Huzhou history

The city of Huzhou, located in Zhejiang Province, boasts a rich and centuries-old history rooted in deep antiquity. The first administrative structures in this territory appeared as early as the Qin Dynasty. The city received its current name, which literally translates as "Lake Prefecture," in 602 AD during the Sui Dynasty. This name was bestowed due to its strategic location on the southern bank of the vast freshwater Lake Tai (Taihu).

A key factor in the establishment and prosperity of Huzhou was its advantageous geographical position. Its proximity to Lake Tai and the passage of the Grand Canal through the region—one of the greatest engineering feats of ancient China—transformed the city into a vital transport and trade hub. This facilitated the active exchange of goods between the northern and southern provinces of the country. The geographical conditions also created fertile lands, earning the region fame as the "Land of Fish and Rice."

Since ancient times, Huzhou has been one of the main centres for the production of high-quality silk, earning it the nickname "The House of Silk." Archaeological findings confirm that sericulture has been practised in this region for thousands of years. Beyond silk, the city became renowned throughout the country for the manufacture of calligraphy brushes, known as "Hubi." These brushes, with a history spanning over two millennia, were considered among the best in the Empire and were supplied to the Imperial Court. Thus, from its early years, Huzhou established itself not only as an economically significant centre but also as a cradle of fine arts and crafts.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Huzhou is a kaleidoscope of changing dynasties, the flourishing of arts, and the tireless work of artisans. The city has journeyed from an ancient county centre to a modern economic and cultural hub.

• 221 BC — Following the unification of China under the Qin Dynasty, Wucheng County was founded on the site of modern Huzhou, laying the administrative foundations for the future city.
• 266 AD — During the Three Kingdoms period, Wuxing Commandery was established; its name meant "Prosperity of the Wu Kingdom," highlighting the strategic importance of the region.
• 602 AD — During the Sui Dynasty, the area was officially renamed Huzhou, meaning "Lake Prefecture," indicating its inseparable connection with Lake Tai.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) — Huzhou becomes a key centre for silk production, which was supplied to the Imperial Court as tribute and transported along the Silk Road.
• 1292 — The famous Venetian traveller Marco Polo visited Huzhou and noted in his records the thriving trade and the high quality of local silk fabrics.
• Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) — During this period, the great calligrapher and painter Zhao Mengfu, a native of Huzhou, lived and created here; his legacy brought the city fame as a cultural centre.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) — The production of "Hubi brushes" reaches its apogee, and they are recognised as the best in China for calligraphy and painting.
• 1851 — Silk from Huzhou under the brand "Rongji" won a gold medal at the first World Expo in London, bringing the city international recognition.
• 1983 — Huzhou receives the status of a prefecture-level city, marking the beginning of a new stage in its administrative and economic development in modern China.
• 2010s — Construction was completed on the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort, known as the "Moon Hotel," which became an iconic architectural symbol of modern Huzhou.

Major Milestones of Development and Transformation

The history of Huzhou is a journey from an ancient craft centre to a modern ecological metropolis. The city's development was defined by its unique natural resources, strategic position, and significant cultural influence in the history of China. Below are the key stages that shaped the unique character and status of this destination.

• The Birth of Sericulture (Neolithic — Antiquity)
  The discovery of ancient silk fabric fragments at the Qianshanyang archaeological site, dating back over 4,000 years, secured the region's status as the "source of world silk." This discovery defined the city's economic specialisation for millennia, making it a crucial supplier of luxury fabrics for both the Imperial Court and international trade.
• Writing of "The Classic of Tea" (Tang Dynasty, 8th Century)
  It was here that the legendary sage Lu Yu created his famous treatise "Cha Jing" (The Classic of Tea), systematising knowledge on the cultivation and preparation of tea. This event transformed the region into the cradle of tea culture, exerting a huge influence on social life and the agrarian economy, where tea plantations became the second most important source of income after silk production.
• Flourishing of Hubi Brush Production (Ming Dynasty)
  During this period, local calligraphy brushes finally displaced competitors and became the standard of quality in the Empire. The mass production and export of "Hubi" not only strengthened the economy but also gave the city the status of a cultural capital, attracting the country's best artists and calligraphers.
• The Economic Boom of Nanxun (Qing Dynasty, 19th Century)
  The rise of a class of wealthy silk merchants, known as the "Four Elephants," led to massive urban changes. In the ancient town of Nanxun, part of the prefecture, unique estates were built combining traditional Chinese style with elements of Western Baroque and Renaissance architecture, reflecting the region's openness to international trade.
• Industrialisation and Infrastructure Breakthrough (Late 20th Century)
  The city's inclusion in the Yangtze River Delta economic zone, along with the construction of a network of expressways and railways, turned it into a powerful logistics hub. This allowed for economic diversification, adding modern production of building materials, textiles, and electronics to traditional crafts.
• Adoption of the "Green Development" Strategy (2005 — Present)
  In Anji County, the famous concept was first voiced: "Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets." This became a turning point in urban planning: the closure of polluting enterprises, the restoration of the Lake Tai ecosystem, and the active development of eco-tourism have made the city a recognised model of sustainable development.

