Zunyi history

The history of the city of Zunyi is rooted in deep antiquity, allowing it to be listed among the historical and cultural cities of China. Although the first administrative structures appeared here many centuries ago, key stages of the city's development have shaped its modern appearance and significance.

Foundation and Early Period

The first mention of a county named "Zunyi" dates back to 642 AD, during the Tang Dynasty. However, over the centuries, these lands repeatedly changed rulers. In 876, the Bozhou chiefdom was established here, which existed for about seven centuries. In 1600, following the suppression of a local uprising, Zunyi County was re-established and placed under the authority of Sichuan Province, and later, in 1728, transferred to the jurisdiction of Guizhou Province. Its geographical position in the mountainous terrain in the north of Guizhou Province determined its role as an important regional centre.

A Key Turning Point in History

Events in 1935 brought global fame to Zunyi. In January, during the Long March, the famous Zunyi Conference of the Communist Party of China took place in the city. This meeting became a turning point in the party's history, consolidating Mao Zedong's position as its leader. Thanks to this event, Zunyi is often called the "cradle of the revolution" and the "Red Capital". The city has preserved many historical sites associated with this period, including the conference venue and the house where Mao Zedong lived.

Economic and Cultural Features

Historically, Zunyi developed as an agricultural and trading hub. The architecture of the old part of the city has retained features of the Ming and Qing dynasties with characteristic wooden structures and tiled roofs. Today, Zunyi is a major industrial and economic centre of southwest China. The city and its surroundings are world-renowned for the production of the famous Maotai beverage. In addition, the region is one of the country's largest tea-growing centres, producing the famous green tea "Zunyi Maofeng".

Key Milestones in the History of Zunyi

• 642 — During the Tang Empire, a county named "Zunyi" was established on these lands for the first time, marking the beginning of its administrative history.
• 876 — Local warlord Yang Duan founds the Bozhou chiefdom, which his descendants ruled for the next seven centuries.
• 1600 — After suppressing a major uprising and eliminating the power of local chieftains, the Ming Empire re-establishes Zunyi County, placing it under Sichuan Province.
• 1687 — During the Qing Empire, the Zunyi Prefecture (遵义府) was established, raising the city's administrative status.
• 1728 — Zunyi Prefecture is officially transferred to the jurisdiction of Guizhou Province, firmly establishing its regional affiliation.
• January 1935 — The historic enlarged meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee takes place in the city during the Long March, becoming a turning point in the party's history and strengthening Mao Zedong's leadership position.
• 1949 — Following the establishment of the PRC, the Zunyi Special District is created, uniting several counties.
• 1950s — Zunyi begins to actively develop as an industrial centre of the region.
• 1997 — The Zunyi Special District is transformed into a prefecture-level city, reflecting its growing economic and administrative importance.

Stages of Zunyi's Development

The development of Zunyi was defined by several key transformations that turned it from a historical town into a modern economic and cultural hub. These milestones reflect its journey from a revolutionary symbol to one of the important cities of southwest China.

• Becoming the "Red Capital" and Tourism Development. The historic meeting of 1935 forever changed the status of the city. Zunyi became a symbol of the Chinese revolution, which formed the basis of a powerful "Red Tourism" industry. This sector became key to the economy, attracting millions of visitors and stimulating the development of urban infrastructure.
• Industrial Leap in the Mid-20th Century. Beginning in the 1950s, Zunyi was transformed into a significant industrial centre of Guizhou Province. Enterprises in the metallurgical, chemical, mechanical engineering, and textile industries were established in the city, laying the foundation for its economic diversification.
• Formation of a Modern Transport Hub. Historically located on an important trade route, in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Zunyi turned into a major transport hub. The construction of expressways, such as the Renhuai—Zunyi highway, high-speed railways, and the opening of an airport significantly improved its connectivity with other regions of the country.
• Administrative Reform and Urbanisation. The transformation of the Zunyi Special District into a prefecture-level city in 1997 gave a powerful impetus to urbanisation. This led to the expansion of city boundaries, active construction, and the emergence of new administrative and business districts.
• Economic Growth Driven by "Maotai". Although the famous "Maotai" beverage is produced in a neighbouring town under Zunyi's jurisdiction, its global success became a powerful driver for the entire regional economy. This ensured an influx of investment and contributed to the development of related industries.
• Transition to a Green Economy. In recent decades, Zunyi has focused on sustainable development. The city is actively developing eco-friendly agriculture, especially tea plantations, and promoting eco-tourism, utilising its rich natural landscapes.

