Zhangjiajie history

The city known to the world today as Zhangjiajie boasts a long and rich history stretching back centuries. Originally, it bore the name Dayong and was known by this title for most of its existence. The renaming to Zhangjiajie occurred only in 1994 to link the city with the world-famous National Forest Park located nearby.

Foundation and Early Mentions. The history of administrative governance in these lands can be traced back to the Qin and Han empires. According to historical records, the Tianmen Commandery was established here as early as the Three Kingdoms period. The name "Zhangjiajie," meaning "Zhang Family Bounds," is linked to the story of the strategist Zhang Liang, who is believed to have lived here in seclusion after the founding of the Han Empire. Over the centuries, the administrative status and name of the settlement changed repeatedly, reflecting the turbulent events of Chinese history.

Key Factors of Formation. The establishment and development of the city were inextricably linked to several key factors. Geographical location played a vital role: situated in the mountainous terrain of northwestern Hunan Province, the city was historically relatively isolated, which contributed to the formation of a unique local culture. Furthermore, for many centuries, Dayong served as an important regional administrative centre, governing the surrounding counties. Finally, ethnic diversity had a huge influence on the social and economic structure, as this region has long been home to several peoples, primarily the Tujia, Miao, and Bai.

Cultural and Economic Features. Dayong's early economy was predominantly agrarian, based on farming in the river valleys. Mountain forests also played an important role, providing resources for construction and crafts. Cultural life was enriched by the unique traditions and folklore of the Tujia and Miao peoples, which are still evident today in local songs, dances, and crafts. Some of these traditions are recognised as intangible cultural heritage of China. It is this rich historical and cultural legacy, combined with incredible natural landscapes, that forms the unique character of modern Zhangjiajie.

Key Milestones in Zhangjiajie's History

The history of the city now known as Zhangjiajie spans more than two millennia. Originally bearing the name Dayong, it has come a long way from a small county centre to a world-renowned tourist destination. Below are the main stages of its development.

• Qin Dynasty (221–207 BC): Cili County was established within the territory of modern Zhangjiajie, becoming part of the Qianzhong Prefecture.
• Three Kingdoms Period (263 AD): The Tianmen Commandery was created in the State of Wu, marking an important step in the administrative establishment of the region.
• Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD): The territory was divided into several counties, including Cili and Chongyi, which were under the jurisdiction of Lizhou Prefecture.
• Ming Dynasty (1369): Administrative changes occurred, resulting in Cili Prefecture being transformed into Dayong County, subordinate to Lizhou Prefecture.
• 1914: To avoid confusion with a county of the same name in another province, Yongding County was officially renamed Dayong.
• 1982: China's first National Forest Park, Zhangjiajie, was founded, marking the beginning of tourism development in the region.
• 1985: Dayong County was upgraded to Dayong County-level City, reflecting its growing importance.
• 1988: Dayong City was merged with the surrounding counties of Sangzhi and Cili to form a prefecture-level city directly subordinate to the province.
• 1992: The Wulingyuan Scenic Area, including Zhangjiajie Park, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 1994: By a decree of the State Council of the PRC, Dayong Prefecture-level City was officially renamed Zhangjiajie so that its name would be associated with the world-famous park.
• 2009–2010: Following the release of the film "Avatar," the creators of which drew inspiration from the landscapes of Zhangjiajie, the city experienced an unprecedented tourism boom.
• 2016: The world's longest and highest glass bridge was opened in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, becoming a new iconic landmark.

Milestones of Transformation: How the City Changed

The history of modern Zhangjiajie is an example of the rapid transformation of a closed mountain county into a world-class tourism hub. Over the past decades, the city has undergone a series of fundamental changes that have defined its current status.

• Creation of the First National Park (1982). A turning point in the region's economy. The State Council's decision to approve the first national forest park in China here marked a shift from logging to nature conservation and the development of eco-tourism.
• UNESCO Recognition (1992). The inclusion of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in the World Natural Heritage list brought the city to the international stage. This event not only attracted foreign tourists but also set strict standards for urban planning and environmental protection.
• Strategic Rebranding (1994). The official renaming of the city from Dayong to Zhangjiajie was a brilliant marketing move. Unifying the name of the administrative centre and the main attraction created a strong, recognisable brand.
• Transport Revolution (1990s–2000s). The construction of "Hehua" Airport and the launch of expressways broke the region's centuries-old isolation. This infrastructure breakthrough allowed for the reception of millions of guests annually, turning tourism into the city's primary industry.
• The "Avatar" Cultural Phenomenon (2010). The release of the Hollywood blockbuster, inspired by local landscapes, triggered an unprecedented tourism boom. This cemented the city's status as "Planet Pandora on Earth" and significantly rejuvenated the traveller demographic.
• Era of Engineering Records (from 2016). The opening of the giant Glass Bridge and other high-altitude attractions diversified leisure options. The city became not just a place for contemplating nature, but also a global centre for extreme entertainment and modern architecture.

