Nanning history

The history of Nanning, one of the ancient cities in southern China, spans over 1,700 years. Its establishment and development are inextricably linked to its advantageous geographical location, the succession of powerful dynasties, and its role as a vital trade hub.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlement on the site of modern Nanning was founded in 318 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and was named Jinxing County. Over the centuries, the city changed its name multiple times. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), it became known as Yongzhou Prefecture and served as an important military garrison for controlling border territories. The city received its current name, Nanning, which translates as "Pacifying the South" or "Southern Tranquility," in 1324 during the Yuan Dynasty.

Key Factors of Development

The city's development was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its strategic location on the banks of the Yongjiang River, part of the Pearl River system, provided convenient waterways for trade. Secondly, its proximity to the Vietnamese border made Nanning a crucial communication and commercial centre connecting China's central regions with Southeast Asia. Thirdly, gaining the status of the administrative centre of Guangxi province in the 20th century definitively cemented its political and economic significance.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

As early as the Song Dynasty (960–1279), Nanning was known as a bustling commercial hub. During the Ming Dynasty, it was even called "Little Nanjing" due to its active trade and distribution of goods. The city has historically been a centre for the Zhuang people—the largest ethnic minority in China—which has enriched its culture with unique traditions. The coexistence of more than 30 ethnic groups over centuries has created a unique atmosphere of cultural diversity in Nanning.

Key Milestones in Nanning's History

The history of Nanning is a chronicle of strategic transformations, dynastic changes, and cultural development. The city has come a long way from a military outpost to a modern metropolis playing a key role in the economy of southern China.

• 318 AD — Jinxing County was founded on the site of the modern city, marking the first mention of an administrative unit in this region under the Jin Dynasty.
• 618–907 — During the Tang Dynasty era, the city, known as Yongzhou Prefecture, becomes an important military garrison for controlling the southern borders.
• 1052 — The city becomes the centre of a major uprising led by Nong Zhigao, after which its role as a military garrison is strengthened.
• 1324 — During the Yuan Dynasty, the city receives its modern name Nanning, which translates as "Pacifying the South."
• Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) Dynasties — Nanning is established as a top-level prefecture and an important centre for goods distribution, earning the nickname "Little Nanjing."
• 1907 — Nanning officially opens to foreign trade, providing a powerful impetus for its economic growth and development.
• 1912–1936 — The city becomes the administrative centre of Guangxi province for the first time.
• 1949 — Following the establishment of the PRC, Nanning is definitively confirmed as the capital of Guangxi province (since 1958 — Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region).
• From the 1950s — Active industrialization of the city begins with a focus on food and light industries, particularly sugar cane processing.
• 2004 — Nanning hosts the China-ASEAN EXPO for the first time, after which the city becomes the permanent venue for this important international economic forum.

Key Milestones in Nanning's Development

The development of Nanning is a story of transformation from a frontier garrison into a thriving metropolis and international hub. Key transformations in its economic, cultural, and urban planning spheres have defined its modern appearance.

• Opening to Foreign Trade (1907): This year marked a turning point when Nanning was officially opened to international commerce. This decision gave a powerful boost to economic growth, attracted foreign investment, and facilitated the city's development as a vital trade hub in southern China.
• Gaining Capital Status: In the 20th century, Nanning definitively secured its status as an administrative centre. Initially serving temporarily as the capital of Guangxi province from 1912–1936, it was permanently confirmed in this status in 1949. This fostered the concentration of political and administrative functions within the city.
• Creation of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (1958): Nanning became the capital of the newly formed autonomous region, highlighting its role as a cultural and political centre for the Zhuang people—the country's largest ethnic minority. This status contributes to the preservation and development of unique national traditions in the city.
• Industrialization and Economic Growth: Starting in the 1950s, active industrialization began in the city with a focus on food and light industries. In subsequent decades, Nanning's economy became one of the most dynamic in southwest China, turning the city into an important centre for manufacturing and agriculture.
• Transport Hub: The development of transport infrastructure, particularly the construction of railways connecting Nanning with other regions of China and neighbouring Vietnam, played a key role. The city became a crucial logistics centre, ensuring links between inland provinces and the ports and countries of Southeast Asia.
• Permanent Host of the China-ASEAN EXPO (since 2004): Securing the right to annually host this major international exhibition radically changed the city. It attracted massive investment in the construction of modern infrastructure, including a new exhibition centre, hotels, and roads, and strengthened its international prestige as the "Gateway" to ASEAN countries.
• Formation of the "Green City": In the 21st century, Nanning is actively developing the concept of a "Green City." Thanks to large-scale greening programmes and the creation of numerous parks and gardens, the city has earned a reputation as one of the greenest in China. This image has become an important part of its modern identity and appeal to tourists and residents alike.

