Kaili history

Foundation and Origin of the Name

The history of Kaili is inextricably linked with the culture of the Miao people, who have inhabited these lands since ancient times. The name of the city itself comes from the Miao language and is poetically translated as "new cultivated land" or "good field." This indicates that the settlement originally emerged as an agricultural centre in a fertile valley. Although people have lived in this region for thousands of years, Kaili began to take shape as an important administrative unit during the Ming Dynasty, when the central government began to strengthen ties with the southwestern provinces.

Factors Behind the City's Rise

The transformation of Kaili from a small settlement into a regional hub was driven by several key factors:

• Geography and Waterways: The city is located on the banks of the Qingshui River. This waterway historically served as the main route for transporting timber and other resources from the mountainous areas to the outer regions of China.
• Strategic Position: Located in the heart of the mountainous Guizhou province, Kaili became a natural point for interaction and trade.
• Natural Resources: An abundance of forests and mineral resources contributed to the early economic growth of the region.

Early Culture and Economy

From the moment of its foundation, Kaili developed as a unique cultural melting pot. The economy of the early period was based not only on terraced rice farming and logging but also on highly developed crafts. Local residents were famous for complex techniques in creating batik, embroidery, and, especially, silver ornaments.

The cultural life of the city has always been full of events; it was here that the traditions of numerous holidays were born, thanks to which Kaili is known today as the "Hometown of 100 Festivals." This heritage has formed the unique character of the city, where ancient traditions are harmoniously woven into everyday life.

Major Development Milestones

The history of Kaili is a journey from small Miao settlements to a modern administrative and tourist centre. Below are the key dates that shaped the city's identity.

• Ming Dynasty Era (1368–1644) — The establishment of military garrisons and postal stations in the region, which strengthened the connection of this mountainous area with central China.
• 1914 — During the Republic of China period, an administrative reform was carried out, fixing the boundaries of local counties, parts of which later became part of the city.
• November 1949 — The establishment of new authority in the region, marking the beginning of the modern stage of administrative structure.
• July 23, 1956 — The official establishment of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, with Kaili selected as its capital.
• 1958 — Kaili County was formed, uniting scattered settlements into a single administrative unit.
• August 19, 1983 — The State Council of the PRC approved the decision to upgrade the status of Kaili to a county-level city.
• January 1984 — The official entry into force of the city status, which launched large-scale urbanization and infrastructure construction.
• 2004 — Kaili received the title of "Top Tourist City of China," marking the recognition of its cultural potential at the national level.
• 2010 — Completion of the construction of key highways connecting the city with the provincial centre, Guiyang.
• June 2015 — Opening of the "Kaili South" station on the Shanghai-Kunming High-Speed Railway, making the city easily accessible to tourists from all over the country.

Key Stages of Transformation

The development of Kaili is a story of the transformation of an isolated mountain settlement into a modern industrial and tourist centre. Several fundamental stages can be highlighted that defined the current appearance and economy of the city.

• Establishment of the Administrative Core (1956): The designation of Kaili as the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture was the starting point for the centralization of power and resources. This decision turned the city into the main political and cultural hub of the region, where administrative personnel and intellectuals began to flock.
• Industrialization of the "Third Front" Era (1960–1970s): As part of a massive state programme to move industry inland, electronic and defence industry enterprises were created in Kaili (the so-called "Base 083"). This gave a powerful impetus to the technical development of the city, the influx of engineers, and the formation of the first generation of the urban proletariat.
• Urbanization and Change of Status (1984): The official granting of the status of a county-level city launched active urban planning processes. The transition began from chaotic rural buildings to the planned development of streets, the appearance of multi-storey residential complexes, and the formation of a modern urban grid.
• Cultural Tourism Strategy (since the late 1990s): City authorities focused on the unique heritage of the Miao people. Branding Kaili as the "Hometown of 100 Festivals" and developing craft industries (silver, batik) allowed for the diversification of the economy, reducing dependence on heavy industry and agriculture.
• Transport Revolution (2010–2015): Connection to the national network of expressways and the launch of the high-speed railway (Kaili South Station) broke centuries of isolation. Travel time to major metropolises was reduced from days to hours, ensuring explosive growth in tourist flow.
• Educational and Technological Growth (Modern Stage): The development of Kaili University and the creation of economic development zones contribute to retaining youth in the region. The city is transforming into a centre of education and commerce for the entire southeastern part of Guizhou, integrating digital technologies into the traditional way of life.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Kaili represents a unique fusion of utilitarian 20th-century Chinese urban planning and the rich traditions of the Miao and Dong ethnic minorities. Unlike typical metropolises, the urban landscape here actively uses ethnic motifs, turning modern buildings into stylized cultural monuments.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The development of the city can be divided into three key stages, each of which has left its mark on its external appearance:

