Shiyan history

The city of Shiyan, located in the northwest of Hubei Province, possesses a rich and multi-layered history. Although it took shape as a modern city relatively recently, this region has been a cradle of ancient cultures and a vital strategic point for many centuries. Archaeological findings, such as the fossilized skulls of "Yunxian Man," testify that this land was inhabited approximately one million years ago.

Foundation and First Mentions

While settlements on the territory of modern Shiyan have existed since ancient times, its current name appeared during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). It literally means "Ten Weirs" or "Ten Dams" (in Chinese, "Shi" means ten, "Yan" means weir/dam) and is linked to the construction of irrigation structures on local rivers. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the region, known as Yunyang, was already a central hub at the junction of Hubei, Henan, Sichuan, and Shaanxi provinces. However, Shiyan only received official city status in 1969, and in 1973, it was upgraded to a prefecture-level city.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of Shiyan was defined by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated in the Han River valley, between the Qinling Mountains to the north and the Bashan Mountains to the south. This location historically made it an important transport and strategic hub, the "Gateway to Four Provinces."
• Industrial Development: A decisive boost to the city's development was the decision to build the Second Automobile Works (now Dongfeng Motor Corporation) here in the 1960s as part of the state's "Third Front" program. The mountainous terrain was chosen to protect the industrial facility from potential attacks. This turned a small settlement into a major industrial centre, which came to be known as the "Motor City."
• Hydropower: The construction of the Danjiangkou Dam on the Han River, begun in 1958 for flood control and power generation, also contributed to the development of the region's infrastructure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The cultural landscape of the region has long been closely tied to Taoism. Not far from Shiyan lie the famous Wudang Mountains—a sacred place for Taoists and the birthplace of martial arts, with a history spanning over a thousand years. This ancient architectural complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. During the Neolithic era, three great cultures converged here: Yangshao, Longshan, and Qujialing. Economically, prior to the industrialization of the 20th century, the region relied on agriculture and its position at the intersection of trade routes.

Key Dates in the History of Shiyan

The history of the region where modern Shiyan is located is rooted in deep antiquity, yet its emergence as a major industrial and administrative centre occurred in the second half of the 20th century. Below are the main milestones of its development.

• About 1 million years ago — The territory of modern Shiyan was inhabited by ancient hominids, as evidenced by the fossil remains of "Yunxian Man" found in Yunyang County.
• Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912) — The lands were under the administration of the Yunyang Prefecture (郧阳府), serving as an important administrative centre at the junction of several provinces.
• 1412 — By decree of the Yongle Emperor, large-scale construction of Taoist temples and monasteries begins in the Wudang Mountains, transforming them into a major religious centre.
• Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) — The name "Shiyan" (Ten Dams) appears, associated with the construction of irrigation structures on local rivers.
• 1911–1912 — As a result of the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the Qing Empire, the old administrative system, including prefectures, was abolished.
• 1949 — Following the end of the civil war, the region becomes part of the newly formed Liangyun Special District.
• 1950 — The region is transferred to Hubei Province and named the Yunyang Special District.
• 1969 — The "Second Automobile Works" (predecessor to Dongfeng Motor Corporation) is founded, and Shiyan City is officially established based on the urbanized part of Yunxian County.
• 1973 — Shiyan receives the status of a prefecture-level city, separating from the Yunyang District.
• 1975 — The first vehicle produced in Shiyan, the Dongfeng EQ240 military truck, rolls off the assembly line.
• 1991 — The "Second Automobile Works" is officially renamed Dongfeng Motor Corporation, cementing its status as a leading automobile manufacturer.
• 1994 — The ancient architectural complex in the Wudang Mountains is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, confirming its cultural significance.

Key Stages of Shiyan's Development

The transformation of Shiyan from a small county centre into a major industrial and cultural city occurred thanks to several decisive events that defined its modern appearance.

• Founding of the "Motor City": A decisive event was the construction of the Second Automobile Works (now Dongfeng Motor Corporation) in 1969 as part of the state's "Third Front" program. This completely transformed the region's economy, turning Shiyan into one of China's leading centres for the automotive industry.

• Role in the South-to-North Water Diversion Project: The Danjiangkou Reservoir, located near the city, became the key water source for the central route of this mega-project. This project ensures water supply to the nation's capital, Beijing, and other arid northern territories, underscoring Shiyan's strategic importance at the national level.

• World Cultural Heritage: In 1994, the ancient architectural complex in the Wudang Mountains was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. This event attracted international attention to the region and provided a powerful impulse for tourism development, shifting the focus from a purely industrial city to an important cultural centre.

• Creation of Modern Transport Infrastructure: The opening of Shiyan Wudangshan International Airport in 2016 and the subsequent construction of the high-speed railway significantly improved the city's transport accessibility. This strengthened its economic ties and simplified access for tourists.

