Yangzhou history

The history of Yangzhou, one of China's iconic cities, spans approximately 2,500 years. The first mentions of a settlement at this location, known then as Guangling, date back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BC). The city's status and its subsequent development were established in later eras, particularly during the Qin and Han dynasties.

A key factor determining Yangzhou's destiny was its strategic location. The city is situated at the confluence of the mighty Yangtze River and the Grand Canal — the world's oldest and longest artificial waterway. It was the construction and expansion of the canal during the Sui Dynasty (581–618) that transformed Yangzhou into a thriving trading port and a crucial transport hub connecting the north and south of the country. This status allowed the city to become one of the capitals of the Sui Empire and secured its role as an economic and political centre for many centuries.

From the very beginning of its rise, Yangzhou was distinguished not only by economic power but also by cultural richness. During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the city became a magnet for poets, artists, scholars, and merchants from all over the world, including Persia and the Arab world. The foundation of this prosperity was the state monopoly on the salt trade, the revenues from which turned local merchants into some of the wealthiest individuals in the empire. This wealth fostered the development of arts, literature, and a refined lifestyle, making Yangzhou one of the most brilliant cultural centres of its time.

Key Dates in the History of Yangzhou

The history of Yangzhou is a chronicle of rises and falls, closely tied to the Grand Canal, the salt trade, and the cultural development of China. Below is a timeline of the most significant events that shaped the character of this ancient city.

• 486 BC — Establishment of the settlement Hancheng, the predecessor of Yangzhou, during the Spring and Autumn Period.
• 221–207 BC — During the Qin Dynasty, the city, known as Guangling, becomes a county seat.
• 589 — In the era of the Sui Dynasty, the city officially receives the name Yangzhou.
• 605–607 — Completion of the Grand Canal transforms Yangzhou into its southern terminal and one of the empire's main trading ports.
• 618–907 — The "Golden Age" of the Tang Dynasty, when Yangzhou becomes one of the most prosperous cities in the world, a hub of trade, poetry, and arts.
• 760 — During the An Lushan Rebellion, a massacre occurred in the city, claiming the lives of thousands of foreign merchants, which temporarily undermined its international ties.
• 902–937 — Yangzhou briefly becomes the capital of the Wu Kingdom during the Five Dynasties period.
• 1282–1287 — The famous traveller Marco Polo, according to his records, serves at the court of the Yuan Dynasty in Yangzhou.
• 1645 — The city is captured by Manchu troops, accompanied by a tragic ten-day massacre of the population.
• 18th Century — A new cultural flourishing of the city in the Qing Dynasty era, associated with the activities of a group of artists known as the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou".
• 1853 — The capture of the city during the Taiping Rebellion leads to significant destruction and the beginning of a period of decline.
• 1949 — Following the establishment of the PRC, the city officially regains its historical name, Yangzhou.
• 2004 — The opening of the first railway connecting Yangzhou with Nanjing marks a new stage in the city's development.

Major Milestones in Yangzhou's Development

The development of Yangzhou is a story of how geographical location and cultural openness shaped the city's destiny over millennia. Key transformations were linked to trade, art, and massive infrastructure projects that alternately elevated the city to the peak of prosperity or doomed it to decline.

• Construction of the Grand Canal (6th–7th centuries). This grandiose project became the main artery that turned Yangzhou into one of the most important economic and logistical centres of ancient China. Its location at the confluence of the canal and the Yangtze River ensured the city's status as a key point for transporting grain, salt, and other goods between the north and south of the country, laying the foundation for its centuries-long wealth.
• "Golden Age" of the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th centuries). During this period, Yangzhou reached the peak of its power, becoming one of the most prosperous and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Revenues from the state salt monopoly attracted poets, artists, scholars, and merchants from across the globe, including Persia and Arabia. The city became synonymous with luxury, refined culture, and high art.
• Cultural Renaissance of the Qing Dynasty (18th century). After a period of turmoil, Yangzhou bloomed again thanks to the wealth of salt merchants. This era gifted China the "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou" — a group of painters who challenged traditional canons of painting and created a new, expressive style. Their work, along with the creation of famous private gardens, became a new symbol of the city's cultural revival.
• Economic Decline (Mid-19th century). Two events dealt a blow to Yangzhou's prosperity: the destructive Taiping Rebellion and the shifting of trade routes. With the development of maritime transport and the construction of railways, the Grand Canal lost its former significance, leading to a long economic stagnation for the city.
• Modern Revival (Late 20th – Early 21st centuries). A new era for Yangzhou began with China's economic modernisation. The construction of expressways and railways reintegrated the city into the country's economic life. Simultaneously, an emphasis on preserving unique heritage — classical gardens, ancient streets, and the culture of the Grand Canal — has transformed Yangzhou into an attractive tourist destination where history and modernity complement each other harmoniously.

