Jinchang history

The history of the lands where modern Jinchang is located is rooted in deep antiquity. However, as a city in its current form, it was founded relatively recently — in 1981 by the decision of the State Council of China. This event was a direct consequence of one of the most significant industrial discoveries in the country.

Foundation and First Mentions

Although official city status was granted in the late 20th century, this territory has been inhabited for millennia. In ancient times, the region was part of the famous Hexi Corridor — a key section of the Great Silk Road. During the Han Dynasty (206 BC — 220 AD), counties were established here, and the territory played a vital military and administrative role. The modern history of the city began in 1958-1959, when a geological expedition discovered rich deposits of copper-nickel ores in the Longshou Mountains. This discovery served as the impetus for the construction of a major industrial centre and, ultimately, the founding of the city of Jinchang.

Key Factors of Formation

The main factor determining the birth and development of modern Jinchang was its resource base. The city grew around China's largest nickel and cobalt deposit, earning it the unofficial title of the "Nickel Capital". The development of these strategically important minerals attracted specialists from all over the country to the region, contributing to the rapid growth of the settlement. Historically, its geographical position at the intersection of trade routes connecting East and West played a key role.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In ancient times, the region's economy was closely linked to its position on the Great Silk Road, which facilitated not only trade but also cultural exchange. Military garrisons and administrative centres were located here, maintaining order on the trade routes. Since the mid-20th century, Jinchang's economic profile has changed radically. It has transformed into a powerful industrial hub specialising in the mining and processing of non-ferrous metals. It is the mining and metallurgical industry that became the foundation of its modern economy and culture, shaping the unique character of a city born from the wealth of its subsoil.

Ancient History of the Region

Although the city of Jinchang itself was founded in the 20th century, the territory on which it sits possesses a rich and ancient history, being part of the northern corridor of the Great Silk Road.

• Warring States Period (475–221 BC): During this period, the lands in the area of modern Jinchang were inhabited by the nomadic Yuezhi tribes.
• Han Empire (206 BC – 220 AD): After the defeat of the Xiongnu, the region became part of the Han Empire, and administrative counties, such as Liqian, were established here.
• 561 AD: The famous Shenrong Buddhist Temple was founded in the Yushan Gorge, which remains an important historical monument today.
• Ming Empire (1370): To strengthen the defence of the north-western borders, the Yongchang Military Guard (永昌卫) was created.
• 1724: During the Qing Empire, military structures were replaced by civil ones, forming the basis for the establishment of Yongchang County.

Modern History of the City

The rise of modern Jinchang is inextricably linked to the discovery and development of the country's largest nickel deposit.

• July 1958: A geological party discovered rich copper-nickel ore deposits in the Longshou Mountains, marking the beginning of the history of China's "Nickel Capital".
• June 1959: A company was officially established to develop the deposit, which subsequently grew into the giant Jinchuan Group.
• 1962: Active mining began, and the industrial settlement of Jinchuan was founded at the work site.
• 1964: The first smelting production line was launched, and the country produced its first electrolytic nickel.
• February 1981: By decision of the State Council of the PRC, the prefecture-level city of Jinchang was officially formed, combining the industrial zone and Yongchang County.
• 1984: The initial urban territory was reorganised into Jinchuan District.
• 1992: Jinchang was visited by then-leader of China Jiang Zemin, who nicknamed it the "soaring nickel city", noting its rapid growth.
• 2022: The city-forming enterprise Jinchuan Group entered the prestigious global Fortune Global 500 ranking for the first time, confirming its status as a global industry leader.

Key Stages of Jinchang's Development

As a city founded in the second half of the 20th century, Jinchang has undergone a rapid journey from an industrial settlement to a modern prefecture-level city. Its history is a vivid example of industrial and post-industrial development in China.