• Administrative Formation: The official creation of Shiyan City in 1969 and its elevation to a prefecture-level city in 1973 laid the administrative foundation for managing rapid industrial growth and urbanization.

• Economic Diversification and Modernization: In the 21st century, Shiyan began actively diversifying its economy. Alongside the modernization of automotive production and the transition to manufacturing electric vehicles, the city is focusing on the development of tourism, the service sector, and modern eco-friendly industries.

The architectural appearance of Shiyan represents a unique combination of ancient heritage and modern industrial history. Unlike ancient European cities or many traditional Chinese towns, you will not find Gothic or Baroque styles here. Shiyan's urban development can be divided into three key stages, each leaving its unique mark.

Ancient Taoist Architecture in the Wudang Mountains

The region's most significant architectural treasure is the ancient complex of structures in the Wudang Mountains, located not far from the city. This ensemble, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, represents the pinnacle of Chinese architecture from the Ming and Qing eras. The construction of the main temples and palaces began in the 15th century by decree of the Yongle Emperor. The architectural style of the complex is classic Chinese temple and palace architecture, the main feature of which is the harmonious integration with the natural landscape. Buildings are situated on mountain slopes and peaks, creating a sense of unity with nature, which aligns with the philosophy of Taoism.

Era of Industrial Functionalism (1960s – 1980s)

Modern Shiyan was essentially founded in 1969 as a hub for the automotive industry. Its initial development took place under the state's "Third Front" program and was subordinated to a single goal—efficiency and functionality. During this period, industrial functionalism dominated, largely similar to the Soviet architecture of that time. The cityscape was formed by standardized residential blocks for workers, wide avenues, and the massive buildings of the Second Automobile Works, now known as Dongfeng Motor Corporation. This style is characterized by strict geometric shapes, a lack of decoration, and the use of reinforced concrete structures.

Modern Architecture (1990s to present)

With the onset of market reforms and economic diversification, Shiyan's architectural appearance began to change. Standardized buildings were replaced by modern multi-functional complexes, office buildings made of glass and steel, new residential estates, and infrastructure facilities. Vivid examples of modern architecture include the Shiyan Wudangshan International Airport, new brand centres of the Dongfeng Corporation, and numerous shopping and entertainment centres. This stage reflects Shiyan's transformation from a strictly industrial hub into a modern city that strives to combine industrial power with a comfortable living environment and tourism development.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Shiyan

The history and culture of the region where Shiyan is located are closely intertwined with the names of legendary sages, emperors, and modern talents. These individuals, each in their own era, contributed to the formation of the city's unique heritage.

"Yunxian Man"

• Role: Ancient hominid.
• Historical Significance: This is the name given to two fossilized skulls found in Yunyang County (territory of modern Shiyan). Their age is estimated at approximately 1 million years. This discovery filled an important gap in the study of early human evolution in Asia and confirmed that these lands have been inhabited since deep antiquity.

Zhang Sanfeng

• Role: Legendary Taoist hermit and martial arts master.
• Historical Significance: Considered the founder of the Wudang Taoist sect and the creator of Taijiquan (Tai Chi)—a practice combining martial arts and health gymnastics. Although his figure is semi-mythical, his life is inextricably linked to the Wudang Mountains, where, according to legend, he comprehended the Dao and achieved immortality.

Zhang Shouqing

• Role: Government official of the Yuan Dynasty who became a Taoist hermit.
• Historical Significance: In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, he left public service and dedicated 27 years of his life to building the Nanyan ("South Cliff") Temple in the Wudang Mountains. This magnificent temple complex, literally carved into a sheer cliff, is one of the most impressive examples of Wudang architecture.

Emperor Yongle (Zhu Di)

• Role: Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (reigned 1402–1424).
• Historical Significance: Although not a native of these parts, it was by his decree in 1412 that the massive construction of temple complexes in the Wudang Mountains began. The Emperor dispatched over 300,000 workers and soldiers to transform the mountains into the empire's main Taoist centre. This project defined the spiritual and architectural appearance of the region for centuries to come.

Li Chenyu

• Role: Taoist nun.
• Historical Significance: She became famous during the "Cultural Revolution" in China. When the Red Guards arrived to destroy the temples in the Wudang Mountains, the 100-year-old nun staged a peaceful protest, meditating on the temple steps for several days. Her resilience and courage made such an impression that the temple complex was spared, thanks to which the unique heritage of Wudangshan has been preserved to this day.

Zheng Qinwen

• Role: Professional tennis player.
• Historical Significance: Born in Shiyan in 2002. She is one of China's brightest and most successful young tennis players, having entered the top 10 of the WTA world rankings. Her achievements on the international stage bring fame to her hometown in the modern world of sports.

Zhang Wanyi

• Role: Actor.
• Historical Significance: A modern Chinese actor born in Shiyan. A graduate of the prestigious Beijing Film Academy, he gained widespread fame thanks to roles in popular historical and modern television series, becoming one of the recognizable faces of the new generation of Chinese cinema.