Xuzhou history

Xuzhou, known in ancient times as Pengcheng, is one of the oldest and most culturally significant cities in China. Its history spans over 4,000 years and is closely interwoven with the key stages of the formation of Chinese civilization. The first traces of human activity in this region date back to the 6th millennium BC.

Foundation and First Mentions

According to legends, the city was founded by the legendary long-lived figure Peng Zu during the Xia Dynasty, and its original name, Pengcheng, served as the capital of his domains. This name remained with the city for many centuries. Historically, Xuzhou has always been an important administrative and military centre in the northwest of modern Jiangsu Province.

Key Development Factors

Xuzhou owes its growth and influence to several key factors:

• Strategic Location: The city is situated at the intersection of vital transport routes connecting the northern and southern, as well as eastern and western regions of China, making it a key military and logistics hub.
• Trade and Transport: As early as the 2nd century BC, the city was connected by canals to the ancient capitals of China. Its role as a transport hub increased manifold with the development of the Grand Canal.
• Political Power: Xuzhou is the birthplace of Liu Bang, the founder of the powerful Han Dynasty. This fact defined the city's high status and cultural significance for centuries.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The Han era (202 BC – 220 AD) became a golden age for Xuzhou, cementing its reputation as the cradle of Han culture. This is evidenced by unique archaeological finds, including the famous Han tombs, terracotta warriors (distinct from those in Xi'an), and exquisite stone reliefs. Economically, the city flourished thanks to fertile lands, developed agriculture, and its status as a centre of crafts and trade.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Xuzhou, spanning several millennia, is full of significant events that shaped its cultural and strategic importance for China.

• Around 4000 BC: First traces of human activity in the region, belonging to the Neolithic Dawenkou culture.
• Around 21st Century BC: Legendary foundation of the city under the name Pengcheng, which became the capital of Peng Zu's domains.
• 256 BC: Liu Bang, the future founder of the Han Dynasty, was born in Pei County, part of the modern Xuzhou prefecture.
• 206 BC – 220 AD: The Han Dynasty era, which became a "golden age" for the city, establishing it as the cradle of Han culture.
• 220–280 AD: During the Three Kingdoms period, the warlord Cao Cao moved the administrative centre of Xu Province to Pengcheng, after which the name Xuzhou became attached to the city.
• 581–618 AD: During the Sui Dynasty, Xuzhou Prefecture was officially created, strengthening its administrative status.
• 1733: Under the Qing Dynasty, Xuzhou's status was raised to a prefecture (Fu), highlighting its growing importance in the imperial system.
• 1938: A major battle for Xuzhou took place during the Second Sino-Japanese War, becoming an important episode of resistance.
• 1948: The city became the centre of the Huaihai Campaign — one of the decisive battles of the Chinese Civil War.
• 1986: Xuzhou officially received the status of a National Famous Historical and Cultural City of China, acknowledging its rich heritage.

Key Stages of Xuzhou's Development

Throughout its centuries-old history, Xuzhou has transformed repeatedly, evolving from an ancient capital into a modern metropolis. The key milestones of its development reflect the economic and cultural shifts that have defined the city's appearance today.

• Cradle of the Han Dynasty: Xuzhou is the birthplace of Liu Bang, the founder of the Han Dynasty. This fact defined the city's high status for many centuries and laid the foundation for its cultural heritage, known as the "Three Wonders of the Han Dynasty": Han tombs, terracotta warriors, and stone reliefs.
• Hub on the Grand Canal: Its location on the Grand Canal turned Xuzhou into a vital trade and logistics centre, especially starting from the 14th century. This contributed to its economic prosperity and strengthened its strategic importance.
• Railway Hub of China: In the 20th century, the city became one of the country's largest railway junctions, where key mainlines connecting the north with the south (Beijing-Shanghai) and the west with the east (Lanzhou-Lianyungang) intersect. This served as a powerful impetus for industrialisation.
• Centre of the Coal Industry: Since the mid-20th century, Xuzhou developed as a major centre for coal mining and power generation. This defined its economic profile for decades but also led to environmental challenges.
• Industrial Diversification: In recent decades, the city has been actively moving away from coal dependence. Today, Xuzhou is one of the world leaders in the production of construction machinery; notably, the giant XCMG is based here. Mechanical engineering, the chemical industry, and electronics are also developing.
• Ecological Transformation: The city has made an impressive transition from the status of one of the most polluted industrial centres to a "National Ecological Garden City". This turnaround demonstrates modern priorities in urban planning and improving the quality of life.
• Creation of Economic Zones: The establishment of national economic and technological development zones attracted investment to Xuzhou and promoted industrial modernisation, strengthening its role as the centre of the Huaihai Economic Zone.

