Zhuhai history

Foundation and Early Period

The history of Zhuhai is rooted in deep antiquity. Archaeological findings indicate that the first settlements in this territory existed as early as the Neolithic era, about 4-5 thousand years ago. For centuries, the region, known for its coastal location at the mouth of the Pearl River, consisted primarily of small fishing villages. The name "Zhuhai" literally translates as "Pearl Sea," highlighting the city's inseparable connection with the water element. Administratively, the territory was long part of neighbouring counties, but in 1953, the independent Zhuhai County was formed. However, it received city status significantly later, in 1979.

Key Development Factors

The rapid development of Zhuhai, transforming it from a collection of villages into a modern metropolis, was driven by several decisive factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the western bank of the Pearl River estuary and its immediate border with Macau created unique conditions for trade and external relations. This proximity has historically facilitated economic and cultural exchange.
• Economic Reforms: A turning point in the city's history was 1980, when Zhuhai was declared one of the first Special Economic Zones in China. This status attracted colossal foreign investment, primarily from neighbouring Hong Kong and Macau, and launched a process of rapid industrialisation.
• Trade and Connections: Even during the Han and Tang dynasties, this territory was one of the important nodes of the Maritime Silk Road. In the modern era, the creation of the SEZ significantly amplified its role as a major transport and trade hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the start of economic reforms, the livelihood of the local population was based on fishing and agriculture. The region's culture was formed under the influence of maritime traditions and close contacts with Macau, creating a unique blend of southern Chinese flair with elements of European influence. The economy was predominantly agrarian and had no industrial significance. It was the status of a Special Economic Zone that radically changed this way of life, turning Zhuhai into one of the most dynamically developing and modern cities in the country.

Key Dates in Zhuhai's History

The history of Zhuhai is a journey from ancient settlements to one of China's most modern cities. Below are the main milestones reflecting its centuries-old development and rapid transformation.

• 4000–5000 BC: The first Neolithic settlements appear on the territory of modern Zhuhai, as evidenced by archaeological findings.
• Song Dynasty (1152): Xiangshan County is separated from Dongguan County, covering the lands of modern Zhuhai and neighbouring territories.
• 1953: Zhuhai County is formed at the junction of several counties, marking the first official use of this name for an administrative unit.
• 1979: Zhuhai County receives city status, laying the foundation for its future economic growth.
• 1980: Zhuhai becomes one of the first four Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in China, which radically changes its history and attracts massive investment.
• 1984: Xiangzhou District is created, which today is the central and most developed district of the city.
• 1995: The international airport Zhuhai Jinwan (ZUH) opens, becoming an important transport hub for the region.
• 1996: The city hosts the famous Airshow China for the first time, which has taken place every two years since.
• 2001: Administrative reform takes place, resulting in the creation of the modern Doumen and Jinwan districts.
• 2016: Construction is completed on the Zhuhai Opera House, designed in the shape of two seashells, becoming a new symbol of the city.
• 2018: Traffic officially opens on the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, the longest sea-crossing bridge in the world, significantly reducing travel time between the cities.

Stages of Transformation: From Fishing Villages to a "Garden City"

Modern Zhuhai is the result of rapid and well-planned transformations that began in the late 20th century. In just a few decades, it has gone from a cluster of small settlements to one of the most prosperous and liveable cities in China. The key milestones of this development reflect its economic and cultural evolution.

• Creation of the Special Economic Zone (1980). This decision was a turning point in the city's history. Having received SEZ status, Zhuhai attracted massive foreign investment, primarily from Hong Kong and Macau, triggering processes of rapid industrialisation and urbanisation.
• "Garden City" Urban Planning Concept. Unlike many industrial centres, Zhuhai developed from the very beginning with a focus on ecology and a high quality of life. Thanks to an abundance of parks, green zones, and an extensive promenade, it has repeatedly been recognised as one of the cleanest and most liveable cities in the country.
• Development of High-Tech Industries. In 1992, the Zhuhai National Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone was founded. This contributed to the diversification of the economy and the transformation of the city into a centre of innovation in fields such as electronics, software, and biomedicine.
• Emergence of the Chimelong Tourism Cluster. The opening of the giant Chimelong Ocean Kingdom theme park in 2014 was a landmark event for the tourism industry. This world-class resort turned Zhuhai into one of the main destinations for family holidays in China and all of Asia.
• Construction of the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (2018). The opening of the world's longest sea bridge was a triumph of engineering and radically changed the region's logistics. The journey to Hong Kong was reduced from several hours to 30-40 minutes, strengthening Zhuhai's economic and tourism ties with the largest metropolises of the Pearl River Delta.
• Integration into the Greater Bay Area. Zhuhai plays an important role in the strategic development plan of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau mega-region. This provides the city with new opportunities for growth as a key transport, logistics, and innovation hub of Southern China.

