Shihezi history

The history of Shihezi is a unique example of modern urban planning in China. Unlike ancient cities with centuries of history, Shihezi was founded from scratch in the mid-20th century on virtually undeveloped lands, making its chronicle particularly interesting.

Foundation and First Mentions

Until the 1950s, the territory where the city stands today was used primarily for nomadic herding, and the permanent population was extremely small. The city received its name, which translates as "River of Stones," from a local river with a rocky bed. The birth of the city was the result of a large-scale state program for the exploration and development of the region, launched in 1950.

Key Factors of Formation

A key role in the foundation and development of Shihezi was played by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) — a special organization created in 1954 for land reclamation, economic activity, and border protection. Through the efforts of the settlers who arrived here, the desert steppes were transformed into a thriving oasis with farms, factories, and residential quarters. Thanks to precise planning and the labor of the pioneers, Shihezi officially received city status as early as 1976.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Shihezi was designed as an important economic and educational hub of the region. The basis of its economy was the textile and food industries, in particular, sugar beet processing. Later, in the 1990s, the city gained fame as one of the key centers for cotton cultivation and processing. Parallel to the economy, the intellectual sphere also developed: Shihezi University was founded here, which eventually became the second-largest higher education institution in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Key Dates in the History of Shihezi

The history of Shihezi is a chronicle of rapid development that turned a desert area into a prosperous city in just a few decades. Below are the main milestones of this journey.

• 1950 — Units of the People's Liberation Army of China arrive in this area to develop virgin lands and lay the foundation for the future settlement.
• 1954 — The Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) is established, becoming the driving force behind the construction and economic development of the region.
• 1976 — Shihezi officially receives city status, marking its birth as an independent administrative unit.
• 1981 — After a temporary dissolution, the XPCC resumes its activities, giving a new impetus to the city's development.
• 1990s — The city actively develops the cotton industry, which soon becomes one of the key sectors of its economy.
• 1992 — The Economic and Technological Development Zone is founded, designed to attract new technologies and investments to Shihezi.
• 1996 — Shihezi University opens, created on the basis of several colleges, becoming an important educational center.
• 2000 — The local development zone receives state status, highlighting its strategic importance to the country.
• 2000 — Shihezi receives recognition from the UN Human Settlements Programme for outstanding achievements in improving the urban environment.

Key Stages of Shihezi's Development

The history of Shihezi is a chronicle of the rapid transformation of a desert area into a modern, thriving city. Each stage of its development was marked by significant transformations that defined its current appearance.

• 1950 — Beginning of Land Reclamation. The first detachments of the People's Liberation Army of China arrived in the territory of the future city with the aim of developing virgin lands and creating a food base. This year can be considered the starting point in the history of Shihezi.
• 1954 — Foundation of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC). The creation of this unique organization was a decisive factor in the city's development. The XPCC took on the functions of planning, construction, and economic management, laying the foundations for the future metropolis.
• 1950s–1960s — Formation of the Agro-Industrial Base. During this period, irrigation canals were actively built, and new fields were developed. The first industrial enterprises specializing in the processing of sugar beet and other agricultural products were launched.
• 1976 — Official Granting of City Status. The rapidly growing settlement received official city status, cementing its role as an important administrative and economic center of the region.
• 1990s — Transformation into the "Cotton Capital". The city became one of the country's leading centers for growing and processing cotton. The textile industry became the locomotive of the local economy for many years.
• 1996 — Creation of Shihezi University. Through the merger of several educational institutions, a major university was founded, which is today the second largest in Xinjiang and is part of the prestigious state "Project 211". This strengthened the city's status as an educational and scientific hub.
• 2000 — Establishment of the Economic and Technological Development Zone. The creation of this state-level zone attracted new investments to Shihezi and contributed to the diversification of the economy and the development of high-tech industries.
• 2010s — Development as a "Green City" and Logistics Hub. Thanks to large-scale greening programs, Shihezi received the unofficial title of "Pearl of the Gobi Desert". Simultaneously, the city established itself as an important transport hub on the Silk Road Economic Belt.

The architectural appearance of Shihezi is a clear example of urban planning in China in the second half of the 20th century. Since the city was founded from scratch in the 1950s on undeveloped lands, traditional historical styles such as Gothic or Renaissance are absent here. Its entire appearance is formed by modern architectural trends, where functionality and practicality were prioritized.

Early Stage: Soviet Influence and Functionalism

The initial appearance of the city was significantly influenced by the experience of Soviet urban planning of the 1950s. Development was carried out according to a single master plan, which is characteristic of the planned economy of that time. The main task was the rapid construction of housing and infrastructure for arriving settlers. The architecture was based on the principles of functionalism and economy: standard residential buildings, wide straight streets, and clear zoning into industrial, residential, and public districts. Artistic expression gave way to practicality, but it was this strict layout that laid the foundation for future development and made the city convenient for living.

Modern Stage: "Green City" and Modernism

From the end of the 20th century to the present day, the architecture of Shihezi has undergone significant changes. Utilitarian structures are being replaced by modern buildings made of glass and concrete, reflecting the region's economic growth. New community centers, modern residential complexes, and high-rise office buildings are appearing. Special attention is paid to landscaping: the city is known as the "Pearl of the Gobi" due to the abundance of parks, squares, and green spaces, making it one of the "greenest" cities in the desert region. A landmark object symbolizing modern development is the campus of Shihezi University, the second largest in Xinjiang. Thus, the city has evolved from strict functionalism to contemporary modernism, harmoniously combining a thoughtful layout with a comfortable urban environment.

Distinguished Personalities Linked to Shihezi

The history of Shihezi is inextricably linked with figures of modern times — politicians, military personnel, engineers, and cultural figures who created and developed the city in the 20th and 21st centuries. Unlike the ancient centers of China, its hall of fame consists of founders and modern talents.

• Wang Zhen (1908–1993) — A general and political figure considered the founding father of Shihezi. In 1950, as the first secretary of the Xinjiang Committee of the CPC, he personally selected this location to establish a base for the People's Liberation Army. Under his leadership, land reclamation and city construction began, laying the foundation for the region's future economic and social development.
• Mao Zedong (1893–1976) — The founder of the PRC. Although he never visited the city, his role is pivotal. It was by his decree in 1954 that the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) was created — the organization that directly managed the design, construction, and development of Shihezi, transforming it from an uninhabited steppe into a flourishing oasis.
• Zhang Zhonghan (1915–1991) — A political and military figure, one of the key leaders of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. Working in close cooperation with Wang Zhen, he was responsible for the organizational and administrative aspects of developing new lands. His contribution to the management and development of agricultural and industrial projects was decisive for the establishment of Shihezi and other similar cities.
• Peng Jinyu (dates unknown) — A contemporary poet living and working in Shihezi. He is a prominent representative of the city's cultural life. In 2018, Peng Jinyu was included in the prestigious nomination for the "Ten Best Poets in the Chinese Language," testifying to the recognition of his talent at the national level and the development of the creative environment in the city.
• Tao Tao (born approx. 1975) — An entrepreneur and founder of a clothing manufacturing company. Her story symbolizes the modern spirit of Shihezi. Tao Tao's mother was a seamstress in the city, which sparked her interest in design from childhood. Today, she manages a successful "smart" manufacturing facility, continuing the family business and contributing to the region's fashion industry.