Huludao history

The prefecture-level city of Huludao, located in Liaoning Province, China, boasts a rich and multi-layered history. Although the modern city is relatively young, the lands on which it stands have witnessed many key events in the country's history, dating back to ancient times. Its strategic location on the coast of Liaodong Bay made this region an important point on the route between the central plains of China and its northeastern territories.

Evidence of the area's significance dates back to the time of the First Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC), as indicated by the ruins of an ancient palace found here. Later, during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the region acquired special military importance. It was during this period that the fortified city of Xingcheng was built, and a section of the Great Wall of China ran through here; fragments of it have survived to this day and serve as an important historical landmark.

The modern history of Huludao is closely linked to the administrative transformations of the 20th century. In 1913, Jinxi County was established, meaning "west of Jinzhou." Over the decades, its status changed until it was designated as an independent prefecture-level city named Jinxi in 1989. The city received its current name — Huludao — in 1994. Translated, it means "Gourd Island" (or Calabash Island), which is believed to be related to the shape of the local peninsula that juts into the bay and resembles this fruit.

Historically developing as an important military and trade hub, today Huludao is a major industrial center known for shipbuilding and metallurgy. At the same time, the city is actively developing its tourism sector, attracting travelers with its sandy beaches, historical monuments such as the ancient city of Xingcheng, and natural beauty, including the picturesque Juhua Island.

Key Milestones in the History of Huludao

• Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) — Palaces were built in this territory, testifying to its significance even in antiquity.
• Year 990 — During the Liao Dynasty, Xingcheng County was first established in these lands.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) — The region acquired strategic military importance; the fortified garrison city of Ningyuan (modern Xingcheng) was erected here, and a section of the Great Wall of China passed through.
• Year 1626 — The famous Battle of Ningyuan took place, in which the Ming army successfully repelled an attack by Manchu troops led by Nurhaci.
• Year 1913 — Following the Xinhai Revolution and the establishment of the Republic of China, a new county named Jinxi (锦西县) was created from part of Jinxian County, meaning "west of Jinzhou."
• Year 1914 — To avoid confusion with counties of the same name in other provinces, Ningyuan County was officially renamed Xingcheng.
• Years 1945–1948 — The territory became the scene of major battles during the Chinese Civil War between the Kuomintang forces and the Communist Party of China.
• Year 1982 — The settlement of Jinxi received the status of a county-level city within the Jinzhou prefecture-level city.
• Year 1989 — Jinxi was separated from Jinzhou and transformed into an independent prefecture-level city.
• Year 1994 — The prefecture-level city of Jinxi was officially renamed Huludao, which translates as "Gourd Island."

Stages of Development: From Industrial Center to Tourist City

The development of Huludao is a story of transformation from a strategic industrial city into a multifaceted center combining industrial power with tourism appeal. The key milestones of this journey reflect economic, urban planning, and cultural transformations.

• Foundation and modernization of the port. Although the port was established as early as 1908, its modern history began with a gradual opening for civilian needs. In 1984, it became available for domestic use again, and in 2007, it was opened for international trade, which provided a powerful impetus for economic growth and integration into global logistics chains.
• Creation of a heavy industry hub. In the 20th century, the city, then bearing the name Jinxi, turned into an important industrial hub. Large enterprises for non-ferrous metallurgy (specifically zinc production), chemical, and engineering industries were established here, defining the region's economic profile for many years.
• Transformation into a national shipbuilding center. Shipbuilding became one of the city's most important industries. The local shipyard, Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry, is one of China's key enterprises specializing in the construction of large vessels and strategically important equipment, including nuclear submarines.
• Obtaining prefecture-level city status. In 1989, Jinxi was separated from Jinzhou and received the status of an independent prefecture-level city. This administrative transformation gave the city greater autonomy in budget planning, attracting investment, and managing urban development.
• Cultural reimagining and rebranding. In 1994, the city was renamed Huludao ("Gourd Island"). This was not just a change of name, but an important step in forming a new, more attractive, and recognizable image linked to the unique shape of the local peninsula and cultural traditions.
• Development of a tourism cluster. Realizing the value of its coastal location, the city began actively developing tourism. The Xingcheng resort area, often called the "Second Beidaihe," with its extensive sandy beaches and thermal springs, has become a magnet for vacationers and an important source of revenue, diversifying the economy.
• Strengthening the role of a transport corridor. Thanks to its geographical location, Huludao functions as a strategic "corridor of Western Liaoning," connecting the northeastern provinces with the central regions of the country. This highlights its importance not only as an industrial center but also as a vital logistics hub.