The architectural appearance of Zhuhai is a vivid reflection of its rapid history, which began with the granting of Special Economic Zone status in 1980. Unlike cities with centuries of history, you will not find Gothic, Renaissance, or Baroque styles here. Instead, Zhuhai represents a living museum of urban planning and architecture of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Urban Planning: The "Garden City" Concept

From the very beginning of its rapid growth, Zhuhai developed according to the "Garden City" principle. This distinguishes it from many other Chinese metropolises. Urban planning policy was aimed at creating a comfortable living environment with an emphasis on ecology. Characteristic features of this approach include:

• Abundance of Green Zones: Wide avenues immersed in greenery, numerous parks, and a landscaped promenade are an integral part of the urban landscape.
• Thoughtful Zoning: Clear separation of industrial, residential, and recreational zones allowed the city to avoid chaotic development and maintain a high quality of life.
• Integration with Nature: The city fits harmoniously into the coastal landscape, actively using views of the sea and islands in architectural and planning solutions.

Modern and Futuristic Architecture (Late 20th – Early 21st Century)

Zhuhai's architecture is primarily defined by modernism, postmodernism, and bold experiments in the field of modern parametric and bionic architecture. The city has become a platform for the realisation of ambitious projects that have formed its unique silhouette.

• Zhuhai Opera House (2016): Undoubtedly the most recognisable symbol of the city. Designed by the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design (BIAD), the complex consists of two buildings resembling giant sea shells. This is a striking example of symbolic architecture, where the form directly references the city's seaside location.
• Jinwan Art Center (2023): A project by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects. Its self-supporting mesh roof is inspired by the V-shaped formations of migratory birds, serving as a prime example of parametric design. This complex unites a theatre, an art museum, and a science centre, acting as a new cultural landmark.
• Skyscrapers of Hengqin and Xiangzhou Districts: The high-rise buildings of these business centres demonstrate typical features of modernist and postmodernist architecture—glass facades, strict geometric forms, and impressive scales, symbolising the economic power of the region.

Engineering and Infrastructure Icons

The image of modern Zhuhai is impossible to imagine without grand engineering structures, which are architectural attractions in their own right.

• Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (2018): The longest sea bridge in the world is not just a transport artery, but an outstanding work of engineering art. Its elegant cable-stayed spans and artificial islands, connecting the bridge to an underwater tunnel, have created a new, futuristic horizon in the Pearl River Delta.

Prominent Figures Associated with Zhuhai

The city of Zhuhai and its historical lands (formerly part of Xiangshan County) became the birthplace of many outstanding figures who made significant contributions to the history, culture, and development of China.

• Yung Wing (1828–1912) — Educator, diplomat, and businessman. A native of Zhuhai, he became the first Chinese student to graduate from an American university (Yale University). Yung Wing was the ideologue and organiser of the educational mission under which young Chinese men were sent to study in the USA, which had a huge impact on the modernisation of the country.
• Tang Shaoyi (1862–1938) — Political and state figure. Born in Tangjiawan village (now a district of Zhuhai), he became the first Prime Minister of the Republic of China after the Xinhai Revolution. His diplomatic and political career left a noticeable mark on the history of early 20th-century China.
• Su Zhaozheng (1885–1929) — One of the pioneers and leaders of the labour movement in China. A native of Qi'ao Island, which is today part of Zhuhai. He was a prominent organiser of trade unions and strikes in the 1920s, fighting for workers' rights.
• Gu Yuan (1919–1996) — Distinguished artist and woodblock printer. Born in Tangjiawan (Zhuhai). His woodcuts, combining folk motifs and revolutionary themes, are considered classics of 20th-century Chinese fine art.
• Dong Mingzhu (born 1954) — One of the most influential businesswomen in modern China. Chairperson of the Board of Gree Electric Appliances, a giant in home appliance manufacturing, headquartered in Zhuhai. Under her leadership, Gree became a global leader, symbolising the city's modern economic success.
• Zhang Lianwei (born 1965) — Famous professional golfer. Born in Zhuhai and considered a pioneer of this sport in China. He became the first Chinese player to achieve significant success in international tournaments, inspiring a whole generation of athletes.
• Zhu Yuling (born 1995) — World-renowned athlete and table tennis player. Although she was born in another city, her professional career is closely linked to the sports clubs of Guangdong province, and she herself is a bright representative of the new generation of Chinese athletes bringing fame to the region on the world stage.