Pizhou

The history of Pizhou is rooted in deep antiquity. According to historical records, as early as the time of the legendary Xia dynasty, the Pi fiefdom (邳国) existed in this territory. The first official administrative entity, Xiapi County (下邳县), was established here in 221 BC after the unification of China under the Qin dynasty. The settlement also played a significant role during the Zhou dynasty as the capital of the Pi vassal state.

A key factor in the city's emergence was its strategic geographical location. Situated on a fertile plain and along the route of the Grand Canal, Pizhou served as an important military, administrative, and commercial center for many centuries. Its status changed multiple times: during the Tang dynasty in 621, the Pizhou Prefecture was established, which was later restored during the Jin dynasty in 1129. It is this name, referring to the medieval administrative unit, that became permanently attached to the city.

Since ancient times, the region has been known for its developed agriculture, which defined its economic characteristics. Thanks to its location at the crossroads of trade routes, the city became an important center for the exchange of goods. Pizhou gained particular fame for the cultivation of grain crops and garlic. The city also entered history as the site of the famous Battle of Xiapi during the Three Kingdoms era, highlighting its strategic importance in the ancient and medieval history of the country.

Key Dates in the History of Pizhou

• Xia Dynasty Era (c. 2070–1600 BC) — According to historical legends, the Pi fiefdom (邳国) was founded in this territory, marking the first mention of the name in history.
• 221 BC — After the unification of China under the Qin dynasty, Xiapi County (下邳县) was established, becoming the predecessor of the modern city.
• 621 AD — During the Tang dynasty, the administrative prefecture of Pizhou (邳州) was created for the first time.
• 628 AD — A few years later, the Pizhou prefecture was temporarily disbanded.
• 1129 AD — During the reign of the Jurchen Jin dynasty, the Pizhou prefecture was restored.
• 1285 AD — During the Mongol Yuan dynasty, the administrative structure of the prefecture was changed, and counties were formed within it.
• 1724 AD — During the Qing era, Pizhou's status was elevated to a "directly governed prefecture," meaning it was under the direct administration of the Jiangsu provincial authorities.
• 1733 AD — Pizhou was transferred to the jurisdiction of the newly formed Xuzhou Prefecture.
• 1913 AD — After the Xinhai Revolution and administrative reforms, the prefecture was abolished and replaced by Pixian County (邳县).
• 1953 AD — Pixian County was officially included in the Xuzhou Special District.
• 1992 AD — The State Council of the PRC approved the transformation of Pixian County into the county-level city of Pizhou, returning its historical name with a new status.

Key Milestones in the City's Development

Throughout its multi-century history, Pizhou has evolved from an ancient fiefdom into a modern industrial and agricultural hub. The key stages that defined its current character include both the preservation of historical heritage and rapid modernization.

• Transport Hub on the Grand Canal. Its location on the Grand Canal was and remains a fundamental factor in the city's development. For centuries, the canal ensured Pizhou's status as an important trading post connecting the northern and southern regions of China, contributing to economic prosperity.

• Agricultural Center of National Importance. Pizhou has solidified its reputation as one of China's "garlic capitals." The cultivation of garlic and ginkgo became more than just the foundation of agriculture; it became a vital part of the local culture and economy, making the city one of the country's largest producers of these goods.

• Administrative Reform and County-Level City Status. Gaining the status of a county-level city within the Xuzhou prefecture was a significant milestone in Pizhou's modern history. This strengthened its administrative standing in Jiangsu Province and opened new opportunities for urban and economic planning.

• Industrial Modernization. In recent decades, the city has actively developed modern industries. The establishment of the Pizhou Economic Development Zone attracted investment in sectors such as semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, marking the transition from a traditional economy to a high-tech one.

• Development of a "Green" Economy. Pizhou has set a course toward sustainable development, evidenced by the implementation of major environmental projects. These include the construction of a waste-to-energy plant and the launch of large-scale photovoltaic stations, contributing to environmental improvement and the adoption of clean technologies.

• Modern Urban Planning. The adoption of a comprehensive general development plan for 2010–2030 set the direction for creating a comfortable urban environment. The plan provides for environmental protection, improvement of public spaces, and preservation of the area's landscape character, for which the city was awarded the title of "National Outstanding Green City."

• Focus on Cultural Tourism. The city actively utilizes its rich historical past to attract tourists. The reconstruction of the ancient town of Tushan, associated with the Three Kingdoms era, and the creation of scenic parks like the Ginkgo Park are turning Pizhou into an attractive tourist destination where history blends harmoniously with nature.

