Wuhu history

The history of the city of Wuhu spans more than two and a half millennia. The first known settlements in this territory appeared around 770 BC. Officially, the county named Wuhu was established during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), which laid the administrative foundation for its further development. During the Three Kingdoms period (3rd century AD), the city acquired significant strategic importance while under the control of the Kingdom of Eastern Wu.

A key role in the formation of Wuhu was played by its advantageous geographical location. Situated on the southern bank of the mighty Yangtze River, the city naturally evolved into an important transport hub and trading centre. Beginning with the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Wuhu became one of the largest rice trading centres in China, earning the fame of being one of the "Four Great Rice Capitals". This status defined its economic specialization for many centuries and contributed to its prosperity.

Initially, the city's economy was focused on agriculture and river trade. Wuhu received a new powerful impulse for development in 1876, when it was opened to international trade as a treaty port. This event led to the appearance of European concessions in the city, which was reflected in the architecture of that time, for example, in the construction of St. Joseph's Catholic Cathedral. Opening up to external trade contributed to modernization and laid the foundation for the city's future industrial growth.

Key Milestones in Wuhu's History

The history of the city of Wuhu covers over two and a half millennia, during which it transformed from a small settlement into a significant economic and cultural centre on the Yangtze River.

• Around 770 BC — The first known settlements appear on the territory of modern Wuhu during the Spring and Autumn period.
• 2nd Century BC — During the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD), Wuhu County is officially established, laying the administrative foundation for the future city.
• 3rd Century AD — In the Three Kingdoms era, the city gains important strategic significance under the control of the Kingdom of Eastern Wu.
• 10th Century — After a period of disbandment, during the Southern Tang state, Wuhu County was restored and has existed continuously as an administrative unit since then.
• Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) — The city becomes one of the largest rice trading centres in China, receiving the unofficial title of one of the "Four Great Rice Capitals".
• 1876 — As a result of the Chefoo Convention, Wuhu was opened to international trade as a treaty port, which gave a powerful impetus to its modernization and development.
• 1938 — The city was occupied by Japanese troops during the Second Sino-Japanese War.
• After 1949 — Active industrialization begins; Wuhu turns into a diversified industrial city specializing in metallurgy, mechanical engineering, and textiles.
• 2021 — After a large-scale reconstruction, the historical centre "Wuhu Ancient City" reopens to the public, becoming a popular tourist zone.
• November 3, 2021 — The metro system is launched in the city, marking a new stage in the development of urban transport infrastructure.

Stages of the City's Formation and Development

The development of Wuhu is the story of the transformation of an ancient trading port into a modern industrial and technological hub of China. Key transformations were driven by both economic and urban planning decisions.

• Status of "Rice Capital" and Treaty Port. Beginning with the Ming Dynasty, Wuhu was one of the four main rice trading centres in the country. This status, along with the opening of the city to international trade in 1876, laid a solid foundation for its economic power and integration into global trade flows.
• 20th Century Industrialization. After 1949, the city underwent massive industrialization. Major enterprises were built in the fields of metallurgy, shipbuilding, and the textile industry, which radically changed its economic profile, transforming it from a trading centre into an industrial one.
• Birth of an Automotive Giant. The founding of Chery Automobile in 1997 with its headquarters in Wuhu became a turning point. The city turned into one of the key centres of automotive manufacturing in China, which promoted the development of high technologies and attracted thousands of specialists.
• Construction of the Bridge over the Yangtze. The construction of the Wuhu Yangtze River Bridge in 2000 was a major infrastructure achievement. The bridge connected the city to the national network of expressways and railways, significantly improving logistics and transport accessibility.
• Creation of Economic Development Zones. The establishment of national economic and technological development zones attracted significant investments to Wuhu. This contributed to the emergence of clusters for the production of electronics, new materials, and the development of innovative industries.
• Transformation into a Modern Metropolis. The launch of the metro in 2021 and the continuous modernization of Wuhu Xuanzhou Airport testify to the city's transformation into a modern metropolis with a developed urban environment comfortable for living and doing business.
• Cultural Renewal and Tourism Development. The large-scale reconstruction of the historical quarter "Wuhu Ancient City" and its opening to tourists became an important step in diversifying the economy. This allowed for the preservation of rich cultural heritage and made the city attractive to travellers.

