Tongren history

The history of the city of Tongren, located in the northeast of Guizhou province in China, is closely linked to its strategic position and rich natural resources. For centuries, the city has served as an important administrative, commercial, and cultural hub of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official history of Tongren as a significant administrative centre begins during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). In 1413, the Tongren Prefecture was established, securing its status as a key point of governance in the region. Later, in 1598, Tongren County was officially created at the site of the local authority, further strengthening its political importance. However, settlements existed in this territory even earlier, as evidenced by certain structures, such as the Jinshan Temple, erected in 1368.

Key Factors of Development

The city's development was driven by several key factors. Firstly, its geographical location — Tongren has historically served as the "Gateway to Eastern Guizhou," controlling vital routes connecting the province with other parts of the country. Secondly, its political role as an administrative and military outpost of the Ming Empire ensured stability in the region. Thirdly, the city prospered thanks to trade and natural resources. It became known as one of the country's centres for mercury (cinnabar) extraction. The Zhongnanmen Ancient Street, with buildings from the Ming and Qing eras, stands as a living testament to past commercial activity.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Tongren was a place where various cultures merged. The traditions of the Han Chinese and local ethnic groups, such as the Miao, Tujia, and Dong, have coexisted here for centuries. This cultural diversity is reflected in local architecture, traditions, and crafts. The city's economy in the early period was closely tied to mining, particularly cinnabar, and trade, facilitated by convenient waterways along the Jinjiang River. This allowed Tongren to become not only a political but also a flourishing economic centre of its time.

Timeline of Key Events

• 1368 — Construction of the Jinshan Temple is completed, one of the oldest structures in the region, indicating the significance of the settlement even before its official administrative formalisation.

• 1413 — During the Ming Dynasty, the Tongren Prefecture (administrative district) is established, officially securing the city's status as an important regional centre.

• 1438 — The territory of the prefecture expands significantly through the annexation of lands from the disbanded Wulou Prefecture, strengthening its influence.

• 1598 — Tongren County is created at the location of the prefecture authorities, detailing the administrative structure of the region.

• 1880 — The authorities of Tongren County move to a new location, reflecting administrative changes in the late Qing Dynasty period.

• 1913 — Following the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the empire, prefectures are abolished, and Tongren County is formed in their place under the new administrative system.

• 1949 — After the founding of the PRC, the Tongren Special District is created, marking the beginning of a new stage in the city's history.

• 1987 — Tongren County receives the status of a county-level city, reflecting the growth of its urbanisation and economic importance.

• 2011 — A large-scale administrative reform takes place: Tongren Prefecture is transformed into the prefecture-level city of Tongren, and the former county-level city becomes Bijiang District.

• 2018 — Mount Fanjingshan, located within the territory of the prefecture-level city, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, bringing international fame to the region.

Stages of Formation and Transformation

The development of the city of Tongren in China is a journey from a secluded mountain outpost to a modern urban and tourist centre. The key transformations of the region are linked to changes in administrative status, the utilisation of natural wealth, and the overcoming of geographical isolation.

• Establishment of the Administrative Centre (1413)
  The creation of the Tongren Prefecture during the Ming Dynasty became the starting point for the formation of the urban structure. This event secured the settlement's status as the political core of Eastern Guizhou, launching the construction of fortress walls, administrative buildings, and Confucian schools, transforming a military post into a fully-fledged city.

• Industrial Rise of the "Mercury Capital" (15th–20th Centuries)
  The large-scale development of cinnabar and mercury deposits in the Wanshan district defined the economic profile of the region for centuries to come. Industrial mining contributed to the influx of skilled labour and capital, making the city an important raw material donor for the entire empire, and later for the industry of the PRC.

• Development of River Logistics on the Jinjiang
  The use of the Jinjiang River as a transport artery connecting the region with the Yangtze basin turned the city into a trading hub. Valuable resources (mercury, tung oil, timber) were exported, and essential goods were imported through it, which formed a unique merchant class and influenced the architectural appearance of the riverside districts.

• Transport Revolution (Early 21st Century)
  The opening of Fenghuang Airport and the inclusion of the city in the national network of high-speed railways and motorways broke centuries of mountain isolation. This event had colossal economic significance, ensuring rapid cargo delivery and an explosive growth in tourist flow.

• Large-scale Urbanisation (2011)
  The transformation of the prefecture into a prefecture-level city launched modern urban planning policies. The expansion of administrative boundaries and the creation of Bijiang District allowed for the modernisation of the urban environment, the construction of new residential quarters, educational campuses, and business centres, changing the panorama of the city.

• Entry onto the International Tourism Stage (2018)
  The inclusion of Mount Fanjingshan in the UNESCO World Heritage List marked a transition to a "green" economy. The city reoriented its development strategy towards eco-tourism, the preservation of the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities, and the creation of world-class service infrastructure.