• Discovery of Deposits (1958-1959): Geological exploration discovers the country's largest reserves of nickel and copper ores in the Longshou Mountains. This event became the starting point for the entire subsequent history of the city and defined its economic vector for decades to come.
• Founding of an Industrial Giant: The Jinchuan Group is created to develop the deposit, remaining the city-forming enterprise and one of the world leaders in nickel and cobalt production to this day. A workers' settlement begins to form around the combine.
• Obtaining City Status (1981): By decision of the State Council of the PRC, the expanded industrial hub officially receives the status of the prefecture-level city of Jinchang. The city's name, which can be translated as "Golden Prosperity", symbolises its resource wealth.
• Formation of the Urban Environment: In the 1980s and 90s, active urban development takes place. Jinchang ceases to be merely a collection of industrial facilities and residential quarters, transforming into a full-fledged city with developing infrastructure, public spaces, and administrative institutions.
• Ecological Transformation: Realising the problems of a single-industry economy and its location in the Gobi Desert, city authorities begin large-scale environmental projects. Jinchang becomes a participant in the "Sponge City" programme, aimed at collecting rainwater and combating desertification.
• Agricultural Diversification — "Provence of the East": In search of new growth points, the city bets on agriculture. Extensive lavender fields are planted in the vicinity, thanks to which Jinchang gains fame as the "Eastern Provence" and attracts tourists.
• Development of Scientific and Space Tourism: The unique landscape of the Gobi Desert allowed for the creation of the "Mars Base 1" project here — a Martian station simulator used for both scientific purposes and attracting tourists interested in space.

The architectural appearance of Jinchang is a visual history of a young city founded in 1981 as an industrial centre. There are no ancient dynastic buildings, Gothic, or Renaissance styles here; its urban development fully reflects the eras of late modernism and contemporary Chinese architecture.

Functional Modernism (1980s – 1990s)

The founding of the city was directly linked to the development of the largest nickel deposit in China, which predetermined its initial appearance. In the first stage, construction was carried out according to the principles of functionalism: standard residential blocks for workers and engineers were erected, as well as monumental industrial buildings for the Jinchuan Group. The architecture of this period is characterised by strict geometric forms, standardised panel constructions, and a lack of decorative excesses. The main task was to quickly provide the growing population with housing and infrastructure, so aesthetics took a back seat to practicality.

Modern Development and Ecological Urbanism (2000s – Present)

Since the beginning of the 21st century, Jinchang has begun to move away from the single-industry city model, which is reflected in its architecture. Modern public buildings, such as cultural centres and museums designed using glass, metal, and concrete—characteristic of contemporary Chinese architecture—have appeared in the city. A crucial direction in urban planning has become ecological transformation. The city became a pilot site for implementing the "Sponge City" concept, aimed at combating desertification and effectively managing water resources. This led to the creation of numerous parks, wetlands, and "green roofs" integrated into the urban fabric, forming a new, more comfortable, and sustainable landscape. A landmark object is not only the industrial complex but also the unique "Mars Base 1" — a Martian station simulator that serves as an example of futuristic and technological architecture.

Since Jinchang is a modern industrial city founded in the mid-20th century, its history is closely tied to the development of the mining and metallurgical industry. The prominent individuals who contributed to the city's establishment and prosperity are primarily engineers, production managers, and innovators whose work defined its economic landscape.

Leaders of Industry and Production

• Gao Tianpeng — Executive Director and CEO of the city-forming company Jinchuan Group. As the leader of the city's largest enterprise, he plays a key role in defining the development strategy not only for the company but for the entire economy of Jinchang, known as China's "Nickel Capital".
• Long Weiguo — Director of Production Technology at the Longshou Mine. Known as the developer of an innovative non-pillar mining method, he made a huge contribution to modernisation and extraction efficiency. His work symbolises technological progress in the city's mining industry.

Innovators and Engineers

• Zhang Jing — Deputy General Manager of the Lanzhou Jinchuan Technology Park. Leading her team, she achieved significant success in the precious metals industry, allowing Jinchuan Group to take leading positions and overcome dependence on foreign technologies in this sphere.
• Zong Hongxing — Senior Metallurgical Engineer. He is called the "magician who turns waste into valuable products". He has led more than 10 major research projects aimed at increasing production efficiency and environmental sustainability.
• Chen Bin — Deputy Head of the Raw Material Quality Control Department. He led the development and implementation of intelligent mechanised sampling systems using 5G technologies and the Internet of Things, which was a significant step towards the digitalisation of production in Jinchang.

Production Leaders

• Liu Dezhi — Production Section Chief at Mine No. 2. He is an expert in drilling and mineral extraction. Under his leadership, nearly 3 million tonnes of ore were mined over five years without a single safety incident, highlighting the high culture of production in the city.
• Zhou Jie — Mining Section Chief in the 8th Mining Zone. Awarded the "May 1st Labour Medal", he has dedicated over forty years to working in underground tunnels, becoming a symbol of dedication and diligence for several generations of Jinchang miners.