Liaoyang history

Liaoyang is one of the most ancient cities in Manchuria, with a history spanning over 2,400 years. Its long and rich past has left a significant mark on the culture and architecture of Northeast China.

Foundation and first mentions. The first settlements on the site of modern Liaoyang appeared during the Warring States period (475–221 BC), when the city was known as the Sanping fortress. It took shape as an important administrative centre around the 2nd century AD, becoming one of the key cities of the region.

Capital status. In various eras, Liaoyang acquired the status of a capital for powerful states. In the 10th–12th centuries, it was the Eastern Capital of the Khitan Liao Empire. Later, in 1621, Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin dynasty, made the city his capital under the name Dongjing ("Eastern Capital"), before moving it to Shenyang in 1625.

Strategic importance. The city owes much of its growth to its location by the Taizi River, at the intersection of trade and military routes. For many centuries, Liaoyang was a major administrative and trading hub of Manchuria, controlling roads leading from the Liaodong Peninsula and Korea. This underscored its key political role in the region.

Cultural heritage and economy. The city's rich past is reflected in its unique monuments. One of the most famous is the White Pagoda (Baita), built during the Liao dynasty in the 12th century. Liaoyang was also an important Buddhist centre; it is home to the Guangyu Temple, one of the oldest in China, founded during the Eastern Han dynasty. Economic development was historically facilitated by proximity to coal and iron ore deposits, which spurred the development of crafts and later, industry.

Key Milestones in the History of Liaoyang

• Warring States Period (475–221 BC) — A fortified settlement known as the Sanping fortress is founded on the site of the modern city.
• Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 AD) — The Guangyu Temple is founded, becoming one of the oldest Buddhist temples in China.
• 938 — During the Khitan Liao Empire, the Liaoyang Prefecture is established, and the city becomes one of the state's five capitals, receiving the name Dongjing ("Eastern Capital").
• 12th Century — The famous White Pagoda (Baita) is erected in the city, remaining one of the main symbols of Liaoyang to this day.
• 1115–1234 — During the reign of the Jurchen Jin dynasty, Liaoyang retains its status as an important political and military centre of the region.
• 1298 — During the Mongol Yuan Empire, the Liaoyang province is established, highlighting its administrative importance.
• 1621 — The founder of the Later Jin dynasty, Nurhaci, captures the city and makes it his capital, also named Dongjing.
• 1625 — The capital is moved to neighbouring Shenyang (then Mukden), and Liaoyang becomes the administrative centre of the area.
• 1904 — During the Russo-Japanese War, one of the largest land battles—the Battle of Liaoyang—takes place in the vicinity of the city.
• 1949 — After the establishment of the PRC, the urbanised part of the county is separated into the distinct city of Liaoyang within the new Liaodong province.

Key Stages of Liaoyang's Modern Development

After the establishment of the PRC in 1949, Liaoyang, like the entire Liaoning province, entered an era of rapid transformation. The ancient city turned into an important industrial centre of Northeast China while preserving its rich cultural heritage.

Industrialisation under the First Five-Year Plan

From the 1950s, Liaoyang became one of China's key centres for heavy industry. The city actively developed metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and the production of building materials, utilising rich local deposits of coal and iron ore. This laid the foundation for its modern economic structure.

Becoming a centre for the petrochemical industry

One of the main vectors of economic development was the creation of a powerful petrochemical complex. Liaoyang received the status of a "new petrochemical city", and its enterprises, such as PetroChina Liaoyang Petrochemical, began to play a key role in the industry, constantly modernising and expanding production.

Administrative reforms and consolidation

In 1949, the urbanised area was designated as a separate city. Subsequent decades were marked by a series of administrative transformations, including the creation of specialised industrial districts (such as Hongwei and Gongchangling), which facilitated more effective management and planning of urban and industrial development.

Development of transport infrastructure

To support the growing industry, Liaoyang was transformed into an important transport hub. The modernisation of railway and road networks provided efficient logistics for industrial giants and strengthened the city's connection with other major centres, such as Shenyang and Dalian.

Economic diversification

Besides petrochemicals and metallurgy, the city began to actively develop other sectors, including textile, paper, and food industries. This allowed the economy to become more resilient and multi-profile.