The architectural appearance of Wuhu represents a multi-layered canvas in which traditional Chinese architecture, elegant European heritage, and bold lines of modern architecture are harmoniously interwoven. Located on the banks of the Yangtze River, the city has absorbed various styles over the centuries, making its urban landscape particularly interesting to explore.

Historical and Modern Styles

Wuhu's cityscape can be roughly divided into several key architectural eras:

• Traditional Chinese Architecture: The heart of the historical heritage is the recently restored Wuhu Ancient City. This district demonstrates classic development from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets, residential houses with tiled roofs and courtyards, as well as iconic structures such as the Temple of the City God and the Yashu Tower.
• European Influence (Late 19th – Early 20th Century): After Wuhu became a treaty port in 1876, buildings in the Western style appeared in the city. The brightest examples of this period are St. Joseph's Cathedral, built by French Jesuits in 1889, the former British Consulate, and the old Customs House building (1919). These structures, designed in neoclassical and Gothic styles, still serve as a reminder of the period of active international trade.
• Soviet Functionalism (Mid-20th Century): During the period of active industrialization after 1949, the city's architecture was supplemented by functional industrial buildings and residential quarters typical of socialist urban planning.
• Modern Architecture (Late 20th – 21st Century): The current look of Wuhu is largely defined by modern high-rise buildings, wide avenues, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The symbol of the new era has become the bridge over the Yangtze River, as well as numerous office centres and residential complexes demonstrating the dynamic development of China. The launch of the metro in 2021 definitively secured Wuhu's status as a modern metropolis.

Today, city authorities are actively working on integrating historical heritage into the modern fabric of the city, turning ancient buildings into cultural centres and museums, and creating comfortable public spaces connecting the historical centre with the Yangtze embankment.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Wuhu

The city of Wuhu, with its rich history and cultural heritage, has been the birthplace or place of activity for many outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the art, business, and public life of China. Below are some of them.

• Xiao Yuncong (1596–1673): Born in Wuhu, Xiao Yuncong was a renowned painter, calligrapher, and poet of the transition era from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. He was famous for his landscape works, which were characterized by a unique style using dry and winding brushstrokes. Throughout his life, he remained a loyal supporter of the fallen Ming Dynasty.
• Edgerton Hart (1868–1913): An American missionary and doctor who played a key role in the modernization of medicine in Wuhu. In 1895, he became the director of Yijishan Hospital, founded by his father. His activities and contribution to the development of healthcare left a noticeable mark on the city's history.
• Zhao Wei (born 1976): One of the most popular and influential actresses, film directors, and singers in China. Born in Wuhu, she gained worldwide fame thanks to roles in films such as "Mulan" and "Red Cliff", and her directorial debut "So Young" was a huge commercial success. Zhao Wei has repeatedly received prestigious awards for her acting and directing work.
• Wang Chuanfu (born 1966): Founder, Chairman, and CEO of BYD, one of the world's largest manufacturers of electric vehicles and batteries. He was born in Wuwei County, part of Wuhu, into a poor farming family. Overcoming hardships, he received an education in chemistry and founded a company that is today a global leader in new energy technologies, embodying the motto "Build Your Dreams".
• Zhang Xiaoxiang (1132–1169): An outstanding poet and calligrapher of the Southern Song Dynasty. Although he was not a native of Wuhu, his life and work are closely connected with the Xiaoxiang region, of which Anhui is historically and culturally a part. His works, full of lyricism and reflections on the fate of the country, are an important part of Chinese literary heritage.