Nanning's architectural landscape presents a striking contrast between preserved islands of traditional buildings and ultra-modern skyscrapers, reflecting the city's rapid transformation from a regional centre into an international metropolis. Urban development combines the preservation of historical heritage with ambitious 21st-century projects.

Traditional Architecture (Ming and Qing Eras)

The historical core of the city is considered to be the "Three Streets and Two Alleys" (San Jie Liang Xiang) district. These are the "urban roots" of Nanning, where buildings constructed from the Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China era have been preserved. These structures demonstrate characteristic features of southern Chinese architecture of that time: low-rise houses with tiled roofs, internal courtyards, and intricate wood carving. To get a more complete picture of the region's architecture from those eras, one can look to the example of the ancient town of Yangmei, located nearby, which flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties and has preserved many authentic buildings.

The 20th Century Period: A Transitional Stage

The early 20th century, especially after Nanning opened to foreign trade in 1907, and the subsequent Republican period brought changes to the city's appearance, adding buildings in a mixed Chinese-European style, which can also be found in the "Three Streets and Two Alleys" historic district. The second half of the century focused on functional industrial and residential construction, which was typical for many rapidly growing cities in China at that time.

Modern Appearance: The Era of Skyscrapers and the "Green City"

A true architectural boom began in Nanning in the 21st century, largely due to its status as the permanent venue for the China-ASEAN EXPO. The cityscape has changed radically due to the construction of numerous supertall buildings in modernist and postmodernist styles. Nanning's skyline is today defined by such landmarks as:

• China Resources Tower (403 metres) — one of the tallest buildings in China, completed in 2020.
• Logan Century Center (390 metres).
• Guangxi Finance Plaza (321 metres).

Parallel to high-rise construction, Nanning's urban planning policy focuses on the "Green City" concept. An abundance of parks, squares, and greenery is integrated into the urban fabric, creating a comfortable living environment and emphasizing the unique image of the modern capital of Guangxi.

Notable Figures in Nanning's History

Over the centuries, Nanning has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many prominent figures who left their mark on the history of not only the city but all of China. Among them are warlords, politicians, scholars, and leaders whose fates are closely intertwined with this southern metropolis.

Nong Zhigao (1025–1055)

• Role: Chieftain of the Zhuang people, founder of several short-lived kingdoms.
• Historical Significance: One of the key figures in the early history of the region. In 1052, he led an uprising, captured the city of Yongzhou (the old name for Nanning), and proclaimed the establishment of the Kingdom of Danan ("Great South"). Although his state was defeated by Song Dynasty troops, Nong Zhigao is revered as a hero of the Zhuang people and a symbol of the struggle for independence.

Bai Chongxi (1893–1966)

• Role: Warlord, one of the leaders of the "New Guangxi Clique."
• Historical Significance: Together with Li Zongren, he governed Guangxi province in the first half of the 20th century, turning it into a model region. Bai Chongxi was a key commander during the Second Sino-Japanese War, specifically leading the defence during the Battle of South Guangxi (Nanning Operation) in 1939. He earned the nickname "Little Zhuge Liang" for his strategic talents.

Li Zongren (1890–1969)

• Role: Warlord, politician, Acting President of the Republic of China.
• Historical Significance: The closest associate of Bai Chongxi and co-founder of the "New Guangxi Clique." Their power was based in Guangxi, and Nanning served as a vital administrative centre. Li Zongren was a distinguished military strategist and held the highest posts in the state, including Vice President, and in 1949 effectively led the country.

Huang Xianfan (1899–1982)

• Role: Historian, ethnologist, professor, founder of Zhuangology.
• Historical Significance: Born in the territory that was part of the Nanning prefecture, he became the first professor of Zhuang ethnicity in China. His fundamental works, particularly "A General History of the Zhuang," laid the foundation for the study of the history and culture of China's largest ethnic minority. Huang Xianfan is considered the "Father of Zhuangology" and one of the greatest Chinese historians of the 20th century.

Wei Guoqing (1913–1989)

• Role: General, political figure, Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
• Historical Significance: Being Zhuang by ethnicity, Wei Guoqing led Guangxi province (later the autonomous region) for decades from its capital, Nanning. He was an influential politician at the national level, a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, and played an important role in the region's development in the post-war period.