Yancheng history

The history of Yancheng is inextricably linked to its name, which translates as "Salt City". The emergence and development of the city were predetermined by its unique coastal location and abundant resources, the most important of which for centuries was salt.

Foundation and First Mentions

The first settlements on the site of modern Yancheng appeared due to the extraction of salt from seawater. The official date of the city's founding is considered to be 119 BC, when Yandu County (盐渎县) was established during the Western Han Dynasty to manage saltworks. Later, in 411 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the city received its current name — Yancheng. This name directly reflects its economic significance as a centre of salt production.

Key Factors of Formation

A key role in the formation of Yancheng was played by its geographical location on the coast of the Yellow Sea, ideal for salt evaporation. The salt trade, which was under strict state control, became the foundation of the region's economy and an important source of income for the imperial treasury. The creation of an official administration to control salt production and trade gave the settlement political weight and contributed to its growth as an important administrative centre.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The entire early history and culture of Yancheng were built around salt. This industry shaped the daily life, traditions, and economy of the city for many centuries. Already during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Yancheng turned into a significant port city, playing an important role in foreign trade. Its status as one of the main salt suppliers in the empire ensured the city's stability and prosperity, laying the foundation for its further development.

Ancient History and the Middle Ages

• 119 BC — During the Western Han Dynasty, Yandu County (盐渎县) is established in this territory to manage the rich saltworks, marking the starting point in the city's history.
• 411 AD — In the era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the county was officially renamed Yancheng (盐城县), which literally means "Salt City", emphasizing its economic importance.
• 8th Century — During the Tang Dynasty, Yancheng transforms into an important port city and a hub for a network of canals connecting coastal saltworks with the Grand Canal.
• Early 11th Century — The famous statesman Fan Zhongyan oversees the construction of the "Fangong Dike" to protect coastal territories from flooding.
• 1731 — During the reign of the Qing Dynasty, the new county of Funing is separated from Yancheng County for more effective management of the expanded territory.

Modern and Contemporary Era

• 1940-1941 — During World War II, the city becomes an important centre of resistance; the headquarters of the New Fourth Army is located here, establishing its administrative structures in the region.
• 1949 — After the establishment of the PRC, the Yancheng Special District (盐城专区) is created, uniting several counties under its administration.
• 1951 — Two counties within the special district are renamed to avoid confusion with other provinces: Taipei becomes Dafeng, and Jianyang becomes Jianhu.
• 1983 — The administrative status of Yancheng is upgraded: the prefecture is transformed into the prefecture-level city of Yancheng, cementing its role as a regional centre.
• 1988 — The Chinese government opens Yancheng to foreign investment and trade, providing a powerful impetus for economic growth and the industrialisation of the city.
• 2004 — Construction of a major railway line passing through Yancheng is completed, significantly improving its transport connections with other regions of the country.

The history of Yancheng is a journey from an ancient salt-making centre to a modern industrial and ecological hub of China. Each stage of development has left a notable mark on its economic, cultural, and urban landscape.

Key Milestones in Yancheng's Development:

• Foundation and Saltworks (119 BC): The city's history began during the Han Dynasty when the settlement of Yandu was founded to control rich sea salt deposits. For centuries, salt extraction and trade were the backbone of the local economy.
• Acquiring the Name "Salt City" (411 AD): During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the city received its current name — Yancheng (盐城), which literally translates as "Salt City". This name forever cemented its key economic role.
• Construction of the Protective Dike (11th Century): Outstanding statesman Fan Zhongyan led the construction of the famous "Fangong Dike". This monumental structure protected coastal lands from floods and became a significant urban planning achievement of its time.
• Hub of Canals and Logistics (8th Century onwards): Starting from the Tang Dynasty, Yancheng turned into an important node in a network of canals that linked coastal saltworks with the Grand Canal. This strengthened its status as a key trade and logistics centre of the region.
• Upgrade of Administrative Status (1983): Yancheng Prefecture was officially transformed into a prefecture-level city. This step marked a new stage in the city's development as a major regional centre, accelerating its urbanisation and modernisation.
• Opening to Foreign Investment (1988): The Chinese government opened Yancheng to foreign trade and investment, giving a powerful boost to industrialisation. The city began actively developing new sectors, including mechanical engineering and electronics.
• International Ecological Recognition (1992-2019): Yancheng's unique coastal wetlands received global recognition. In 1992, they were included in the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, and in 2019, the migratory bird sanctuaries along the coast of the Yellow Sea were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Modern Industrial Centre (21st Century): Today, Yancheng is a major industrial city known for its enterprises in the fields of automotive manufacturing, alternative energy, and electronics production. The city has successfully diversified its economy while preserving its rich cultural and natural heritage.