The architectural appearance of Huludao serves as a visual reflection of its centuries-old history, demonstrating the transition from a strategic military outpost of Imperial China to a modern industrial and tourist center. The city has no single dominant style, but several key stages that formed its unique urban environment can be clearly distinguished.

The most significant layer of historical architecture in the region is represented by the Ancient City of Xingcheng, which is one of the best-preserved urban fortifications of the Ming Dynasty era (1368–1644) in the country. Its layout represents a classic example of Chinese urban planning of that time: a square shape surrounded by a high wall with gates oriented to the cardinal points. Inside the walls, traditional buildings have been preserved, including temples and a drum tower, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of imperial China.

The modern urban development of Huludao began in the 20th century, when the city started acquiring the features of an important industrial and port center. During this period, construction was carried out primarily in a functional style characteristic of many industrial cities. Later, with economic growth and the development of tourism, the architectural landscape was enriched with modern high-rise residential complexes, glass and concrete office buildings, and large shopping malls. The coastal zone is being transformed particularly actively, creating modern infrastructure for leisure and living.

Thus, the architectural heritage of Huludao offers the traveler a unique opportunity to see the contrast between the strict military architecture of the Ming Dynasty and the dynamic development of a modern Chinese metropolis. This combination of antiquity and modernity makes the city an interesting object for studying the history of urban planning and architecture in Northeast China.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Huludao

The history of Huludao and its surroundings, especially the ancient city of Xingcheng, is inextricably linked with the names of major historical figures whose destinies determined the development not only of the region but of all China. Heroes were born here, fateful battles unfolded, and decisions were made that changed the course of history.

• Yang Liwei (born 1965) — China's first astronaut (taikonaut) and a national hero. He was born in Suizhong County, which is part of the Huludao prefecture-level city. On October 15, 2003, he made a historic flight on the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft, making China the third nation in the world to independently send a human into space. His achievement is a subject of immense pride for the residents of Huludao and all of China.
• Yuan Chonghuan (1584–1630) — An outstanding military commander of the Ming Dynasty, famous as the invincible defender of the empire's northeastern borders. Although he was born in another province, his name is forever inscribed in the history of Huludao thanks to the defense of the Ningyuan fortress (modern Xingcheng). In 1626, using advanced artillery, he inflicted a crushing defeat on the Manchu army of Nurhaci, halting their invasion.
• Zu Dashou (died 1656) — One of the most famous generals of the late Ming Dynasty, born in Ningyuan (Xingcheng). He was a key figure in the defense of Liaodong against the Manchus and served for a long time under the command of Yuan Chonghuan. His military career is full of examples of resilience, sieges, and complex political decisions during an era of dynastic change.
• Wu Sangui (1612–1678) — One of the most controversial figures in Chinese history. He was born in Suizhong County and was the nephew of Zu Dashou. Commanding the garrison at the Shanhaiguan Pass, in 1644 he made the fateful decision to let Manchu troops into China, which led to the fall of the Ming Dynasty and the establishment of Qing Dynasty rule.
• Nurhaci (1559–1626) — The founder of the Manchu state, which later became the Qing Empire. His campaigns of conquest were extremely successful, yet it was beneath the walls of Ningyuan (Huludao) in 1626 that he suffered his first and only major defeat at the hands of Yuan Chonghuan's troops. It is believed that he was wounded in this battle and passed away shortly thereafter, making the city a significant place in the history of the rise of the Qing Dynasty.