The architectural appearance of Yangzhou is a unique combination of urban planning heritage linked to the Grand Canal and refined private architecture created from salt trade revenues. Unlike many other Chinese capitals, it is not imperial palaces that dominate here, but exquisite gardens and merchant residences, reflecting the wealth and cultural ambitions of its inhabitants.

Tang and Song Eras: Forming the Foundations

During its first peak under the Tang (618–907) and Song (960–1279) dynasties, Yangzhou's urban planning was closely tied to the Grand Canal. The city layout formed along this waterway, which served as the main axis of life. The architecture of that time, predominantly wooden, was characterised by monumentality and strict symmetry. Although most structures from that era have not survived in their original form, their influence can be traced in the layout of old quarters and in the reconstructions of ancient temples, such as Daming Temple, whose history dates back to the 5th century.

Ming and Qing Dynasties: The Golden Age of Gardens and Estates

Yangzhou's architectural genius manifested most vividly in the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) eras. Vast fortunes made in the salt trade allowed local merchants and officials to create luxurious private residences and gardens that became the city's calling card.

• Classical Gardens of Yangzhou: These are not merely parks, but holistic architectural and landscape ensembles. Masterpieces such as Ge Garden (Geyuan) and He Garden (Heyuan), as well as the famous Slender West Lake (Shouxi Lake), are exemplary models of southern Chinese gardening art. They are characterised by pavilions with curved roofs, zigzag bridges, artificial rock mountains, and a harmonious fusion of architecture with water and green spaces.
• Merchant Architecture: The historic Dongguan Street is a living museum of Qing era urban planning. It is lined with two-storey buildings made of grey brick with dark tiled roofs. The ground floors were occupied by shops and workshops, while the upper floors served as living quarters. This style reflects a business spirit and practicality, combined with the elegance of decorative elements made of wood and stone.

Modern Stage: Heritage Preservation

Modern urban development in Yangzhou is aimed at carefully preserving its unique heritage. Historical districts, such as Dongguan Street, have been meticulously restored to maintain the atmosphere of old China. New construction is often carried out taking traditional architectural motifs into account, allowing the city to develop without losing its historical identity. The main emphasis is placed on harmony between the old and the new, where ancient gardens and streets continue to remain the heart of the city.

The city of Yangzhou, with its rich centuries-old history, has been the birthplace and creative home for many prominent figures of China. Their legacy has left a deep imprint on the country's culture, art, and politics.

Key Figures in the History of Yangzhou:

• Jiang Zemin (1926–2022) — One of the most significant political figures of modern China. Born in Yangzhou, he served as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of the PRC. His leadership coincided with a period of rapid economic growth and China's integration into the global economy, including accession to the WTO.
• "Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou" — A creative collective of 18th-century painters (Qing Dynasty) who rejected traditional painting canons in favour of an individual and expressive style. Key figures of the group are considered to be Zheng Xie, Jin Nong, and Luo Pin. Their bold and extraordinary work had a tremendous influence on the subsequent development of Chinese art.
• Shi Kefa (1601–1645) — A distinguished general and minister of the late Ming Dynasty. He heroically led the defence of Yangzhou against Manchu troops in 1645. Despite the defeat and his tragic death, he became a symbol of unbending patriotism and courage in Chinese history.
• Du Mu (803–852) — A famous poet of the Tang Dynasty era. Although he was not a native of Yangzhou, a significant part of his life and work is connected with this city. He held government posts here and dedicated many of his works to Yangzhou, praising its beauty and prosperity.
• Pu Songling (1640–1715) — A renowned writer, author of the famous collection of novellas "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio". Although born in Shandong province, several of his stories contain references to Yangzhou, testifying to the cultural significance of the city in that era.