Xuanzhou

Founding and First Mentions

The history of Xuanzhou spans more than two millennia. A settlement existed in this territory as early as the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 24 AD), when Danyang Commandery was established with its capital in Wanling—the name of modern Xuanzhou at the time. In 109 BC, the commandery authorities were stationed in Wanling. Xuancheng Commandery (宣城郡) was officially separated from Danyang Commandery in 281 AD during the Jin Dynasty. Archaeological finds, such as ceramics and stone tools, indicate that people lived in this region more than 4,000 years ago during the Liangzhu culture period.

Key Factors of Formation

Since its founding, the city has played the role of an important administrative center. Its development was facilitated by its strategic location in the lower Yangtze River basin, at the crossroads of trade routes. Geographically, the terrain is very diverse, featuring mountains, hills, valleys, and plains, which created favorable conditions for agriculture and resource development. Routes connecting Nanjing and Wuhu with the southern provinces of Jiangxi and Zhejiang passed through the city, making it a key transportation and trade hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Characteristics

Xuanzhou has been known as a cultural and economic center since ancient times. The city's greatest fame came from the production of unique goods known as the "Four Treasures of the Study":

• Xuan Paper: A special type of paper made from sandalwood bark, ideal for calligraphy and painting. It was prized for its durability and ink-absorbing capacity and has been supplied to the imperial court since the Tang Dynasty (618–907).
• Writing Brushes, Ink, and Inkstones: Xuanzhou was also a center for the production of other attributes for writing and creativity.

The region's economy also relied on agriculture, specifically the cultivation of rice, grains, and oilseeds, as well as the production of silk and green tea.

Key Milestones in the History of Xuanzhou

Xuanzhou's history, spanning over two millennia, is rich with events that shaped it as an important administrative, cultural, and economic center.

• Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC): A county was first formed in the territory of modern Xuanzhou, marking the beginning of its administrative history.
• 109 BC (Han Dynasty): The county was named Wanling (宛陵), and it became the seat of the large Danyang Commandery.
• 281 AD (Jin Dynasty): The independent Xuancheng Commandery (宣城郡) was established from Danyang Commandery, with its capital at Wanling—a crucial step in the city's emergence under its historical name.
• Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD): Wanling County was renamed Xuancheng (宣城县), and the entire territory became part of Xuanzhou Prefecture (宣州), fixing this name for the region for centuries.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD): Xuanzhou experienced a cultural flowering and became a source of inspiration for many poets, including the great Li Bai, who visited several times and dedicated famous poems to the city.
• 1166 (Song Dynasty): The city's administrative status was elevated—Xuanzhou Prefecture was transformed into Ningguo Prefecture (宁国府).
• Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368 AD): Following the transition to the Yuan era, Ningguo Prefecture was reorganized into the Ningguo Circuit (宁国路).
• 1367 (End of the Yuan Dynasty): The forces of the future founder of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, took control of these lands and restored Ningguo Prefecture.
• Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1911 AD): Ningguo Prefecture continued to exist until the Xinhai Revolution, remaining an important regional center.
• Post-1945 (20th Century): In the post-war era, the urbanized part of Xuancheng County was separated into the independent city of Xuanzhou, marking the beginning of its modern history.

The history of Xuanzhou is a journey from an ancient cultural center to a modern industrial city. The key stages of its development reflect the rich history and economic transformations of the region within China.

• Founding during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD): The city was established as an important administrative center under the name Wanling. Its strategic location in the Yangtze River basin at the intersection of trade routes determined its significance for centuries to come.
• Cultural "Golden Age" (Tang and Song Dynasties, 618–1279): Xuanzhou became a center of attraction for great poets such as Li Bai and Du Mu. Their works glorified the local landscapes and established the city's status as one of the regional cultural capitals.
• Center of Calligraphy and Painting: For centuries, the city was the primary producer of the famous "Xuan" paper (宣纸) and writing brushes. The paper, supplied to the imperial court since the Tang Dynasty, became an integral part of Chinese art. In 2009, its manufacturing technology was included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
• Development of Architecture and Trade (Ming and Qing Dynasties, 1368–1912): During this period, trade flourished, and the unique "Hui" architectural style was formed in the region, examples of which can still be seen in the city's surroundings.
• Economic Modernization (Late 20th Century): With the start of the country's reform and opening-up policy, the city began to actively develop its industry. Enterprises were established in the automotive and new materials sectors, diversifying the local economy.
• Attainment of Prefecture-Level Status (2000): This administrative transformation gave a powerful boost to urban development, infrastructure improvements, and investment attraction, accelerating Xuanzhou's transformation into a modern regional hub.
• Tourism Development (21st Century): The city began to actively leverage its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, such as the Jingshan Mountains, to attract tourists. This created a new economic sector and increased Xuanzhou's profile on national and international stages.