Preservation of cultural heritage and tourism development

Despite the industrial focus, city authorities pay attention to preserving its millennial history. Monuments such as the White Pagoda and Guangyu Temple are actively restored and promoted as tourist attractions, shaping the image of Liaoyang not only as an industrial but also as a historically significant city.

The Architectural Look of Liaoyang: From Dynasties to Skyscrapers

The architecture of Liaoyang is a visual chronicle of its centuries-old history, where traditional Chinese styles coexist with 20th-century industrial buildings and modern high-rises. Urban development reflects the change of eras — from capital status in Imperial China to becoming an important industrial hub.

Imperial Period (pre-20th century)

In ancient times, Liaoyang's urban planning followed the canons of Chinese capital planning: the city was surrounded by walls, and its layout likely had a clear structure with main roads dividing it into quarters. Traditional Chinese architecture dominated. The brightest examples of this era are:

• White Pagoda (Baita) — an octagonal brick pagoda from the 12th century, an outstanding monument of Buddhist architecture from the Liao dynasty. Its elegant and majestic silhouette remains the main symbol of the city.
• Guangyu Temple — one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the region, representing a classic complex with pavilions, courtyards, and carved wooden elements characteristic of Chinese temple architecture.

Industrial Architecture of the 20th Century

From the mid-20th century, during the period of active industrialisation, the appearance of Liaoyang began to change radically. The city started to be actively built up in the spirit of socialist functionalism. Large industrial complexes, standard residential areas for workers (for example, in the Hongwei and Gongchangling districts), and austere administrative buildings appeared. The main emphasis in the architecture of this period was on practicality, scale, and adherence to uniform standards.

Modern Stage (late 20th century to present)

Starting from the 1990s, Liaoyang, like many cities in China, has been experiencing a construction boom. Modern high-rise residential complexes, shopping and entertainment centres, and office buildings made of glass and concrete have appeared in the urban landscape. This modern development forms the new business face of the city, which contrasts with historical monuments but at the same time highlights its dynamic development and economic growth.

Prominent Figures Associated with Liaoyang

The history of Liaoyang, one of the oldest cities in Manchuria, is closely intertwined with the destinies of many outstanding figures — from empire founders to sports heroes. Below are some of the key figures who left their mark on the city's history.

• Nurhaci (1559–1626)
  The founder of the Manchu state, which later became known as the Qing Empire. Nurhaci is one of the central figures in the history of Liaoyang. In 1621, he conquered the city and proclaimed it the "Eastern Capital" (Dongjing) of his Later Jin state. Although the capital was moved to Shenyang in 1625, this brief period forever inscribed Nurhaci's name in the history of the city as its temporary ruler and conqueror.
• Cao Xueqin (c. 1715–1763)
  The author of one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature — "Dream of the Red Chamber". Although Cao Xueqin himself was born and lived in other parts of China, his family had deep roots in Liaoyang. The Cao clan originated from this region and was attached to the Manchu "Banner armies", which determined the family's future destiny, closely linked with the Qing dynasty. Thus, the history of the writer's lineage is inextricably linked with the land of Liaoyang.
• Wang Erle (1727–1801)
  An outstanding scholar, calligrapher, and high-ranking official during the Qing dynasty, who served under the Qianlong Emperor. Wang Erle was a native of Liaoyang and is considered one of the most famous representatives of the local intelligentsia. His success in civil service and science brought fame to his hometown far beyond the borders of Manchuria.
• Alexei Kuropatkin (1848–1925)
  A Russian general and Commander-in-Chief of the Manchurian Army during the Russo-Japanese War. His name forever entered the history of the city as one of the main actors in the Battle of Liaoyang — one of the largest land battles of the war, which took place in August-September 1904.
• Iwao Oyama (1842–1916)
  A Japanese Marshal, Commander-in-Chief of the Japanese armies in Manchuria, and the opponent of General Kuropatkin in the Battle of Liaoyang. Under his leadership, the Japanese army achieved a strategic victory, forcing the Russian troops to retreat, which became an important stage in the course of the entire Russo-Japanese War.
• Wang Junxia (born 1973)
  A famous Chinese track and field athlete, 1996 Olympic champion in the 5000 metres and a multiple world record holder. Although she was born in Jilin province, in 1991 she joined the Liaoning provincial team, where she achieved outstanding success under the guidance of coach Ma Junren. Her sports career is closely connected with the region, and she is one of the most famous modern personalities to have brought fame to Liaoning province on the world stage.