The architectural appearance of Xuzhou represents a multi-layered canvas reflecting millennia of Chinese history. From ancient underground palaces to gleaming skyscrapers, the city demonstrates a unique combination of imperial heritage and rapid modernisation.

Heritage of the Han Dynasty

Although most surface structures of antiquity have not survived, Xuzhou's main architectural heritage is hidden underground. The Han Dynasty era (206 BC – 220 AD) left behind magnificent examples of architecture in the form of tombs of local rulers. These underground complexes, carved into the rocks, amaze with their complexity and engineering prowess. They consist of numerous halls, corridors, and chambers imitating palace quarters. These are not merely burial sites but full-fledged architectural ensembles, complemented by the famous terracotta warriors and exquisite stone reliefs, collectively known as the "Three Wonders of the Han Dynasty".

Traditional and Imperial Architecture

In subsequent eras, from Tang to Qing, Xuzhou developed as an important administrative and trading centre on the Grand Canal. Urban planning of this period followed classical Chinese principles with axial planning and clear zoning. The city was surrounded by powerful walls, and its appearance was shaped by traditional wooden temples, pagodas, and administrative buildings with characteristic curved roofs. Although many of these structures were lost during wars and reconstructions, individual elements and districts, such as Hubushan Street (HuBuShan GuWan YiTiao Jie), retain the spirit of old China with its dense buildings and market squares. The Baolian Temple is one example of religious architecture reflecting the styles of later dynasties.

Industrial Era and Modern Transformation

In the 20th century, Xuzhou turned into a major railway junction and centre of the coal industry, which defined its architecture for decades. Functional and industrial construction prevailed during this period. However, since the end of the 20th century, the city has been undergoing a massive transformation. Industrial zones are being replaced by modern residential complexes, business centres with skyscrapers, and public spaces. Today's architectural landscape of Xuzhou is a contrast between historical inclusions, mid-century Soviet-style buildings, and ultra-modern architecture, an example of which is the Xuzhou Concert Hall. Special attention is paid to urban development aimed at creating an "ecological garden city" with an abundance of parks, lakes, and green zones, which is radically changing its appearance.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Xuzhou

Xuzhou, with its rich and centuries-old history, has become the birthplace or place of activity for many iconic figures of Chinese civilization. These people have left a deep mark on the country's politics, culture, philosophy, and art.

• Peng Zu (彭祖) — Legendary founder and figure of longevity. Considered the founder of the city of Pengcheng (the ancient name of Xuzhou) and a symbol of longevity in Chinese culture. According to legend, he lived for over 800 years, and his wisdom became part of Taoist teachings.
• Liu Bang (刘邦) — Founder and first emperor of the Han Dynasty. Born in Pei County (modern Xuzhou), Liu Bang rose from a minor official to a ruler who united China after the fall of the Qin Dynasty. His ascension to the throne defined Xuzhou's high status as the "cradle of the Han Dynasty".
• Xiang Yu (项羽) — Warlord and Hegemon-King of Western Chu. The main rival of Liu Bang in the struggle for power. After overthrowing the Qin Dynasty, he made Pengcheng his capital, from where he ruled a significant part of China. His tragic story and confrontation with Liu Bang became one of the most famous subjects in Chinese history and literature.
• Xiao He (萧何) — Outstanding statesman and chancellor. A fellow countryman and loyal ally of Liu Bang, who played a key role in the creation and strengthening of the Han Empire. It was he who, after the capture of the Qin capital, preserved the state archives and maps, which laid the foundation for the effective governance of the new empire.
• Zhang Daoling (张道陵) — Founder of the "Way of the Celestial Masters" (Tianshi Dao) school. Born in Feng County, within the territory of modern Xuzhou. He is considered the founding patriarch of organised religious Taoism, and his teachings had a tremendous influence on the spiritual life of China.
• Su Shi (苏轼), also known as Su Dongpo — Great poet, artist, and statesman of the Song Dynasty. From 1077 to 1079, he served as the governor of Xuzhou, where he oversaw the construction of an important dam to protect the city from the Yellow River floods. His stay here left a mark not only in engineering structures but also in poetry.
• Li Keran (李可染) — One of the leading Chinese artists of the 20th century. A native of Xuzhou, he became famous for his landscapes in the Guohua style and calligraphy. Li Keran innovatively combined traditional Chinese techniques with elements of Western realism, creating his own unique style.