Jiangmen

The city of Jiangmen, located in Guangdong Province, has a history closely tied to the geography of the Pearl River (Xijiang) Delta. Historically, this territory was part of Xinhui County. The city itself began to take shape in the 14th and 15th centuries during the Ming Dynasty. Its name, which translates to "River Gate," reflects its strategic position at the confluence of rivers. Jiangmen received separate city status much later—the decision to establish it was made in 1925, solidifying its role as an important administrative center directly under the provincial government.

Jiangmen's development was shaped by several key factors, primarily its geographical location. Its position in the Xijiang River Delta made it a natural center for river trade and an important transport hub. At the beginning of the 20th century, the city also acquired international significance. In 1902, the Qing Empire was forced to open Jiangmen as a "treaty port," and a maritime customs house was established here in 1904. This event served as a powerful catalyst for economic growth and urbanization.

From the beginning, Jiangmen stood out for its unique cultural and economic role. The city and its surrounding counties (Taishan, Kaiping, Enping, and Xinhui) became known as "qiaoxiang" (侨乡)—the hometown of Chinese emigrants. Starting in the 19th century, millions left the region in search of a better life in Southeast Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Today, Jiangmen is considered the ancestral home for approximately 4 million overseas Chinese. This connection to the diaspora has had a massive influence on the region's culture and economy, facilitating investment and the formation of a unique architectural style, exemplified by the famous Kaiping Diaolou towers, which are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Key Milestones in Jiangmen's History

The history of Jiangmen is a journey from a trading settlement to a major industrial and cultural center, deeply connected to the history of the Chinese diaspora worldwide.

• 14th–15th centuries — During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, a bustling trade center formed on the site of the future city.
• 1902 — Under pressure from Great Britain, the Qing authorities agree to open Jiangmen (then part of Xinhui County) as a "treaty port" for international trade.
• 1904 — The official opening of the port and the establishment of maritime customs, sparking economic growth and the appearance of Western-style buildings along the waterfront.
• 1909–1913 — Construction of the Xinning Railway, one of the first in China to be fully funded and built by Chinese investors.
• November 26, 1925 — Jiangmen receives city status for the first time, being separated from Xinhui County.
• 1931 — City status is temporarily revoked, and the territory returns to the administration of Xinhui County.
• October 23, 1949 — The city becomes part of the newly established People's Republic of China.
• 1951 — Jiangmen's city status is restored, and it becomes the administrative center of the region.
• June 1983 — The city is upgraded to a prefecture-level city, cementing its role as a major regional center.
• 2007 — The Diaolou towers and villages in neighboring Kaiping, built by returning emigrants, are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
• 2020 — A major new transport hub, the Jiangmen Railway Station, opens, improving connectivity within the Pearl River Delta.

The city of Jiangmen, located in Guangdong Province, has a rich history closely tied to its strategic position in the Pearl River Delta and its unique role in the history of Chinese emigration. Key stages of its development have shaped the modern face of this dynamic metropolis.

Key Milestones in Jiangmen's History

• Ancient History and Formation. For many centuries, the territory of modern Jiangmen was part of Xinhui County and served as an important trading point on the Xijiang River. Its development as an independent entity began much later, but its favorable geographical position always made it a hub for river trade.
• "The Capital of Overseas Chinese." Starting from the 19th century, Jiangmen and the surrounding Wuyi region became the primary center for emigration from China to Southeast Asia, North America, and Australia. This status brought the city worldwide fame. Emigrants maintained strong ties with their homeland, investing in schools, hospitals, and the unique fortified "diaolou" towers, which are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Opening as a Treaty Port. In 1904, Jiangmen was officially opened to foreign trade as a treaty port. This event provided a powerful boost for economic growth, attracted foreign investment, and led to the emergence of European-style architectural quarters, shaping its unique multicultural character.
• Official Founding of the City. In 1925, Jiangmen was administratively separated from Xinhui County and granted city status, solidifying its growing economic and political importance in the region.
• 20th-Century Industrialization. After the founding of the PRC, the city became an important industrial base, specializing in paper production, food processing, and textiles. During the economic reform period of the late 20th century, its proximity to Hong Kong and Macau facilitated the rapid growth of the manufacturing sector.
• Modern Development and Infrastructure. In the 21st century, Jiangmen continues to strengthen its position as a modern industrial and transport hub. The construction of high-speed railways and highways has integrated it into the Greater Bay Area, connecting it with Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other megacities. The city is actively developing high-tech industries and advanced manufacturing.