The architectural appearance of Yancheng represents a unique combination of functional heritage linked to salt extraction and rapid modern development. The city has journeyed from a settlement whose layout was dictated by practical needs to a modern metropolis where historical quarters sit alongside futuristic buildings and "green" residential complexes.

Traditional Architecture and Urban Planning

Yancheng's urban development was historically governed by two main factors: salt extraction and flood protection. Its early structure formed around a network of canals connecting saltworks to the Grand Canal, ensuring the transport of this valuable resource. The most important engineering structure was the Fangong Dike, built in the 11th century to protect coastal lands. The city's architectural heritage is best represented in the historical district of Yancheng Water Street. This quarter, restored on the banks of the Chuanchang River, showcases the traditional architecture of the Jiangnan region with its canals, bridges, and buildings with tiled roofs. Located here are iconic structures such as the Salt Merchants Guild, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the old city that prospered thanks to the salt trade.

Industrial Growth and 20th Century Development

With the beginning of the reform and opening-up policy in the late 20th century, Yancheng entered a phase of rapid industrialisation. This period is characterised primarily by functional and modernist architecture. The city was actively built up with industrial zones, standard residential blocks, and public buildings, meeting the needs of a rapidly growing economy and population. Although many structures of that time were not distinguished by sophistication, today they are becoming part of the new urban fabric. Under urban renewal programmes, old facilities are receiving new life, such as a 1956 cinema transformed into the modern "1956 Star Theater".

Modern Architectural Landmarks and a Green Future

In the 21st century, Yancheng's architecture reflects its new status as a technological and ecological hub. A striking example of postmodernism is the China Sea Salt Museum, whose snowy-white futuristic design is inspired by salt crystals. Alongside the creation of new cultural venues, the city pays immense attention to "green" construction. Innovative residential complexes are appearing, such as the "Urban Mountain" project, offering a concept of urban living in harmony with nature. Modern urban planning in Yancheng aims to create a sustainable and comfortable environment where bold architectural solutions are combined with respect for the city's natural and historical heritage.

Distinguished Figures of Yancheng

The city of Yancheng and its surroundings have been the birthplace of many famous figures who have left a significant mark on the history and culture of China. Their legacy spans literature, politics, and science, reflecting the rich history of the region.

• Shi Nai'an — A writer attributed with the authorship of one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature — "Water Margin". It is believed he lived during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. His work has had a tremendous influence on Chinese literature.
• Lu Xiufu — An outstanding statesman and military commander of the final years of the Southern Song Dynasty (13th century). He was one of the last chancellors of the empire and went down in history as a symbol of unwavering loyalty and patriotism.
• Qiao Guanhua — A prominent diplomat of the People's Republic of China. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1970s and played a key role in important international events, including the restoration of the PRC's lawful seat in the UN.
• Hu Qiaomu — An influential political figure, theorist of the Communist Party of China, and the first president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. He made a significant contribution to shaping the country's ideology and cultural policy in the 20th century.
• Taylor Wang (Wang Ganjun) — A scientist and NASA astronaut who became the first person of Chinese ethnicity to go into space. He participated in the Space Shuttle "Challenger" mission STS-51B in 1985 as a payload specialist.
• Cao Wenxuan — A famous contemporary writer and author of children's literature. In 2016, he became a laureate of the prestigious Hans Christian Andersen Award, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for children's writers".