The architectural appearance of Huzhou represents a harmonious blend of centuries-old traditions and bold modern solutions. Growing on the shores of Lake Tai, the city reflects key stages of economic and cultural development in its layout, from ancient water districts to futuristic skyscrapers. Historically, urban planning has been inextricably linked to its location in the Jiangnan region, famous for its "water towns."

Traditional Architecture (Pre-20th Century) was shaped by the Jiangnan style, which flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is characterised by houses with white walls and black tile roofs standing along narrow canals. Elegant stone arch bridges spanning the water and wooden terraces are an integral part of this landscape. The brightest example of such development is the ancient town of Nanxun, located within Huzhou. The town's wealth, founded on the silk trade, allowed the local elite to build luxurious residences and gardens where traditional Chinese motifs sometimes blended with Western elements, a result of active trade with Europe.

Modern Appearance and 21st Century Architecture reflect the rapid economic growth of China. Modern residential and business complexes are being actively built in Huzhou, but the true symbol of the new city is the Sheraton Huzhou Hot Spring Resort. This 27-storey building, also known as the "Moon Hotel" or "Horseshoe Hotel," was designed by architect Ma Yansong (MAD Architects). Its unique ring-like shape, inspired by traditional arch bridges, is reflected in the waters of Lake Tai, creating an impressive image and making it one of the most recognisable modern buildings in the country.

Huzhou's urban development demonstrates a transition from a city whose life centred around canals to a modern metropolis with wide avenues and high-rise buildings. At the same time, the city strives to maintain balance by developing eco-initiatives and carefully preserving its rich historical heritage, allowing ancient quarters and futuristic structures to coexist in the same space.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Huzhou

Throughout its centuries-old history, the land of Huzhou has gifted China and the world with many talented scholars, artists, and statesmen. Their contributions have left a deep mark on culture and science, bringing fame to their hometown far beyond its borders.

• Zhao Mengfu (1254–1322) — A painter, calligrapher, and scholar of the Yuan Dynasty. A descendant of the Song Imperial family, he had a brilliant career under the new Mongol dynasty, but he went down in history primarily as a reformer of Chinese painting. Zhao Mengfu sought to revive the restrained and noble style of the Tang era, exerting a huge influence on subsequent generations of artists. His works in the "people and horses" genre and his landscapes are considered pearls of Chinese art.
• Shen Yue (441–513) — A poet, historian, and statesman of the Southern and Northern Dynasties era. He was born in the territory of modern Huzhou and became famous as the author of the fundamental historical work "Book of Song." Shen Yue is also known as the creator of the theory of four tones in Chinese poetry, which formed the basis of classical Tang Dynasty versification.
• Wu Changshuo (1844–1927) — A painter, calligrapher, and master of seal carving. A native of Anji County (part of the Huzhou prefecture), he became one of the leaders of the Shanghai School of painting. His expressive style in the "flowers and birds" genre and his virtuoso mastery of calligraphy brought him fame not only in China but also in Japan.
• Chen Yinke (1890–1969) — One of the most outstanding Chinese historians of the 20th century. Although born in another city, his ancestors hailed from Huzhou. Chen Yinke made a colossal contribution to the study of the history of the Sui and Tang dynasties, as well as research into medieval Chinese literature and religion. He was fluent in more than ten languages, including Sanskrit and Pali, which allowed him to work with original sources.
• Qian Sanqiang (1913–1992) — A distinguished nuclear physicist, known as the "father of the Chinese atomic bomb." His family originated from Huzhou. After receiving his education in China and France under the guidance of Irène and Frédéric Joliot-Curie, he returned to his homeland and headed the Institute of Modern Physics, playing a key role in the development of China's nuclear programme.