Wanzhou history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Wanzhou (historically known as Wanxian) spans over 1,800 years. The first settlements in this territory existed as early as the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The official administrative establishment of the city is linked to the Eastern Han dynasty (216 AD), when Yanqu County was established. The name "Wanzhou" first officially appeared on maps during the Tang dynasty (619 AD).

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional centre was driven by several factors:

• Geographic Location: The city is situated in the heart of the Three Gorges region on the banks of the Yangtze River. This made it a natural strategic point connecting the upper reaches of the river with the central plains of China.
• Transport Hub: Wanzhou historically served as the "gateway" to Eastern Sichuan. Its deep-water harbour allowed it to accommodate ships, making the city a key logistics hub.
• Meaning of the Name: The character "Wan" (万) means "ten thousand" or "myriad". Historians interpret the city's name as "the place where thousands of rivers and mountains meet" or "a gathering place for thousands of merchants".

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Wanzhou was based on its status as a trading port. The city acted as the main distribution centre for goods from the mountain regions:

• Resource Trade: Valuable local resources—tung oil, citrus fruits, tea, and timber—were exported through the port.
• Merchant Traditions: Thanks to the constant flow of ships and caravans, a strong merchant class formed in the city, which contributed to the development of markets and the service sector long before the industrial era.

Dynastic Era and Trade Flourishing

• 1373 — During the Ming dynasty, the status of the territory was revised: the area was reorganized into a county and named Wanxian. The city was known by this name on maps and in documents for the subsequent six centuries.
• 1917 — The official opening of customs, cementing Wanxian's status as an open port. This event gave a powerful impulse to the economy, turning the city into a key hub of international trade in the upper Yangtze.

Modern History and Major Transformations

• 1949 — The city entered a new historical stage, retaining its role as an important logistics centre and beginning the active development of urban infrastructure and industry within the updated administrative system.
• 1992 — The State Council of the PRC granted Wanxian the status of a city open to coastal economic activity, which facilitated an influx of investment and the modernization of the region.
• 1998 — During a major administrative reform, Wanxian City was transformed into Wanzhou District and became part of the direct-controlled municipality of Chongqing.
• 2003 — The opening of Wanzhou Wuqiao Airport, which provided the region with reliable air connections to the country's major metropolises, making it more accessible to tourists.
• 2006 — A turning point in the city's geography: the completion of the main stage of filling the "Three Gorges" reservoir. The historic part of the old city went underwater, and life moved to new modern quarters built higher up the mountain slopes.
• 2016 — The launch of the high-speed railway line connecting Wanzhou with the centre of Chongqing. This event significantly accelerated transport connections and opened the district to mass tourism.

Development Stages and Urban Planning Milestones

The development of Wanzhou is inextricably linked to the Yangtze River and large-scale state projects. The modern appearance of the city is the result of a complex transformation from an ancient trading port into an industrial and logistics centre of the Chongqing metropolis. The following key milestones determined the city's destiny:

• The Rise of "Little Chongqing" (Early 20th Century):

  After the port opened to foreign trade, Wanzhou (then Wanxian) became the main commercial hub of Eastern Sichuan. The significance of this stage lay in the formation of a powerful merchant class and the creation of the city's reputation as "Little Chongqing" due to its bustling trade and similar mountainous terrain.

• Industrialization of the Mid-20th Century:

  In the 1950s–1970s, the city began to transform from purely commercial to industrial. The foundations of the chemical, textile, and machine-building industries were laid, which allowed for the diversification of the economy and reduced dependence on transit trade.

• The Great Migration (Three Gorges Project):

  Wanzhou took on the greatest burden within the framework of the "Three Gorges" hydroelectric complex construction. This became an unprecedented urban planning challenge: a significant part of the old city was flooded, and residential districts and infrastructure were completely rebuilt higher up the slopes. This allowed for a radical update of the housing stock and communications.

• Administrative Integration with Chongqing (1997–1998):

  Joining the direct-controlled municipality of Chongqing gave Wanzhou the status of the "second centre" of the metropolis. This ensured an influx of state investments and cemented the district's role as the administrative and educational core of the north-eastern part of the region.

• Formation of a Deep-Water Port:

  After the reservoir was filled, the water level at the shores of Wanzhou rose, allowing it to accommodate ships with greater displacement. The modernization of the port turned the city into a key logistics hub linking the western regions of China with the sea coast via the Yangtze.

• Era of High-Speed Connections (2010s – Present):

  Connection to the national network of high-speed railways and the construction of highways brought Wanzhou out of geographic isolation. Now the city is an important node in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, ensuring the rapid delivery of cargo and passengers.