The architectural appearance of Zunyi represents a blend of eras characteristic of many Chinese cities: from traditional buildings of the imperial times and iconic structures of the revolutionary period to ultra-modern skyscrapers and large-scale infrastructure projects. Urban development reflects its rich history and rapid transformation into a modern metropolis.

Traditional Architecture

The historical centre of Zunyi and its surroundings have preserved elements of traditional Chinese architecture, mainly dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. This style is characterised by wooden structures, curved tiled roofs, and inner courtyards. A striking example is the Tucheng Ancient Town, located in Xishui County under Zunyi's jurisdiction, which was an important trading centre due to the salt industry. There are also restored quarters in Zunyi, such as Red Army Street (红军街), where traditional architecture has been recreated, although built in 2006. In the region, one can also find stilt houses with blue tiles, which is a distinctive feature of Guizhou Province architecture.

20th Century Architecture

A key role in Zunyi's architectural heritage is played by buildings associated with the Long March. The most iconic object is the site of the Zunyi Conference (1935) — a two-story building in a mixed style combining local architectural traditions with elements of Western influence, which was typical for structures of that period. This building, along with other sites such as the headquarters of the General Political Department of the Red Army and the house where Mao Zedong lived, formed the image of Zunyi as the "Red Capital" and became a centre of attraction for millions of tourists.

Modern Urban Planning

Since the end of the 20th century, Zunyi has experienced rapid growth that has radically changed its urban landscape. New business and residential districts have appeared with high-rise buildings, modern shopping malls, and wide avenues. The development of transport infrastructure, including the construction of expressways and high-speed railways, contributed to the expansion of the city and the formation of new urban zones. Among modern structures, one can highlight unusual objects, for example, a hotel building in the shape of a giant teapot, which has become a tourist attraction and reflects the tea culture of the region. Today's Zunyi is a city where historical monuments, green park zones, and modern architectural forms coexist harmoniously, creating a multi-layered and dynamic appearance.

Notable Figures Associated with Zunyi

The history of the city of Zunyi is closely intertwined with the fates of many significant figures for China. Some of them were born on this land, while others left an indelible mark here by making fateful decisions. Here are a few key figures from different eras whose activities are connected with this city.

• Yang Duan — A warlord and founder of the Bozhou chiefdom. In 876, he established an autonomous domain here, which his descendants ruled for seven centuries, laying the foundations for the future development of the region.
• Yang Yinglong — The last ruler of Bozhou from the Yang clan. At the end of the 16th century, he led a major uprising against the Ming Empire. After the suppression of this uprising, the region was fully integrated into the centralised administrative system of China.
• Mao Zedong — A statesman and political leader. Although he was not a native of the city, it was in Zunyi in January 1935 that the famous party conference took place during the Long March. This event became a turning point, establishing him as the leader of the Communist Party of China.
• Zhou Enlai — A political figure and the first Premier of the State Council of the PRC. He was one of the key participants in the Zunyi Conference and played an important role in supporting Mao Zedong, which influenced the entire subsequent course of Chinese history.
• Zhu De — A military commander, marshal, and one of the founders of the Chinese Red Army. As commander-in-chief, he took a direct part in the Long March and the work of the Zunyi Conference, where crucial military-strategic decisions were discussed and adopted.