The architectural appearance of Xuanzhou and its surroundings is a vivid reflection of China's centuries-old history, where traditional styles are harmoniously interwoven with modern urban planning. The most significant influence on the region was the architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which formed a unique and recognizable look known as the "Hui style."

Hui-Style Architecture (Ming and Qing Dynasties, 1368–1912)

This style, which originated in the historical region of Huizhou—of which Xuanzhou was a part—has become the hallmark of Anhui Province. Its key features include elegant two-story houses with white walls, dark tiled roofs, and characteristic high gables known as "horse-head walls." These houses were often built around an inner courtyard or "skywell," which not only provided ventilation and light but also symbolically kept wealth (represented by rainwater) inside the home. Facades and interiors were richly decorated with intricate wood, brick, and stone carvings depicting mythological subjects, natural motifs, and scenes from daily life. While many historical buildings in the city itself have given way to modern developments, the spirit of this architecture remains preserved in its cultural code.

Early Architectural Traditions (Tang and Song Dynasties, 618–1279)

During its cultural peak under the Tang and Song dynasties, Xuanzhou was a significant administrative and cultural center. The architecture of that period, known through historical records and archaeological finds in other parts of China, was characterized by monumentality and grace. Majestic wooden pagodas, temple complexes, and palaces were built, featuring complex multi-tiered roofs and strict symmetry in layout. Although no significant buildings from that era have survived in Xuanzhou today, their influence can be traced in later architectural canons that formed the basis of the Hui style.

Modern Urban Development (21st Century)

Today's Xuanzhou is a dynamically developing city where modern residential complexes, wide avenues, and industrial zones coexist with parks and public spaces. New construction seeks to respect the region's rich heritage, sometimes borrowing elements of traditional aesthetics—for example, in the design of tourist areas or cultural sites. Thus, the city continues its architectural evolution, connecting a deep historical past with a forward-looking vision.

The city of Xuanzhou and its surroundings in Anhui Province have for centuries been the cradle for many of China's most prominent figures. These individuals have left a deep mark on poetry, calligraphy, philosophy, and politics, bringing fame to their native land.

Poets and Writers

• Li Bai (701–762) — The greatest poet of the Tang Dynasty, whose work is considered the pinnacle of classical Chinese poetry. Although he traveled extensively, he spent a significant part of his life in Xuanzhou, creating many famous works here. His poem "Sitting Alone on Jingting Mountain" forever linked his name with these places, celebrating their peaceful beauty.
• Xie Tiao (464–499) — A prominent poet of the Southern and Northern Dynasties era. Serving as the governor of Xuancheng (the old name for Xuanzhou), he grew so fond of the local scenery that he built a famous tower overlooking the mountains. This tower was later named in his honor and became a site of pilgrimage for many poets, including Li Bai.
• Mei Yaochen (1002–1060) — A poet and historian of the Song Dynasty born directly in Xuancheng. He was one of the pioneers of a new poetic style that strove for simplicity and realism. In his verses, Mei Yaochen often described the hardships of ordinary people and the beauty of his homeland, becoming one of the key reformers of poetry in his time.
• Du Mu (803–852) — Another famous Tang Dynasty poet who served as an official in Xuanzhou. His impressions of his time here were reflected in his lyric poetry. His works dedicated to local landscapes and historical events enriched the region's cultural heritage.

Thinkers and Scholars

• Hu Shi (1891–1962) — One of the most influential Chinese philosophers, writers, and reformers of the 20th century, a native of Jixi County, which was historically part of the region. He was a key figure in the "New Culture Movement" and advocated for the use of vernacular language in literature instead of archaic Classical Chinese, which revolutionized Chinese letters.
• Gong Zizhen (1792–1841) — A thinker, poet, and reformer of the Qing era. Although not a native of Xuanzhou, his activities were closely linked with the intellectual circles of Anhui Province. He advocated for reforms in national governance and was one of the first to sense the coming changes and the crisis of the Qing Empire.