors of Formation

Several key factors contributed to the city's development, the most important of which was its strategic geographical location. Situated in the central part of Guangdong Province with access to the South China Sea, Huizhou has historically been a crucial transport and trade hub. For many centuries, the city served as a significant administrative centre, which facilitated its political and economic consolidation. Its status as the capital of various districts and prefectures attracted resources and influential figures to the region, stimulating its growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Thanks to its status and location, Huizhou formed from an early age as a centre where not only trade and governance flourished, but also culture. The city holds the state status of a famous historical and cultural city of China. Its rich past is evidenced by numerous landmarks, such as the renowned West Lake, which has inspired poets and artists for centuries. The city's economy was closely linked to its administrative functions and advantageous position, allowing it to control trade flows in the region.

Chronology of Key Events

• 214 BC — During the Qin Empire, Fuluo County was established on the territory of modern Huizhou, becoming the first administrative entity in the region.
• 591 — In the Sui Dynasty era, Xunzhou Prefecture was created, with its administrative centre located in the new Guishan County, the predecessor of Huizhou.
• 917 — During the Southern Han state, Zhenzhou Prefecture was formed with its centre in Guishan, elevating the status of the future city.
• Song Dynasty (960–1279) — The region was renamed Huizhou, receiving its current name to avoid a naming taboo regarding the Emperor's name.
• Late 11th Century — The famous poet and statesman Su Dongpo (Su Shi) was exiled to Huizhou, where he left a rich cultural legacy, including improvements to the West Lake.
• Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912) — New waves of migrants arrived in the region, laying the foundation for the formation of the city's modern population and culture.
• 1988 — Huizhou officially received the status of a prefecture-level city, marking an important stage in its modern administrative development.
• 1993 — The State Council of the PRC approved the establishment of the Daya Bay Economic and Technological Development Zone, transforming the city into a major industrial hub.
• Early 21st Century — Huizhou established itself as one of the leading centres for the petrochemical and electronic industries in China.
• 2022 — The city's total industrial output exceeded one trillion yuan, cementing its status as a major industrial metropolis.

Key Milestones in Huizhou's Development

The history of Huizhou is a journey from an ancient administrative centre to a modern industrial metropolis. The key stages of this transformation reflect the economic, cultural, and urban planning changes that have shaped the appearance of the city today.

• Cultural Flourishing during the Song Dynasty (960–1279). The presence of the famous poet and official Su Dongpo in the city in the 11th century was a pivotal cultural event. He dedicated himself to the improvement of the famous West Lake, turning it into an iconic landmark, and his works brought Huizhou fame as a cultural centre that attracted scholars and artists.
• Emergence as a Trade Centre (Ming and Qing Dynasties). Thanks to its strategic position, Huizhou turned into a vital hub for merchants known as "Huishang". They engaged in the trade of salt, tea, silk, and bamboo products, which contributed to economic prosperity and the growth of the region's influence.
• Achieving Prefecture-Level City Status (1988). This administrative step was a turning point in Huizhou's modern history. It gave the city greater autonomy in economic planning, opening doors for large-scale investments and laying the groundwork for rapid industrialisation in the following decades.
• Creation of the Economic and Technological Development Zone (1990s). The founding of the zone in Daya Bay in 1993 defined the city's future as a major industrial hub. This attracted giants of the petrochemical industry to the region and facilitated the formation of one of China's largest petrochemical clusters.
• Transformation into an Electronics Industry Centre (Early 21st Century). Alongside petrochemicals, Huizhou became a leader in electronics manufacturing. The city is home to major companies such as TCL and Desay. This sector became the second pillar of the economy, strengthening Huizhou's status as an important industrial player.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure. In recent decades, a modern transport system has been created, including expressways and railway lines connecting Huizhou with Pearl River Delta metropolises such as Shenzhen and Guangzhou. This significantly strengthened its economic integration into one of the country's most dynamic regions.
• Reaching the Trillion Yuan Milestone in Industrial Output (2022). Exceeding the total industrial output mark of one trillion yuan became a symbol of Huizhou's economic success. This figure confirmed its status as a powerful industrial city and one of the key economic centres of Guangdong Province.

