Longyan history

Longyan, located in the west of Fujian Province in China, is a city with a rich history closely intertwined with the culture of the Hakka people. Its history is a story of strategic importance, cultural distinctiveness, and centuries-old traditions.

Foundation and Origin of the Name

The city was established as an administrative unit during the Tang Dynasty, in 736 AD. Longyan received its poetic name, which translates as "Dragon Rock", thanks to the nearby Longyan Cave — a famous natural landmark associated with local legends.

Key Factors of Development

Several key factors influenced the city's development. One was its geographical location: situated in a mountainous area, Longyan historically served as a strategic hub connecting Fujian Province with the neighbouring provinces of Guangdong and Jiangxi. This contributed to its role as an important point on trade routes.

Longyan is also one of the main centres of Hakka culture. Mass migrations of the Hakka people from northern China to the south in the Middle Ages led to the formation of a unique cultural landscape here, which defined the city's identity for centuries to come. Furthermore, having received the status of a county centre as early as the 8th century, Longyan maintained significant administrative importance in the region throughout its history.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The early culture of Longyan was fully shaped by Hakka traditions, manifested in a distinct dialect, cuisine, architecture, and strong social cohesion. The city's economy historically relied on agriculture — the fertile valleys amidst the mountains were ideal for growing rice and tea. Thanks to its location at a crossroads, the city was also a bustling centre for local trade.

Key Dates in the History of Longyan

The history of Longyan is a fascinating journey through time: from an ancient county founded during the Tang Dynasty to a modern city that has preserved the unique heritage of the Hakka people. Each era has left its mark on the architecture, traditions, and character of this amazing place, and here are the key moments of its formation.

• 8th Century — The foundations of the future city were laid during the Tang Dynasty era. In 742, it received its name — Longyan, meaning "Dragon Rock", in honour of the picturesque karst cave which remains its natural symbol today.
• 13th–17th Centuries — Having survived the succession of the great Yuan and Ming dynasties, Longyan strengthened its status as an important administrative and trading centre in the west of Fujian Province.
• 1734 — During the Qing Dynasty, the city received a special status, highlighting its growing economic and cultural influence in the region.
• Early 20th Century — With the fall of the empire and the formation of the Republic of China, Longyan entered a new historical era full of changes and transformations.
• 1920s–1930s — The region found itself at the centre of significant historical events that played a major role in the history of China. This period left a deep imprint on local memory and culture.
• Late 20th Century — The modern stage of development began. In 1981, Longyan officially became a city, and in 1997 it was reorganised into a prefecture-level city, actively developing its economy and transforming into the modern and welcoming centre we know today.

Development Stages: From Traditions to Innovation

The development of Longyan is a story of how a city deeply rooted in Hakka culture managed to transform into a modern industrial and cultural centre. Key transformations encompass the economy, urban structure, and heritage conservation.

• Becoming an Industrial Centre. In the late 20th century, Longyan turned into an important industrial hub. Giants such as Zijin Mining Group, one of China's largest metallurgical companies, and Lonking Holdings, a leading manufacturer of construction machinery, established their headquarters here. This laid the foundation for the city's modern economy.
• Administrative Reforms. An important milestone was the transformation of Longyan County into a county-level city in 1981, and then, in 1997, into a prefecture-level city. This new status promoted accelerated urbanisation, investment attraction, and comprehensive territorial development.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure. Longyan strengthened its position as a strategic node connecting coastal areas with inland provinces. The construction of key railway lines, including the high-speed railway to Xiamen opened in 2012, significantly improved the city's logistics and accessibility.
• Centre of Hakka Culture. Longyan is historically one of the main centres of the unique Hakka culture. In recent years, the city has actively turned its heritage into a driver of economic growth by creating cultural and creative parks and hosting festivals that attract tourists and support artisans.
• Reliance on Natural Resources. The city's economy has long relied on rich natural resources, including forestry and mineral deposits. Along with this, the tobacco industry makes a significant contribution to the local economy, highlighting the multifaceted nature of its industrial base.
• Innovations in Tourism. The city successfully integrates cultural heritage into the modern tourism industry. Sites such as the ancient "Tulou" dwellings are being transformed into popular tourist attractions, while traditional performances and rituals are becoming part of a live cultural experience for visitors.

Longyan's Architectural Landscape: From Tulou Fortresses to Modern Skyscrapers

The architecture of Longyan is a visual history of the city, where the unique traditions of the Hakka people blend harmoniously with the dynamic development of modern China. The urban landscape presents a contrasting canvas where ancient earthen fortresses sit alongside new high-rise buildings.

Traditional Architecture: Hakka Heritage and the Grandeur of Tulou

The region's main architectural symbol is the Fujian Tulou — monumental enclosed residential complexes built by the Hakka people between the 12th and 20th centuries. These unique structures, mostly round or square, were constructed from a mixture of clay, sand, and lime on a solid stone foundation. The walls at the base could reach two metres in thickness, turning the Tulou into impregnable fortresses protecting entire clans from external threats. Up to 800 people could live inside one such building, forming a close-knit community with their own living quarters, wells, storage rooms, and even assembly halls. Many of these amazing structures were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2008, underscoring their immense cultural and historical value.

Modern Urban Planning: An Era of Change

Starting from the second half of the 20th century, Longyan, like many cities in the country, entered a phase of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. This led to radical changes in its architectural appearance. Traditional low-rise buildings were replaced by modern residential complexes, office centres, and industrial zones. The growth of major companies such as Zijin Mining Group and Lonking Holdings contributed to the formation of new business districts. Today's Longyan is a city where modern functional architecture, represented by high-rise buildings and developed transport infrastructure, exists side by side with carefully preserved heritage of the past, creating a unique and multifaceted urban landscape.

Distinguished Figures of Longyan

The city of Longyan and its surroundings have given China and the world many talented individuals — from revolutionary figures and politicians to world-class athletes. These personalities have left a significant mark on history, culture, and sports, bringing fame to their homeland.

• Lin Dan (born 1983) — one of the greatest badminton players of all time, born in Longyan. During his impressive career, he became a two-time Olympic champion, a five-time World Champion, and a six-time winner of the prestigious All England Open. His dominance in the sport and numerous titles earned him the nickname "Super Dan".
• Zhang Dingcheng (1898–1981) — a prominent political and military figure, a native of Yongding County (now part of Longyan). He was a participant in the Chinese Civil War and served as the Procurator-General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the PRC from 1954 to 1975, which is the longest term in the agency's history.
• Deng Zihui (1896–1972) — a revolutionary and one of the influential leaders of the PRC in the 1940s and 1950s. Originally from Longyan, he played a key role in agrarian reforms and was one of the founders of the communist movement base in the western part of Fujian Province.
• Yang Chengwu (1914–2004) — a general of the People's Liberation Army of China. A native of Changting County (now within Longyan), he was a significant military figure during the Civil War and in subsequent years.
• Zhang Xiangxiang (born 1983) — a renowned weightlifter who brought fame to Longyan on the international sports arena. He won a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and a bronze medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.