Sanming history

The prefecture-level city of Sanming, located in the western part of Fujian Province, is a relatively young administrative entity, yet the land on which it stands possesses a rich and multifaceted history. Although the city appeared as a unified administrative unit only in the mid-20th century, its individual counties have been centres of cultural and economic life for many centuries.

Foundation and First Mentions

The modern city of Sanming was formed in 1956 through the merger of two historic counties—Sanyuan and Mingxi. It is from their names that the name "Sanming" is derived. However, the history of human activity in this region spans thousands of years, as evidenced by archaeological finds such as the fossils of the "Qingliu Man" in Huli Cave, indicating the presence of humans nearly 10,000 years ago. Throughout the Tang, Song, and Qing dynasties, the territory of present-day Sanming consisted of scattered counties that played an important role in regional life.

Key Development Factors

• Geographical Location: Situated between the Wuyi and Daiyun mountains, Sanming lies at the intersection of important transport routes. The valley of the Sha River, a tributary of the Min River, historically served as the main route connecting the central part of Fujian with neighbouring regions.
• Trade and Resources: Initially, Sanming was a small local market centre. The region is rich in natural resources, including vast forests, which facilitated the development of forestry and woodworking. Additionally, there are deposits of iron ore, coal, and limestone.
• Political and Economic Development: A decisive boost to the city's development was the construction of the railway in 1957, connecting it with Jiangxi Province to the north and the port city of Xiamen to the south. Since the late 1950s, Sanming began to transform into a major industrial base for Fujian Province, specialising in metallurgy, cement production, chemical fertilisers, and mechanical engineering.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before its industrial transformation, the region was primarily known for agriculture and natural products such as bamboo shoots, lotus seeds, and various fruits. The region's cultural heritage is also very rich. For instance, Youxi County is the birthplace of Zhu Xi, the famous 12th-century Chinese philosopher. Furthermore, Sanming takes pride in its well-preserved architecture from the Ming Dynasty and ancient stone carvings. Today, the city is known not only as an industrial centre but also as China's "Green Treasury" thanks to its unique natural landscapes, including Danxia landforms and karst caves.

Key Milestones in the History of Sanming

The history of the lands where modern Sanming is located spans thousands of years, yet the city formed as a unified administrative and industrial centre only in the second half of the 20th century. Below are the main stages of its development.

• About 10,000 years ago: The earliest evidence of human activity in the region is confirmed by the discovery of "Qingliu Man" fossils in Huli Cave.
• Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD): During this period, the famous Yuhua Karst Cave was discovered, which is a popular tourist attraction today.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD): The foundations of administrative division were laid on the territory of modern Sanming, and the first counties appeared.
• 12th Century (Southern Song Dynasty): Youxi County, part of modern Sanming, became the birthplace of Zhu Xi—one of the most influential Chinese Neo-Confucian philosophers.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644): During this era, a significant part of the architecture surviving to this day was created, and the development of the scenic Taoyuan Cave area began.
• 1934: Ninghua County, part of the prefecture, became one of the four starting points of the legendary Long March of the Chinese Red Army.
• 1938–1945: During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the government of Fujian Province temporarily moved to Yong'an County (today part of Sanming).
• 1956: Sanming County was officially formed by merging Sanyuan and Mingxi counties, giving the city its modern name.
• 1957: The opening of the railway line connecting the region with Jiangxi Province and the city of Xiamen served as a powerful impetus for economic growth.
• 1960: Sanming received city status, cementing its role as an important industrial centre in China.
• 1997: The city set a course for ecological development, transforming into a "Green Treasury," facilitated by a visit from Xi Jinping, who held a post in the provincial government at that time.
• 2000s – Present: Sanming is actively developing eco-tourism, banking on its unique natural landscapes, including the Taining Global Geopark.

Major Milestones in Sanming's Development

The transformation of Sanming from scattered rural counties into a modern industrial and ecological hub was rapid. The key stages of this journey reflect the urban planning, economic, and cultural transformations that have shaped the face of the city today.