• The "Pinghu" Concept (Life by the Calm Lake):

  The modern stage of development is characterized by the use of the new landscape. After the water level rose, the Yangtze turned into a wide and calm "lake". The city is actively developing coastal tourism infrastructure, night cruises, and embankments, creating a new tourism brand destination.

Architectural Evolution: From Old Port to Vertical City

The architectural appearance of Wanzhou is unique in that it was almost completely recreated at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. Due to the construction of the "Three Gorges" hydroelectric complex, the historic lower part of the city went underwater, and a new city grew on the steep mountain slopes, becoming an example of large-scale urbanization and engineering mastery.

Historical Eras and Styles

• Traditional Architecture (Pre-20th Century)

  The historic buildings of old Wanxian (now submerged) were based on the folk architecture of the Sichuan region. These were wooden stilt houses called "diaojiaolou", adapted to the humid climate and uneven terrain, with tiled roofs and carved elements.

  Where to see: Although the residential quarters have disappeared, the spirit of antiquity is preserved in the temple complexes and pavilions on Taibaiyan (Taibai Rock) mountain. Here you can see elements of the classical Chinese style with curved eaves and rich decoration.

• Eclecticism (Early 20th Century)

  During the Republic of China period, when the city became an open port, Western influences penetrated the architecture. Local architects began to experiment, mixing European styles with Chinese traditions.

  Landmark Building: Bell Tower in Xishan Park. Built in 1930, it is the architectural dominant feature of the historical heritage. Its appearance traces features of the Renaissance and elements of Gothic style, harmoniously combined with traditional Chinese motifs in the decoration.

• Modernism and Functionalism (Late 20th — Early 21st Century)

  The era of the "Great Migration" required the rapid construction of a new city above the flood line. This period is characterized by dense high-rise construction in the functionalist style. Buildings were designed taking into account the complex terraced landscape, forming a unique "vertical city".

  Features: Residential complexes often have entrances on different floors, and the roofs of some buildings serve as courtyards or roads for others.

• Modern High-Tech and Engineering Art

  Wanzhou is known today as a "city of bridges". The modern stage of development is marked by the construction of grandiose infrastructure objects, which are architectural monuments in themselves.

  Landmark Objects: Bridges across the Yangtze, including the Wanzhou Arch Bridge, demonstrate the aesthetics of modern engineering, combining steel and concrete in graceful yet monumental forms.

Urban Development

Wanzhou's modern urban plan relies on the concept of an amphitheatre city facing the "man-made lake" (formed by the reservoir waters). The main focus is on:

• Vertical Zoning: The city is divided into tiers connected by a complex system of stairs, lifts, and flyovers.
• Coastal Recreation: The formation of wide embankments and park zones along the new coastline, creating a picturesque facade of the city from the river side.
• Night Panorama: Architectural lighting of high-rise buildings and bridges plays a key role in the perception of the city, reflecting in the calm waters of the Yangtze.

Prominent Figures of Wanzhou

The history of Wanzhou is connected with the names of great poets, generals, and reformers who were either born here or left a significant mark on the cultural and architectural appearance of the city during their stay.

• Gan Ning — General of the Three Kingdoms Era (2nd–3rd Century)

  A famous general of the Kingdom of Wu, known for his bravery and military talent. He is a native of these parts (ancient Linjiang county, now the territory of the district). Wanzhou preserves historical toponyms and memorial sites associated with his name, revered by locals as part of their ancient heritage.

• Li Bai — Great Poet of the Tang Dynasty (701–762)

  One of the most revered poets in Chinese history visited Wanzhou twice during his wanderings. Linked to his name is the mountain Taibaiyan (Taibai Rock), where, according to legend, the poet played chess and composed verses. This place has become one of the city's main cultural attractions.

• Huang Tingjian — Poet and Calligrapher of the Song Dynasty (1045–1105)

  An outstanding figure in the arts, ranked among the "four great masters of Song calligraphy". While in exile in this region, he frequently visited Xishan Park and left his famous calligraphic inscriptions carved on stone there, which are considered masterpieces of Chinese epigraphy.

• Yang Sen — Military and Political Figure (1884–1977)

  A general who governed the region in the 1920s. He played a key role in the modernization of Wanzhou: initiating the widening of streets, the construction of a modern port, and the creation of Xishan Park. It was under his leadership that the famous Bell Tower, which became the symbol of the city, was built.

• He Qifang — Poet, Essayist, and Literary Scholar (1912–1977)

  A native of Wanzhou who became a classic of modern Chinese literature. Known for his lyrical works and contributions to the study of literary theory. A memorial house-museum dedicated to his life and work has been opened in the city.