Huizhou's architectural landscape presents a striking contrast between traditional southern Chinese styles and ultra-modern developments, reflecting its rapid journey from a historic city to a major industrial metropolis. Urban development here can generally be divided into two main stages: pre-industrial and modern.

Traditional Architecture: Lingnan and Hakka Heritage

Huizhou's historical buildings were formed under the influence of two main cultural traditions — Lingnan (characteristic of Guangdong Province) and Hakka, as the city is one of the centres of residence for this ethnic group.

• Lingnan Style: This architecture is adapted to the hot and humid subtropical climate. It is characterised by narrow streets that create shade, excellent ventilation systems, and the use of grey brick. In old quarters, one can find buildings with courtyards and richly decorated ancestral halls. A prime example of the region's commercial architecture is the qilou (arcade houses) — buildings with covered galleries on the ground floors that protected pedestrians from the sun and rain.
• Hakka Architecture: The Hakka culture has had a significant influence on the appearance of Huizhou's rural and historical districts. Their most famous structures are fortified dwellings known as weiwu or weilongwu. These massive structures, often rectangular or semi-circular in shape, were built to protect an entire clan from enemies and wild beasts. They feature thick external walls with minimal windows and loopholes, while inside there are living quarters, storage rooms, and a communal courtyard.

An iconic location around which the city historically developed is the picturesque West Lake (Xi Hu). Its embankments and pavilions represent classic examples of Chinese garden architecture, which harmoniously integrates structures into the natural landscape.

Modern Urban Planning: The Era of Modernism

Since the late 20th century, especially after the creation of the Economic and Technological Development Zone in Daya Bay, Huizhou has experienced a construction boom. This period is characterised by the dominance of modernism and functionalism, which is typical for rapidly growing industrial centres in China.

• High-rise Development: The urban skyline is today defined by numerous skyscrapers — residential complexes, office centres, and hotels. Their architecture is dominated by glass, steel, and concrete, creating an image of a modern and dynamic city.
• Industrial Zones and New Districts: Vast territories have been allocated for industrial parks and new residential districts, which are built according to a unified plan with wide avenues and clear zoning. This contrasts with the more chaotic layout of the old quarters.
• Iconic Landmarks: The appearance of modern Huizhou is shaped by facilities such as the Olympic Stadium, modern transport hubs, and large shopping centres. These buildings often feature futuristic designs and serve as new symbols of the city's economic prosperity.

Thus, the architectural history of Huizhou is a vivid illustration of the transformation of a traditional southern Chinese city into a global economic centre, where ancient fortified villages and elegant pavilions coexist with giant industrial complexes and glass skyscrapers.

Notable Figures Associated with Huizhou

The history of Huizhou is marked by the names of many distinguished individuals who have left a significant mark on the culture, politics, and military history of China. Some were born on this land, whilst others found inspiration here or played a key role in its development.

• Su Shi (Su Dongpo) (1037–1101) — A poet, essayist, artist, and statesman of the Song era. Although not a native of Huizhou, his exile here in the late 11th century became a pivotal event in the city's cultural life. During his stay, he did much to improve the famous West Lake and created numerous works celebrating the local landscapes.
• Liao Zhongkai (1877–1925) — A revolutionary democrat, one of Sun Yat-sen's closest associates, and a key figure in the Kuomintang party. Although born in the USA, his ancestry traces back to Huizhou, where his memorial is located today. Liao Zhongkai was one of the chief architects of the alliance between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party of China in the 1920s.
• Deng Yanda (1895–1931) — A military and political figure, native to Huizhou. He was one of the leaders of the left wing of the Kuomintang and later founded the Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party. Deng Yanda advocated for agrarian reform and championed the interests of peasants and workers.
• Ye Ting (1896–1946) — An outstanding military leader born in Guishan County (modern Huiyang, Huizhou). He was one of the commanders during the Northern Expedition, participated in the Nanchang Uprising, and commanded the New Fourth Army during the war against Japan. Ye Ting is considered a hero of the Chinese revolution.
• Ge Hong (283–343) — A Taoist scholar, alchemist, and physician of the Jin era. He spent a significant part of his life on Mount Luofu (Luofushan) in the vicinity of Huizhou, where he engaged in writing treatises and seeking the elixir of immortality. His works, particularly the "Baopuzi", had a tremendous influence on the development of Taoism and traditional Chinese medicine.