Qionghai history

Located in the eastern part of Hainan Province, Qionghai boasts a rich and multi-layered history. Although its modern form was established relatively recently, these lands have been part of Chinese civilization for centuries, absorbing the unique characteristics of island culture and the turbulent events of national history.

Foundation and Establishment

The modern county-level city of Qionghai was formed in 1958 through the merger of several counties, including Qiongdong and Lehui. This administrative move was part of larger transformations on Hainan Island. In 1992, Qionghai was granted city status, reflecting its growing economic and social importance. The name "Qionghai" (琼海) translates to "Sea of Qiong," where "Qiong" is the traditional abbreviation for Hainan Island.

Key Development Factors

The development of Qionghai has been defined by several key factors:

• Geographic Location: Situated on the coast at the mouth of the Wanquan River — the "Mother River" of Hainan — the area offered ideal conditions for agriculture, particularly rice cultivation, and fishing. This made the region a vital agricultural hub for the island.
• Political and Historical Events: In the 1930s, this region became famous as the birthplace of the legendary Red Detachment of Women — an armed unit consisting entirely of women, which became a symbol of resilience and struggle. In modern times, the city gained global renown for hosting the Boao Forum for Asia in the town of Boao, which is part of Qionghai. This has transformed it into a venue for high-level international dialogue.
• Trade and Economy: Historically, the economy was based on agriculture and fisheries. Today, Qionghai is actively developing tourism, including agricultural and medical tourism, attracting investments and becoming a crucial link in the creation of the Hainan Free Trade Port.

Cultural and Economic Heritage

Qionghai's early economic structure was predominantly agrarian, with strong traditions of growing coconuts, betel nuts, and tropical fruits. The city's cultural heritage is closely tied to its revolutionary past, particularly the history of the Red Detachment of Women, which has been immortalized in a famous film and ballet. Today, Qionghai is known not only as the "hometown of many overseas Chinese" but also as a modern tourism center where historical heritage blends harmoniously with picturesque nature and new economic opportunities.

Key Historical Moments

• 1931 — The famous Red Detachment of Women was formed in the region — a female armed unit that became an important symbol in the modern history of China.
• 1958 — Qionghai County was officially established through the merger of several counties as a result of administrative reform.
• 1988 — Hainan Island received the status of a separate province and a Special Economic Zone, serving as a powerful catalyst for the economic growth of Qionghai and the entire region.
• 1992 — Qionghai County was upgraded to the status of a county-level city, reflecting its growing significance.
• 2002 — A permanent venue for the Boao Forum for Asia was opened in the town of Boao, under Qionghai's administration, transforming the city into a major center for international diplomacy and economics.

Stages of Qionghai's Development

The history of modern Qionghai is a journey from an agrarian county to an internationally renowned city. The key transformations that have defined its current appearance are linked to economic reforms and the strategic development of the entire region.

• Gaining Special Economic Zone Status. In 1988, Hainan Island was designated as a separate province and declared the largest Special Economic Zone in China. This decision provided a massive impulse for Qionghai's economic growth, attracted investments, and laid the foundation for future urbanization.
• Creation of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA). Established in 2001, with annual sessions held in the town of Boao since 2002, the forum transformed Qionghai into a platform for high-level international dialogue. Often referred to as the "Davos of the East," the forum radically increased the city's global recognition and stimulated infrastructure development.
• Development of International Medical Tourism. The creation of the Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone became a unique project for all of China. This "special medical zone" provides access to cutting-edge global medical technologies, attracting patients from various countries and developing the high-tech economic sector.
• Focus on Modern Tourism. Leveraging the "Boao" brand, the city is actively developing the tourism industry. This includes creating state-level resort zones, such as on Dongyu Island, as well as developing agrotourism in picturesque villages where travelers can experience local culture.
• Modernization of Agriculture. Alongside tourism, the city has focused on innovation in the agricultural sector. A prime example is the creation of the "Window to Global Tropical Fruits" center, where exotic fruits from around the world are grown and adapted. This has allowed for the diversification of the traditional economy based on coconut cultivation.
• Integration into the Hainan Free Trade Port. The current stage of the city's development is closely tied to the transformation of the entire island of Hainan into a Free Trade Port. This massive project promotes further investment growth, logistics development, and strengthens Qionghai's position as a key economic hub in the region.

The architectural landscape of Qionghai is a vivid reflection of its rapid development: from a traditional southern Chinese town to an ultra-modern international center. Here, historical quarters, functional mid-20th-century buildings, and futuristic complexes symbolizing the region's economic breakthrough coexist harmoniously.