The architectural landscape of Pizhou serves as a visual chronicle of its long history, where traditional Chinese motifs exist in harmony with the pragmatism of modern development. The city's evolution was largely shaped by its strategic position on the Grand Canal, which fostered the development of dense historical clusters in its central districts.

The historical core of the city's architecture is primarily represented by buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912). A prime example is the reconstructed ancient town of Tushan, where visitors can see classic specimens of Chinese architecture: buildings with curved tiled roofs, wooden frames, and inner courtyards. This area also houses the famous Guandi Temple, dedicated to the general revered throughout China. Other iconic sites, such as the Iron Buddha Temple and the Nine-Dragon Buddha Pagoda in the scenic Aishan district, demonstrate the canons of traditional religious architecture.

With the onset of economic modernization in the late 20th century, the urban landscape began to change rapidly. The modern phase of urban planning in Pizhou is characterized by clear functional zoning. New industrial clusters have emerged, such as the Economic Development Zone with its utilitarian architecture, alongside modern residential complexes and public spaces. At the same time, urban planning emphasizes the integration of nature into the city environment. Numerous parks, such as Red Maple Park, serve as examples of this approach, featuring small modern-style pavilions set amidst natural landscapes to create harmony between architecture and nature. Thus, today's Pizhou is a city of contrasts, where the heritage of ancient dynasties stands alongside the dynamism of a modern metropolis.

Outstanding Figures Associated with Pizhou

The city of Pizhou, known in antiquity as Xiapi (下邳), has for centuries been an arena for life-changing events and the birthplace or workplace of many legendary figures in Chinese history. Its name is particularly closely linked with heroes from the era of the fall of the Qin dynasty, the rise of the Han dynasty, and the Three Kingdoms period.

• Lü Bu (Lü Bu, ? – 199 AD) Role: General of the late Eastern Han dynasty. Significance: One of the most famous and formidable warriors of the Three Kingdoms era, nicknamed the "Flying General." Although he was not a native of these parts, Xiapi became the last stronghold of his independent power. In 198–199, the city was besieged by the forces of Cao Cao and Liu Bei. After the betrayal of his own subordinates, Lü Bu was captured and executed, making Xiapi the place where the life of one of the most brilliant and controversial figures of that time came to an end.
• Zhang Liang (Zhang Liang, c. 262 – 186 BC) Role: Strategist and advisor to Liu Bang, the founder of the Han dynasty. Significance: One of the "Three Heroes of the early Han dynasty." After a failed assassination attempt on Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Zhang Liang was forced into hiding and found refuge specifically in Xiapi. According to a famous legend, it was here, on the Yishui Bridge, that he met the mysterious old man Huang Shigong, who tested his patience three times before granting him the legendary treatise "The Art of War by Taigong." This knowledge helped Zhang Liang become a brilliant strategist and lead Liu Bang to victory.
• Han Xin (Han Xin, ? – 196 BC) Role: Outstanding general and one of the founders of the Han dynasty. Significance: Also among the "Three Heroes of the early Han dynasty." Although he was from neighboring Huaiyin, his name is inextricably linked with the region. It was here, according to legend, that a famous incident occurred when in his youth, being poor and obscure, he was forced to crawl between the legs of a local bully to avoid a fight. This episode went down in history as an example of great patience and the ability to endure humiliation for the sake of a great goal, becoming a textbook example in Chinese culture.
• Liu Bang (Liu Bang, 256 – 195 BC) Role: Founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty. Significance: The future emperor was a native of Pei County, located in the immediate vicinity of Xiapi. All of his early activities to overthrow the Qin dynasty and fight for power were concentrated in this region. Xiapi, as an important administrative and military center, played a key role in his campaigns. The support of local clans and control over this territory became one of the foundations of his future triumph.
• Mi Zhu (Mi Zhu, ? – 221 AD) Role: Official and advisor who served the general Liu Bei. Significance: A native of Donghai Prefecture (which included the territory of Xiapi), Mi Zhu was one of the wealthiest people in Xuzhou Province. During a difficult period for Liu Bei, when he had lost almost all his strength, Mi Zhu provided him with colossal financial support and gave him his sister in marriage, who became Lady Gan. This alliance allowed Liu Bei to rebuild his army and continue the struggle, which ultimately led to the founding of the Shu Han kingdom.