Wudalianchi history

The history of the city of Wudalianchi is, above all, the story of its unique landscape, born from volcanic activity. The city's name translates as "Five Grand Connected Lakes," which is a direct reference to its main natural feature. These lakes were formed as a result of powerful eruptions in the 18th century, approximately between 1719 and 1776, when lava flows blocked the channel of a local river, creating a picturesque chain of bodies of water. This event not only shaped the unique appearance of the territory but also predetermined its future as a famous resort.

Although these lands were inhabited, particularly by the Daur people, since the time of the Qing Empire, the modern city appeared much later. Its establishment was driven by several key factors:

• Unique Landscape: The volcanic terrain, often referred to as a "natural volcano museum," and the rich mineral springs became the region's main assets.
• Administrative Status: For a long time, the territory was part of Dedu County. Wudalianchi received the status of an independent city on 8 October 1983, and at that time, it was the smallest city in China.
• Wellness Potential: It was the healing cold mineral springs—a rare phenomenon in balneology—and the therapeutic muds that defined the development of Wudalianchi as one of the country's leading health centres.

From the very beginning of its development, Wudalianchi was oriented towards health tourism, and its economy was built around sanatoriums and clinics. One of the first landmark institutions was the "Worker" Sanatorium, opened in 1979, which began accepting patients for treatment with mineral waters and muds even before Wudalianchi was officially granted city status. This laid a solid foundation for the resort's reputation, where unique natural resources are successfully combined with methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

1719–1721 — During this period, powerful eruptions of the Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan volcanoes occurred. These geological events radically changed the local landscape, blocking the riverbed and creating the famous "Five Grand Connected Lakes," which gave the entire region its name.

1776 — The active volcanic phase concludes: the last major eruption is recorded, finally shaping the unique terrain known today as the natural volcano museum.

1933 — During administrative reforms, Dedu County was formed on this territory, becoming the predecessor of the modern county-level city of Wudalianchi.

1979 — The opening of the first major sanatorium, "Worker," laid the foundation for Wudalianchi's development as a leading wellness resort. It was from this moment that the region began to actively utilise its unique mineral springs for therapeutic purposes.

8 October 1983 — A key date in modern history: Wudalianchi officially receives the status of a county-level city. This day is considered the date of its administrative birth and the beginning of a new stage of development.

1989 — The natural value of the region receives recognition at the state level — the territory of Wudalianchi is granted the status of a National Forest Park of China.

1994 — To strengthen measures for protecting the unique ecosystem, Wudalianchi is assigned the status of a National Nature Reserve, highlighting the importance of preserving its flora and fauna.

2001 — The territory's exceptional geological heritage was noted with the assignment of National Geopark status, attracting additional attention from scientists and tourists.

2004 — Wudalianchi receives the highest international recognition: it is included in the first group of UNESCO Global Geoparks. This status definitively secured its reputation as a natural wonder of global significance.

Key Milestones in the Development of Wudalianchi

The development of Wudalianchi is inextricably linked to its unique natural resources. The city has journeyed from a sparsely populated territory to a world-renowned health and tourism centre. Here are the main stages of this transformation:

• Formation of the Unique Landscape (1719–1776): Powerful volcanic eruptions created the famous "Five Grand Connected Lakes" and rich mineral springs. This event laid the natural foundation for the city's future economic and cultural development, defining its primary value.
• Beginning of Wellness Activities (1979): The opening of the first major sanatorium, "Worker," was a turning point. From this time, the targeted use of healing waters and muds began, laying the foundation for the city's economy based on health tourism.
• Acquiring City Status (1983): On 8 October 1983, Wudalianchi was officially recognised as a city. This administrative step facilitated urban development, investment attraction, and the formation of city infrastructure, transforming it from a simple resort settlement into a full-fledged administrative unit.
• Administrative Consolidation (1996): Wudalianchi City and Dedu County were merged into a single county-level city. This decision strengthened the territory's administrative and economic potential, allowing for more effective resource management and infrastructure development within broader boundaries.
• Receiving National Recognition (1989–2001): During this period, the territory successively received the statuses of National Forest Park, National Nature Reserve, and National Geopark. These steps raised Wudalianchi's prestige at the state level and attracted attention to its ecological and scientific value.
• International Recognition by UNESCO (2004): Inclusion in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network became a crucial achievement. This status brought Wudalianchi to the world stage, confirming its exceptional geological significance and stimulating the development of international tourism.
• Modernisation of Tourism Infrastructure (2000s – Present): The city is actively developing modern infrastructure, including new hotels, restaurants, and transport interchanges. In addition to traditional sanatorium treatments, the emphasis is on eco-tourism, scientific, and cultural tourism, broadening its appeal to various categories of travellers.

