Jinghong history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Jinghong is deeply rooted in antiquity and is inextricably linked with the culture of the Dai people. In the past, this territory was home to the capital of the Dai kingdom known as Keng Hung (or Sipsongpanna), which determined the city's status as a vital political and cultural centre of the region for centuries. The modern name Jinghong comes from the Dai language, translating to "City of Dawn".

Key Factors of Formation

Jinghong owes its historical development and significance to several key factors:

• Geography: Its strategic location on the banks of the Lancang River, which forms the upper reaches of the Mekong, transformed the city into an important river port and trade hub.
• Trade: The city was one of the central points on the legendary Ancient Tea Horse Road (Chamagudao). For many centuries, caravans transported the famous Yunnan tea along this route to Tibet and further to South Asia, exchanging it for Tibetan horses and other goods.
• Political Power: Its status as the kingdom's capital ensured Jinghong had administrative influence and made it the focal point of the cultural life and authority of the Dai people.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The cultural appearance of Jinghong was initially shaped by the distinctive traditions of the Dai people, which share many similarities with the cultures of neighbouring Thailand and Laos. This is reflected in the local architecture, traditional festivals, unique cuisine, and religious beliefs based on Theravada Buddhism.

Since ancient times, agriculture has been the economic foundation of the region, with tea cultivation being its main pride. The surroundings of Jinghong and the Xishuangbanna region are considered the birthplace of the world-famous Pu'er tea. Ancient tea trees, which still grow in this area, are revered as living historical monuments and stand as a testament to deep-rooted tea traditions.

Chronology of Jinghong's History

The history of Jinghong is a chronicle of the Dai kingdom, a vital node on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, and a cultural centre that has developed over centuries under the influence of various dynasties and peoples. Below are the key milestones in the city's history.

• 1180 — Foundation of the city. The Dai ruler Phanya Coeng founds the capital, known as the "Kingdom of the Golden Palace of Jinglong", which becomes the centre of the Dai kingdom of Sipsongpanna (Keng Hung).
• 1296 — Establishment of ties with the Lanna Kingdom. During the Yuan Dynasty, the kingdom of Sipsongpanna, with Jinghong as its capital, establishes close dynastic and cultural ties with the southern Thai kingdom of Lanna.
• 13th-19th Centuries — The "Tusi" system period. The Chinese Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties incorporate the region into their administrative system, granting local Dai rulers the title of "Tusi" (chieftain), who governed the territory on behalf of the imperial court.
• 1401 — Beginning of tributary relations with the Ming Dynasty. After a demonstration of military force by the local ruler, the Ming Dynasty diplomatically includes Sipsongpanna in its tributary system.
• 1563 — Burmese influence. The Burmese Toungoo Dynasty captures Jinghong, after which a period of joint Sino-Burmese suzerainty over the region is established.
• 1570 — Appearance of the name "Xishuangbanna". During the Ming Dynasty, the region receives the name Xishuangbanna, which is a Chinese adaptation of the Dai "Sipsongpanna", meaning "twelve thousand rice fields".
• 1927 — Creation of Cheli County. Following the fall of the last Chinese empire, as part of a new administrative reform, Cheli County (车里县) is established on the city's territory.
• 1950 — Integration into the PRC. The region comes under the control of the People's Republic of China.
• 1953 — Establishment of the Autonomous Prefecture. On January 23, the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture is officially created, marking the end of the centuries-old system of rule by local chieftains.
• 1958 — Creation of Jinghong County. During administrative transformations, Jinghong County (景洪县) is formed in this territory.
• 1993 — Elevation to City status. The State Council of the PRC grants Jinghong the status of a county-level city, recognising its growing role as the economic and tourism hub of the region.

The history of Jinghong, known as the "City of Dawn", is closely interwoven with the culture of the Dai people and its strategic position in southwest China. The city's development has passed through several key stages, transforming it from an ancient capital into a modern tourism and economic hub.