• Establishment of an Industrial Base (Late 1950s). Following administrative unification and thanks to rich deposits of iron ore and coal, Sanming was chosen to host heavy industry. The construction of large factories, including a steel plant, defined its status as a crucial industrial base for Fujian Province for many decades.
• Railway Construction (1957). The laying of the railway line connecting the city to the neighbouring Jiangxi Province and the port of Xiamen was a turning point. This solved the problem of the mountainous region's transport isolation, opening access to national markets and providing a powerful impulse for industrialisation.
• Achieving Prefecture-Level City Status (1983). This administrative reform officially secured Sanming's role as a regional centre. The status allowed for centralised management, accelerated urban infrastructure development, and the commencement of comprehensive planning, uniting the surrounding counties.
• Hydropower Development (1980s – 1990s). The active utilisation of water resources from the Sha River and its tributaries for building hydroelectric power stations provided the growing industry and population with affordable electricity, becoming an additional factor in economic growth.
• Course Towards "Green Development" (Since the Late 1990s). In response to environmental challenges associated with heavy industry, the city began a massive transformation. This course, initiated as early as 1997, included the modernisation of production facilities and active reforestation. As a result, Sanming earned the unofficial title of the "Green Capital" of Fujian.
• Development of Eco-Tourism (2000s – Present). Relying on unique natural landscapes, such as the Taining Geopark with its Danxia landforms, the city bet on tourism. This helped diversify the economy, move away from total dependence on industry, and create a new, attractive image for the region.
• Modernisation of Agriculture. Sanming has always been an important agricultural region. In recent decades, significant efforts have been made to promote famous local products, such as snacks from Sha County, tea, lotus seeds, and bamboo shoots, to the national market, which has strengthened the local economy.

The architectural appearance of the city of Sanming represents a multi-layered canvas where traditional styles of southern China intertwine with pragmatic 20th-century development. Unlike cities with a single historic centre, Sanming demonstrates how urban planning responded to changing eras—from imperial grandeur to industrial growth and the modern ecological course.

The foundation of the historical heritage consists of structures from the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. A shining example is the architecture of the ancient town of Taining, part of the Sanming prefecture. Here, an outstanding example of residential architecture has been preserved—the Shangshu Residence, representing a beautifully maintained Ming-era complex with exquisite wood carving and thoughtful layout. An even more ancient monument, the Ganlu Temple, built in 1146, is a masterpiece of engineering: it is built entirely into a rock cave and is supported by just one massive wooden pillar.

In the mid-20th century, with Sanming's transformation into a major industrial centre, the architectural landscape changed radically. Traditional buildings with curved roofs and intricate decor were replaced by functional development. During this period, industrial enterprises, residential quarters for workers, and administrative buildings were erected, where the main priorities were practicality and speed of construction rather than aesthetics. This stage shaped the modern look of many districts in the city.

From the late 20th century to the present day, Sanming's urban development has been defined by the concept of a "Green City". New architecture strives for harmony with unique natural landscapes, such as the famous Danxia formations. Instead of mass construction, priority is given to creating parks, developing tourist infrastructure, and erecting buildings using eco-friendly technologies. This modern stage reflects the city's desire to maintain its status as the "Green Treasury" of Fujian and organically integrate human activity into the natural environment.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Sanming

The prefecture-level city of Sanming, whose lands have historically been part of the prosperous cultural zone of Fujian Province, has been the birthplace of many significant figures in Chinese history. The contribution of people from this region to the development of Neo-Confucian philosophy is particularly great.

• Zhu Xi (1130–1200) — Philosopher, educator, and commentator. Born in Youxi County. He is one of the key figures in the history of Chinese thought, second in influence only to Confucius himself. Zhu Xi systematised Neo-Confucianism, creating a doctrine that served as the orthodox ideology in China and neighbouring countries for many centuries. His commentaries on the Confucian "Four Books" formed the basis of the imperial examination system.
• Yang Shi (1053–1135) — Neo-Confucian philosopher. Born in Jiangle County. He was considered one of the "Four Teachers of the Cheng Brothers' School" and a direct spiritual heir to their teachings in Southeast China. His works and teaching activities contributed to the spread and development of Neo-Confucianism, paving the way for thinkers like Zhu Xi.
• Luo Cunyan (1072–1135) — Philosopher and scholar. A native of Shaxian County (part of modern Sanming), he was one of the prominent followers of Yang Shi and a representative of the Neo-Confucian school. His activities helped strengthen philosophical traditions in the region.
• Deng Maoqi (died 1449) — Leader of a peasant uprising. Hailing from Shaxian County, he led one of the largest anti-feudal uprisings in China during the Ming Dynasty. Although the rebellion was suppressed, it went down in history as a vivid example of social protest of that time.
• Shangguan Zhou (1665–approx. 1750) — Painter, calligrapher, and poet. Born in the territory of modern Changting County (formerly part of the region, now neighbouring). He became famous for his collection of woodblock prints "Illustrated Biographies from the Hall of 'Old Man's Laughter'" (1743), in which he created portraits of many famous figures in Chinese history.
• Zhang Ting (born 1970s) — Contemporary artist. A native of Ninghua County, he is a representative of modern Chinese art. His works, combining traditional motifs and modern techniques, have been exhibited at many national and international exhibitions.