Architecture and Urban Development of Wudalianchi

The architectural appearance of Wudalianchi is a clear reflection of its young history and primary purpose. Founded as a city only in 1983, it does not possess historical buildings in Gothic, Baroque, or Classical styles. Instead, its built environment represents a harmonious combination of 20th-century functional architecture and modern complexes oriented towards tourism and wellness.

The early construction phase (1980s – 1990s) is characterised by the appearance of the first sanatoriums and administrative buildings. Their style can be described as socialist functionalism: simple, strict forms, minimal decoration, and maximum practicality. A prime example of this period is the "Worker" Sanatorium, which, despite recent renovations, has retained the features of the utilitarian architecture of that time at its core. The main task of city planners was the rapid creation of infrastructure to accommodate visitors.

With the receipt of international recognition, particularly the UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2004, a new cycle of development began. Modern hotels, tourist centres, and museums started to appear in the city. Their architecture is more diverse: from buildings in an international style using glass and metal to structures incorporating elements of traditional Chinese architecture. An example of this approach is the Zhong Ling Buddhist temple—a modern monastery built in the crater of an extinct volcano and designed according to principles of Chinese cosmology. One can also find buildings with elements resembling Russian architecture, due to the geographical proximity and cultural ties of the region.

The urban structure of Wudalianchi is entirely subordinate to its resort function. The city has a rational layout, where zones are clearly distinguished: the medical-sanatorium zone, located near the mineral springs; the tourist zone, adjacent to the entrances of the geopark; and the residential zone. All infrastructure is designed for the convenience of visitors and efficient access to the main natural attractions—the volcanoes and healing lakes.

Notable Figures Associated with Wudalianchi

Since Wudalianchi is a young city that only received its status in 1983, its history is closely intertwined not so much with famous political or cultural figures, but with scientists, researchers, and historical figures whose activities were linked to the unique natural phenomena of this region.

• Emperor Kangxi (1654–1722)
  Role/Profession: Emperor of China from the Qing Dynasty.
  Historical Significance: The official chronicles of his reign documented the powerful volcanic eruption of 1719–1721. This report became one of the first written records of the geological event that formed the modern landscape of Wudalianchi, including the famous "Five Grand Connected Lakes."
• The Legendary Oroqen Hunter
  Role/Profession: Folklore character, representative of the indigenous Oroqen people.
  Historical Significance: According to local legend, it was a hunter from the Oroqen people who first discovered the healing properties of the local mineral springs. A deer he had wounded ran into the spring and was healed, which revealed the "sacred water" to the people. This image symbolises the folk discovery of the region's therapeutic potential.
• Sun Yimin
  Role/Profession: Modern Chinese scientist, geologist.
  Historical Significance: As a staff member of the Institute of Volcanoes and Mineral Springs in Wudalianchi, he made a significant contribution to the study of the region's geological activity. His research helps understand the formation processes of the volcanic field and is of great importance for the scientific justification of the UNESCO Geopark status.
• Xie Zhenhua
  Role/Profession: Modern Chinese scientist, volcanologist.
  Historical Significance: A colleague of Sun Yimin who participated in joint studies of the Wudalianchi volcanoes. His work is part of the continuous scientific monitoring and study of the unique geological heritage, contributing to the preservation and popularisation of the geopark on a global level.
• Sergey Viktorovich Rasskazov
  Role/Profession: Russian scientist, Doctor of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences.
  Historical Significance: A leading researcher at the Institute of the Earth's Crust SB RAS, who actively studied the volcanism of Wudalianchi in cooperation with Chinese colleagues. His works highlight the international scientific interest in the region and contribute to a deeper understanding of its geological history in a global context.