Traditional "Qilou" Architecture

The historical core of the city, especially in the central town of Jiaji, has preserved elements of architecture traditional to Southern China, known as "Qilou" (Arcade Buildings). This style, brought back by Chinese emigrants returning from Southeast Asia, is characterized by buildings with arcades on the ground floor that create covered pedestrian galleries. Such a design was not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical in the tropical climate, protecting passersby from the scorching sun and heavy rains. These two- and three-story buildings are often adorned with elements combining Chinese and Western motifs.

20th Century Urban Planning

Following the establishment of Qionghai County in 1958 and in the subsequent decades, urban development primarily followed a functional approach characteristic of that period in China. During this time, standard residential and administrative buildings were erected, with the main goal of solving practical tasks for a rapidly growing population. This stage did not leave behind striking architectural monuments but formed the basis for further urban expansion.

The Modern Era: Innovation and International Style

The beginning of the 21st century marked a true breakthrough in Qionghai's architectural and urban development. The city transformed into a platform for bold, world-class architectural experiments.

• Architecture of the Boao Forum for Asia: The complex of buildings constructed for the "Davos of the East" is a model of modern international architecture. Large-scale structures using glass, steel, and concrete, bold geometric forms, and organic integration into the coastal landscape symbolize Qionghai's openness and global ambitions.
• Futurism of the Lecheng Medical Zone: The Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone has become a showcase for futuristic and high-tech architecture. Clinics and research centers here are designed using advanced "green" technologies, principles of sustainable development, and the creation of a healing environment. Flowing lines, abundant light, and integration with nature highlight the innovative character of this cluster.

Today, Qionghai's urban development is based on the concept of polycentricity, where the historical center is complemented by new specialized zones, such as the Boao business district and the Lecheng medical city, each possessing its own unique architectural code.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Qionghai

The city of Qionghai and its surroundings have been the birthplace of many famous figures who left a significant mark on the history, politics, military affairs, and culture of China. Below are some of the most significant figures associated with this region.

Wang Wenming (1894–1930)

• Role: Revolutionary, founder of the communist movement in Hainan.
• Significance: A native of Lehui County (now part of Qionghai), Wang Wenming is considered the "first revolutionary of Qiongya." He was the founder and first secretary of the CPC committee on the island, as well as the creator of the Qiongya Worker-Peasant Red Army and the Soviet government. His activities laid the foundation for the subsequent revolutionary struggle in Hainan.

He Wei (1900–1960)

• Role: High-ranking commander of the Red Army.
• Significance: Born in the town of Boao, He Wei was one of the prominent military leaders of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. He served as the commander of the 9th Corps of the Red Army's Fourth Front and was the political commissar of the Red Army University, making a significant contribution to the early formation of the CPC's armed forces.

Lu Sheng (1911–1997)

• Role: Lieutenant General of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
• Significance: A native of Lehui County (now Qionghai), Lu Sheng was an experienced military figure who rose from guerrilla warfare to high posts in the PLA. In 1955, he was awarded the rank of Lieutenant General. He served as political commissar of the Fujian Military District and deputy political commissar of the Fuzhou Military District, representing the military generation of the revolution.

He Ying (1914–1993)

• Role: Diplomat, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC.
• Significance: He Ying, born in Qionghai, was one of the outstanding diplomats of the first generation of the new China. He served as ambassador to many countries, including Mongolia and Tanzania, and made a key contribution to establishing and developing the PRC's diplomatic relations with Asian and African countries. His career stands as an example of successful diplomatic service.

Pang Qionghua (1911–1942)

• Role: The first company commander of the Red Detachment of Women.
• Significance: Pang Qionghua was the real historical prototype for the main character of the famous film and ballet "The Red Detachment of Women." As the commander of the legendary female unit formed in the Qionghai territory, she became a symbol of courage and women's liberation. Her detachment successfully participated in several combat operations, writing a bright page in the region's military history.

Cai Jiasen (1886–n.d.)

• Role: Influential Overseas Chinese (Huaqiao), philanthropist.
• Significance: A native of Qionghai, Cai Jiasen became a successful entrepreneur in Indonesia. In the 1930s, he returned to his homeland and, together with his brothers, built the famous "Cai Family Residence" — a monumental architectural complex known as the "first mansion in the homeland of Overseas Chinese in Hainan." This complex is a vivid symbol of Qionghai's connection with the diaspora and cultural exchange.

Zhang Qi'e (born 1951)

• Role: Entrepreneur, social activist.
• Significance: Although Zhang Qi'e (also known as Claire Chiang) was born in Singapore, her ancestors hail from Qionghai. She is a co-founder of the world-renowned Banyan Tree Group hotel chain. As a successful entrepreneur and former Member of Parliament in Singapore, she represents the modern generation of distinguished people with roots in Qionghai who have achieved international recognition.