The architectural identity of Jiangmen is a unique fusion of traditional Chinese forms and Western styles, directly reflecting its rich history as the ancestral home of many overseas Chinese and its past as a former treaty port. Urban development here followed a distinct path, creating several striking and unique architectural eras.

Diaolou – The Heritage of Overseas Chinese

The most iconic architectural phenomenon of Jiangmen and its surrounding areas (specifically Kaiping County) are the diaolou (diāolóu). These multi-story fortified mansions were built en masse in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with funds sent by Chinese returning from abroad. Their architecture whimsically combines Chinese building traditions with elements of Western Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and even Ottoman styles. These towers served simultaneously as residences and fortresses for protection against bandits. Due to their uniqueness, the Kaiping Diaolou and Villages complex was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Treaty Port Era Architecture

The treaty port status granted in 1904 brought elements of European colonial architecture to the city. In historical districts, especially along the waterfront, one can find qilou (qilou) buildings—structures with arcades on the first floor that create covered pedestrian galleries. This style, common in Southern China and Southeast Asia, is an adaptation of European architectural ideas to the hot and humid climate. Sanshisanxu (33 Historical Street) is a prominent example of such development, preserving the atmosphere of the Republican era.

Modern Urban Development

Modern Jiangmen is actively developing as part of the Greater Bay Area economic zone. This is reflected in its new architecture: modern residential complexes, high-rise office centers, sports arenas, and transport infrastructure projects are emerging. New buildings sit alongside historical districts, creating a contrasting yet dynamic cityscape where the past and present harmoniously coexist.

Prominent Figures Associated with Jiangmen

Jiangmen, known as the "hometown of overseas Chinese," has given the world many talented and influential individuals. Their lives are closely intertwined with the city's history, whether as locals or as descendants of emigrants who maintained deep connections to their roots. Here are just a few names that Jiangmen takes pride in.

• Liang Qichao (1873–1929) — A philosopher, historian, journalist, and reformer born in Xinhui County. He was one of China's key intellectual leaders at the turn of the 20th century and an architect of the "Hundred Days of Reform," exerting a profound influence on the country's modernization.
• Chen Baisha (1428–1500) — A distinguished Confucian scholar and philosopher of the Ming Dynasty, also a native of Xinhui. He is considered the founder of one of the most important Neo-Confucian schools of his time, and his teachings significantly impacted China's intellectual life.
• Andy Lau (born 1961) — One of Hong Kong's most famous actors and singers, whose ancestors hail from Jiangmen. Recognized as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop," he has become an icon of Asian cinema and pop culture.
• Donnie Yen (born 1963) — A world-renowned actor, martial artist, and director whose family roots are in Taishan (part of Jiangmen prefecture). He gained his greatest fame playing Ip Man in the namesake film series, making him one of the leading stars of the action genre.
• Tony Leung Chiu-wai (born 1962) — An acclaimed Hong Kong actor and multiple-time winner of prestigious film awards, with roots in Taishan. He is known for his deep dramatic range and his collaborations with directors like Wong Kar-wai.
• Adrienne Clarkson (born 1939) — A Canadian journalist and stateswoman whose ancestors were from Taishan. She made history as the 26th Governor General of Canada (1999–2005), becoming the first to hold the post without a military or political background, and the first Canadian of Asian descent in the role.
• Gary Locke (born 1950) — An American politician and diplomat whose ancestors originated in Taishan. He served as the Governor of Washington State, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, and U.S. Ambassador to China, becoming the first Chinese-American to hold these high-ranking positions.