• Traditional Architecture (Historical Heritage):

  Although the city centre is modern, its aesthetics are based on the ancient principles of Miao wooden architecture. Characteristic features include "Diaojiaolou" (stilt houses), curved roof eaves, and the use of wooden lattices. This style dominates in the old quarters and tourist zones, setting the tone for the entire city.

• Industrial Functionalism (1960–1980s):

  The period of the "Third Front" development brought strict concrete architecture to Kaili. This time is characterized by the construction of standard factory buildings, dormitories for workers, and administrative buildings in the style of socialist minimalism. The main principle was practicality and a lack of decoration.

• Modern Ethnic Neo-Style (since the 2000s):

  The current stage of urban planning is postmodernism with local flair. Modern high-rises made of glass and concrete are crowned with traditional roofs with curved corners, and facades are decorated with ornaments imitating embroidery or silver jewellery. This is an attempt to visually consolidate the status of the autonomous prefecture's capital.

Landmark Structures and Districts

The appearance of Kaili is formed by objects in which modern engineering is combined with folklore elements:

• Qiandongnan Nationalities Museum: A striking example of a modern interpretation of traditions. The building combines monumentality with elements characteristic of the Drum Towers of the Dong people and complex roof geometry.
• "Wind and Rain" Bridges: Modern replicas of famous covered bridges have been erected within the city limits and park zones. They serve not only as crossings but also as public spaces for citizens to rest.
• Nationalities Cultural Park: A complex demonstrating the architectural forms of local peoples, including arenas for bullfighting and venues for festivals, integrated into the urban landscape.
• Administrative Centre: Government buildings in the city are often built with elements of giganticism, but necessarily include ethnic decor, emphasizing local identity against the background of state formality.

Distinguished Figures of Kaili and the Region

The city of Kaili, being the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, has become a homeland and a centre of attraction for many talented people. Here, the destinies of historical heroes who defended their people intertwine with modern artists who glorify the unique culture of the region to the whole world.

• Bi Gan
  Film director, screenwriter, poet (born 1989)

  The most famous modern native of the city, who turned Kaili into a cinematic brand. His debut film "Kaili Blues" received international acclaim and prizes at festivals in Locarno and Taiwan. Bi Gan is known for his poetic style and use of long takes, through which he conveys the mystical and misty atmosphere of his hometown.

• Zhang Xiumei
  National hero of the Miao people, leader of the rebellion (1823–1872)

  A legendary historical figure for the entire region. Zhang Xiumei led the massive "Miao Rebellion" against the Qing Dynasty, which lasted nearly 20 years. Although he was born in the neighbouring Taijiang County, his activities are inextricably linked with the history of the entire prefecture, of which Kaili is the centre. His memory is immortalized in folk songs and monuments.

• A You Duo
  Singer, promoter of Miao culture (born 1977)

  One of the most famous performers of folk songs in China, nicknamed the "Flower of the Miao." She actively performs on national television in traditional costumes, introducing a wide audience to the musical heritage of Southwest China. Her work has become an important part of the region's cultural export.

• Lei Yan
  Singer, public figure (born 1980)

  A renowned singer who has dedicated her career to the preservation and development of the musical traditions of the Miao people. A graduate of the Guizhou Art University, she became a soloist of the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Qiandongnan Prefecture (based in Kaili). Lei Yan has also been involved in issues of protecting intangible cultural heritage at the state level.

• Yang Daliu
  Military commander, rebel leader (19th century)

  The closest associate of Zhang Xiumei and an outstanding strategist during the Miao Rebellion. He commanded detachments operating in the mountainous terrain around modern Kaili, using the complex landscapes to successfully withstand regular troops. He is revered by locals as a symbol of resilience and courage.