Major Milestones in Jinghong's Development:

• Ancient Capital (from 1180): The city was founded as the capital of the Dai kingdom of Sipsongpanna (Keng Hung). This period laid the cultural foundation of the region, which continues to attract travellers today with its distinctiveness.
• Hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road: For centuries, Jinghong played a vital role as a junction on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, linking China with Southeast Asia. This facilitated economic development and cultural exchange.
• Creation of Autonomy (1950s): After the formation of the PRC, the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture was established here, with Jinghong becoming its administrative centre. This consolidated its status as the political and cultural heart of the region.
• Agricultural Development: Thanks to the tropical climate, in the 20th century the region became a major centre for the cultivation of rubber, Pu'er tea, tropical fruits, and spices, shaping the city's modern agrarian economy.
• Tourism Boom (Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries): Since the end of the 20th century, active tourism development began. The unique culture of the Dai people, tropical forests, parks, and Buddhist temples have turned Jinghong into one of the popular travel destinations in China.
• Infrastructural Breakthrough: The construction of Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport and the development of the river port on the Mekong River significantly improved the city's transport accessibility.
• New Silk Road (2021): The opening of the China–Laos railway line, passing through Jinghong, was a momentous event. This main line integrated the city into the "Belt and Road" initiative, stimulating trade, logistics, and international tourism in the region.

The architectural appearance of Jinghong represents a unique blend of centuries-old Dai traditions and the rapid modern development characteristic of today's China. Unlike many historical cities, European architectural styles such as Gothic or Renaissance are virtually absent here, as the region developed along its own unique path.

Traditional Dai Architecture

Historically, Jinghong's urban planning and architecture were defined by the culture of the Dai people. The key features of this style are harmony with nature and adaptation to the hot and humid tropical climate.

• Residential Houses: A classic example is the two-storey houses on stilts, known as "Ganlan". The ground floor was traditionally left open and used for household needs and keeping livestock, while the living quarters were located on the second, well-ventilated level. The roofs, covered with tiles or thatch, feature steep slopes for rapid rainwater drainage.
• Religious Structures: The architecture of temples and pagodas reflects the strong influence of Theravada Buddhism. It is characterised by multi-tiered roofs with intricate decoration, snow-white stupas, and an abundance of gilded elements. Striking examples that shape the city's image are the Menglè Great Buddhist Temple and the temple complexes in Manting Park.

Modern Development and Neo-Traditionalism

Since the end of the 20th century, Jinghong has seen active construction of modern buildings, changing its urban skyline. Multi-storey residential complexes, hotels, and shopping centres typical of rapidly growing Chinese cities have appeared. However, the most notable feature of modern urban planning has been the emergence of large-scale projects in the style of neo-traditionalism.

A key example of this approach is the Gaozhuang Xishuangjing district. This is a massive tourism and residential complex built on the banks of the Mekong River, recreating the appearance of the ancient kingdom. Its architecture mimics traditional Dai and Thai palaces and temples, combining historical motifs with modern construction technologies and materials. This district, with its night market, pagodas, and stylised buildings, has become a new centre of attraction and a hallmark of modern Jinghong.

Distinguished Personalities of Jinghong

The history of Jinghong and the Xishuangbanna region is rich with the names of rulers, political figures, and cultural leaders who made significant contributions to its development. Below are some of the key figures associated with this city.

• Phanya Coeng (Pa Zhen) — Founder of the Kingdom and City. The legendary ruler of the Dai people who, according to chronicles, founded the Kingdom of Keng Hung (Sipsongpanna) and its capital on the site of modern Jinghong in 1180. His activities initiated the city's centuries-long history as the political and cultural centre of the region.
• Inmueng — The Conquering King. In the early 13th century, this ruler significantly expanded the kingdom's territory, subjugating neighbouring lands and strengthening Jinghong's influence. During his reign, the kingdom reached the peak of its power, becoming one of the leading states among the Tai peoples.
• Dao Ai — The Diplomat Ruler. One of the "Tusi" (local chieftains) who ruled on behalf of the Chinese emperors. In the 15th century, he played a vital role in establishing tributary relations with the Ming Dynasty, which ensured stability and trade preferences for the region.
• Chao Cunxin (Shao Cunxin) — Political Figure of the Transitional Period. Being one of the last "Tusi", he became a key figure during the region's integration into the PRC. After 1953, he assumed the post of head of the government of the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture and led it until 1992, promoting the modernisation and development of the region.
• Dao Shixun — The Last "Tusi" of Jinghong. He was the last official hereditary ruler of Jinghong under the "Tusi" system. In 1949, he attended the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China, symbolising the end of the old era. Later, he dedicated his life to education, becoming the president of the Yunnan Institute of Nationalities.