Tonghua history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of settlement in the territory of modern Tonghua dates back to ancient times. These lands were within the sphere of influence of ancient Northeast states, including the flourishing period of the Goguryeo culture. However, the city began to take shape as an official administrative unit in the late 19th century.

A crucial milestone was the establishment of Tonghua County in 1877, during the Qing Dynasty era. The city's name symbolized a striving for cultural unification and regional prosperity, marking the beginning of its planned development and settlement.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant city was driven by several fundamental reasons:

• Geography and Landscape: Its location in the picturesque foothills of the Changbai Mountains provided the region with protection and a unique microclimate.
• Natural Riches: The abundance of forests, mineral resources, and fertile lands in the Hunjiang River valley contributed to the development of agriculture and crafts.
• Trade Routes: The city gradually became an important transit hub in the southern part of Jilin Province, connecting mountainous areas with the plains.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning of its existence, Tonghua was renowned as a center for gathering and processing nature's gifts. Ginseng and other medicinal plants growing in the Changbai Mountains played a special role in the economy. This laid the foundation for the city's future fame as one of the centers of traditional Chinese medicine and pharmaceuticals.

The cultural appearance of early Tonghua was formed through the close interaction of various ethnic groups, which was reflected in the distinctive local cuisine and traditions combining elements of Manchu and Han cultures.

Major Historical Milestones

The history of Tonghua is a journey from a small mountain settlement to a modern industrial and tourism hub. Below are key dates that shaped the city's unique character.

• 1877 — Official establishment of Tonghua County by the Qing Dynasty authorities, marking the beginning of the administrative organization of this territory.
• 1937 — Foundation of the famous winery, which subsequently brought fame to the region for its unique sweet wine made from wild mountain grapes.
• 1954 — The city officially became part of Jilin Province during administrative-territorial reforms in Northeast China.
• 1958 — Launch of large-scale development of the metallurgical industry, turning Tonghua into one of the key steel centers of the region.
• 1959 — Opening of the first professional ski base in China, laying the foundation for the development of winter sports in the country.
• 1985 — Tonghua receives the status of a prefecture-level city, significantly expanding its administrative boundaries and economic influence.
• 1990s — A period of rapid growth in the pharmaceutical industry, earning the city the unofficial title of "Capital of Chinese Medicine."
• 2004 — Monuments of the ancient Kingdom of Goguryeo, located in the subordinate city of Ji'an, are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2014 — Commissioning of Tonghua Sanyuanpu Airport, ensuring convenient air connections with major Chinese metropolises.
• 2019 — Opening of updated railway connections with the city of Ji'an, significantly simplifying tourist access to historical UNESCO sites.

Evolution of Development: From Industry to Tourism

Tonghua has undergone a long journey of transformation, evolving from a remote mountain county into a modern multi-profile center. The main milestones of the city's development are linked to the wise use of natural resources and strategic economic diversification.

• Establishment of the Metallurgical Base: The development of a powerful steel complex (Tonghua Iron & Steel) became the foundation of the urban economy in the second half of the 20th century, ensuring population influx and active urbanization of the region.
• Birth of the "City of Medicine": The transition from artisanal herb gathering to the creation of a high-tech pharmaceutical cluster allowed Tonghua to become a national leader in biopharmaceuticals and ginseng processing.
• Winemaking Branding: Scaling the production of wines from wild mountain grapes created a unique gastronomic brand. Local sweet and ice wines became an important part of the city's cultural exports.
• Sports Pioneering: The creation of the PRC's first professional ski base secured the city's status as the "cradle of Chinese skiing," predetermining the development of winter leisure infrastructure.
• Transport Breakthrough: The commissioning of the airport and modernization of expressways in the 21st century brought the city out of geographical isolation, opening it to investors and mass tourism.
• Cultural Globalization: The inclusion of Goguryeo monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage List reoriented part of the economy towards educational tourism and international cultural cooperation.

Urban Appearance and Layout

The architectural appearance of Tonghua is dictated by its unique geographical position. The city stretches along the Hunjiang River valley and is surrounded by mountains, which defined the linear structure of development. Urban development followed the path of integrating the urban environment into the complex mountain terrain, for which Tonghua is often called the "Mountain City."