The architectural appearance of Tongren represents a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese construction, the heritage of ethnic minorities, and modern urban planning. Located in the mountainous terrain of northeastern Guizhou province, the city has been shaped for centuries by its commercial and administrative role, which is reflected in its layout and buildings.

Ming and Qing Dynasty Architecture

The core of the historical buildings in Tongren dates back to the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties — a period when the city flourished as a centre for cinnabar mining and an important trade hub. The most striking example is the Zhongnanmen Ancient Street. Buildings here demonstrate characteristic features of that time: they are constructed from wood, blue brick, and grey tiles. Narrow streets, courtyards, and tightly packed houses create the atmosphere of an ancient trading quarter. The architecture combines elements of the Huizhou style with local features adapted to the mountain landscape.

Influence of Ethnic Cultures

Guizhou province is known for its cultural diversity, and the architecture of Tongren is no exception. In the vicinity of the city, one can find traditional dwellings of the Miao and Tujia peoples, particularly wooden houses on stilts known as "ganlan" or "diaojiaolou". This construction, where the ground floor remains open for utility needs or livestock, while the living quarters are located above, is ideally adapted to the humid climate and terrain of the region. These structures, joined without a single nail, are an important part of the architectural heritage of China.

Religious and Modern Architecture

Religious structures, such as the Jinshan Temple, built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, are examples of classical Buddhist architecture with characteristic multi-tiered roofs and symmetrical layouts. In the 20th and 21st centuries, especially after receiving the status of a prefecture-level city and the development of tourism, Tongren began to be actively built up with modern buildings. New residential complexes, hotels, and transport facilities, including the airport and high-speed highways, sit alongside carefully preserved historical quarters. Urban development is aimed at creating modern infrastructure while simultaneously preserving the unique historical and natural landscape, making the city attractive for both living and travel.

Prominent Figures Associated with Tongren

Throughout the centuries, the land of Tongren has been the homeland of many distinguished figures who left a noticeable mark on the history of China. Among them are scholars, military commanders, revolutionaries, and heroes whose names are still honoured by descendants today.

Tian Qiu (田秋, 1494–1556)

A scholar and statesman of the Ming Dynasty era. Tian Qiu hailed from Sinan Prefecture (today a county within Tongren). He came from a family of officials, showed outstanding aptitude for study from a young age, and successfully passed the imperial examinations, obtaining the highest degree of "jinshi". His career as a civil servant and his status as one of the prominent scholars of his time made him a notable figure in the region's history.

Yang Fang (杨芳, 1770–1846)

A high-ranking military commander during the Qing Dynasty, born in Songtao County. Yang Fang had a brilliant military career, starting service as a simple soldier and rising to the rank of commander-in-chief. He played a key role in suppressing the White Lotus Rebellion and in quelling the Jahangir Khoja rebellion in Xinjiang. For his services to the empire, he was awarded the honorary title "Batur" (hero) and granted the rank of Marquis, becoming one of the most famous generals of his time.

Zhou Yiqun (周逸群, 1896–1931)

One of the pioneers of the Chinese communist movement, born in Tongren. Zhou Yiqun was an outstanding revolutionary, military, and political figure. He participated in the Northern Expedition and the Nanchang Uprising, playing a key role in the formation of the Red Army. It was he who introduced the future Marshal He Long to the party. Zhou Yiqun became one of the founders of the Xiang-E-Xi Soviet area (western Hunan and Hubei) and died in battle in 1931. Today, he is officially recognised as one of the 100 heroes who made an outstanding contribution to the founding of the PRC.

Kuang Jixun (旷继勋, 1897–1933)

A major commander of the Red Army and a revolutionary, a native of Sinan County. In 1929, while a brigade commander in the Sichuan army, he led an uprising and defected to the communists, creating the first unit of the Red Army in Sichuan province. Subsequently, he commanded several armies and made a significant contribution to the creation and defence of revolutionary bases. His life ended tragically in 1933 when he became a victim of internal party purges. Kuang Jixun is also included among the 100 national heroes of China.

Long Shichang (龙世昌, 1928–1952)

A hero of the Korean War, a representative of the Miao people from Songtao County. Long Shichang joined the ranks of the Chinese People's Volunteers in 1951. In October 1952, during the fierce battle for Height 597.9 (part of the Battle of Triangle Hill), he displayed exceptional courage. While wounded, he sacrificed himself by blowing up an enemy bunker, ensuring the advance of his comrades. Posthumously, he was awarded the title "Combat Hero, Second Class" and granted an award for special merit.

Zhang Zongyi (张宗益, 1964–present)

A modern figure in science and education, born in Songtao County. Zhang Zongyi is a renowned scholar-economist and professor. During his academic career, he has held the posts of president at several leading universities in China, including the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics and Chongqing University, and is currently the President of Xiamen University. He is a bright representative of the modern generation of people from Tongren who have achieved nationwide recognition.