The architectural appearance of Zhangjiajie is a unique combination of indigenous traditions and ultra-modern engineering solutions dictated by the tourism boom. Unlike many historical cities, it is impossible to trace a succession of classic European eras like Gothic or Renaissance here. Instead, the urban environment was formed under the influence of ethnic culture and the needs of mass tourism.

Traditional Architecture of the Tujia People

Historically, the architecture of the region was defined by the traditions of the Tujia people, who have inhabited these lands for centuries. A key feature of their architecture is the stilt house, known as "Diaojiaolou". These wooden structures, raised above the ground, are perfectly adapted to the mountainous landscape and humid climate. Such a design protected the dwelling from dampness and wild animals, while the space under the house was used for household needs. Although few such authentic structures remain in the city itself, reconstructed versions can be seen in theme parks and on tourist streets, such as Xibu Street.

Modern Development and Urban Planning

Modern Zhangjiajie began to take shape in the 1980s when the national park was founded. Urban development is completely subordinate to tourism logistics. The city is functionally divided into two main parts:

• Yongding District: This is the administrative and transport centre of the city, where the airport, train stations, and most hotels are located. The architecture here is predominantly modern and functional—multi-storey hotels, shopping centres, and residential complexes.
• Wulingyuan District: This town at the entrance to the national park is the main tourist hub. Its development is a mix of modern hotels and commercial streets styled to look ancient.

In recent years, iconic modern complexes have also appeared, such as the "72 Wonderful Towers"—a massive structure often called the world's tallest building in the "Diaojiaolou" style. This complex, reaching a height of 109.9 metres, combines traditional motifs with modern construction technologies, serving as an example of postmodernism in its tourist interpretation.

Engineering Structures as Architectural Landmarks

Perhaps the most iconic "buildings" of Zhangjiajie, which have formed its globally recognisable image, are not houses but unique engineering objects. They are striking examples of architecture integrated into the natural landscape:

• Bailong Elevator ("Hundred Dragons Elevator"): A glass elevator built into a sheer cliff, lifting tourists to a height of 326 metres, is a marvel of engineering.
• Glass Bridge in the Grand Canyon: The longest and highest glass bridge in the world, which has become an attraction in its own right and a symbol of modern Zhangjiajie.
• Tianmen Mountain Cableway: One of the longest cableways in the world, which is itself a breathtaking architectural and engineering attraction.

Thus, the architectural history of Zhangjiajie is not a history of styles, but a history of adaptation: first to difficult natural conditions through ethnic architecture, and then to global tourist flows through the creation of large-scale modern infrastructure.

Prominent Figures Associated with Zhangjiajie

The history of Zhangjiajie and its surroundings is marked by the names of legendary heroes, wise strategists, and outstanding figures of modern times. Here are some of the key figures who have left their mark on this region.

• Zhang Liang (c. 250–186 BC) — A strategist and advisor who played a key role in the establishment of the Han Dynasty. According to legend, after completing his service, he retired from the world and settled in these lands. It is believed that the name "Zhangjiajie" ("Zhang Family Bounds") originated in honour of his seclusion here.
• Tian Zi (14th century) — A leader of the Tujia people's uprising at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. He proclaimed himself the "Son of Heaven" (in Chinese "Tianzi") and fought against imperial troops. One of the most picturesque zones of the national park, Tianzi Mountain (Tianzi Shan), is named in his honour.
• Du Xinwu (1869–1953) — A legendary martial arts master, one of the most famous representatives of the "Ziranmen" style (School of Naturalness). He was born in the territory of modern Cili County, which is part of Zhangjiajie. He served as Sun Yat-sen's personal bodyguard and became famous throughout China for his unsurpassed skill.
• He Long (1896–1969) — One of the Ten Marshals of the People's Republic of China, an outstanding military and political figure. He was born in Sangzhi County (today part of Zhangjiajie) and was one of the leaders of the Nanchang Uprising and the Long March. A park on the peak of Tianzi Mountain bears his name, where a monument to him is installed.
• Liao Hansheng (1911–2006) — A general of the People's Liberation Army of China and a prominent political figure. Like He Long, he was a native of Sangzhi County. He participated in the revolutionary struggle and held high posts in the military and political hierarchy of the PRC after its founding.