Unlike ancient Chinese capitals, the center of Tonghua is primarily a product of the 20th and 21st centuries. Here, the severe industrial style of the middle of the last century intertwines with modern high-rise buildings characteristic of a renewing China.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The development of the city can be roughly divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on the appearance of the streets:

• Industrialization Period (1950–1980s):
  Style: Socialist functionalism, industrial architecture.
  During this time, the industrial framework of the city was formed. Massive factory buildings of metallurgical and pharmaceutical enterprises dominated, as well as standard residential quarters for workers. The buildings are distinguished by simplicity of form, utility, and lack of decoration.
• Modernization Era (1990–2000s):
  Style: Late modernism, eclecticism.
  The beginning of active construction of administrative and commercial buildings. The first high-rise landmarks appear, utilizing glass and concrete. During this period, the improvement of the Hunjiang River embankment begins, becoming the main axis of public life.
• Modern Stage (since 2010):
  Style: Modern high-rise architecture, neo-traditionalism in park zones.
  Characterized by the construction of modern high-rise residential complexes and cultural facilities. Special attention is paid to landscape design and the creation of recreational zones that blend the city into the natural environment.

Iconic Landmarks and Districts

Despite the city's youth, within its administrative boundaries and center, there are objects reflecting different facets of architectural history:

• Yuhuang Mountain Park: An example of using traditional Chinese style in modern landscape design. Pavilions and gazebos with curved roofs recreate the atmosphere of a classical garden, contrasting with the city panorama.
• Tonghua Wine Cellars: A unique example of industrial architecture from the 1930s. Underground storage facilities carved into the rock are a historical monument demonstrating the adaptation of engineering solutions to local conditions.
• Goguryeo Heritage (Regional Aspect): Although the main monuments are located in the subordinate city of Ji'an, their style — monumental stone pyramids and tombs — is the calling card of the entire Tonghua region, recalling the ancient history of these lands (Early Middle Ages era).

Historical Figures

The history of the region is rich with names that have left a mark not only in the city's chronicles but also in the history of all Northeast Asia.

• Gwanggaeto the Great (374–413 AD) — Ruler of the Goguryeo State
  The nineteenth monarch of the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo, under whom the state reached the peak of its power. His name is inextricably linked with the city of Ji'an (part of the Tonghua prefecture), where his tomb and the famous stele with hieroglyphic inscriptions are located — a key UNESCO World Heritage site in the region.
• Yang Jingyu (1905–1940) — Military Commander
  A national hero of China who led the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. Although born in another province, his main actions and heroic death are connected with the mountains around Tonghua. Many memorials have been established in the region in his honor, and a neighboring county bears his name.

Figures of Culture and Art

Tonghua has given China many talented people whose work is known far beyond Jilin Province.

• Gao Feng (1968–2002) — Singer and Composer
  A native of Tonghua who became a star of the Chinese pop scene in the 1990s. Author and performer of the famous patriotic song "Great China" (Da Zhongguo), which is known by almost every resident of the country. His musical career, though short-lived, left a bright mark on culture.
• Hao Lei (born 1978) — Theater and Film Actress
  A talented dramatic actress born in Tonghua. She received international recognition thanks to roles in films by famous directors (for example, in the movie "Summer Palace"). Hao Lei is known for her ability to embody complex, deep psychological images.
• Dong Chengpeng (Da Peng) (born 1982) — Director, Actor, and TV Host
  One of China's most popular modern comedians and directors, hailing from Ji'an (Tonghua prefecture). Creator of successful comedy blockbusters such as "Pancake Man" (Jian Bing Man). He actively participates in media life and often speaks warmly of his homeland.

Sports Legends

Since Tonghua is considered the "cradle of Chinese skiing," local athletes played a key role in the establishment of winter disciplines in the country.

• Shan Zhaojian (born 1938) — Skier, First Champion of the PRC
  A legendary figure in Chinese sport. It was he who, in 1957, became the first national cross-country skiing champion in the country's history. Shan Zhaojian dedicated his life to popularizing winter sports and researching the history of the origins of skiing, actively promoting the sporting image of Tonghua.