History of Wuhan

Wuhan, also named Jiangcheng. It is located in the confluence of Yangtze River and Han River. People lived here 5,000 years ago according to the archaeological discoveries and records. The development of the city could be dated back to Panlong Town 3,500 years ago.

The site of the ancient town is in Huangbei County. It was the first city of Shang Dynasty in the area of Yangtze River Basin. Wuhan was ruled by Chu in Eastern Zhou Dynasty for a long time, and Chu culture is the origin of today’s Wuhan culture.

Wuhan was divided into Wuchang, Hanyang, and Hankou by the rivers. Their history, scale and development speed are different.

History of Wuhan - Wuchang

Wuchang was established in the early Three Kingdoms Period. State of Wu intended to fight for Jingzhou with State of Shu, and moved its capital from Jianye (Nanjing) to Exian, then changed its name to Wuchang. There was advanced handicraft industry here, such as shipbuilding industry, metallurgy casting, and celadon and white porcelain manufacturing industry. The ups and downs of the Yellow Crane Tower reflected the changes of Wuchang's history and culture.

History of Wuhan - Hanyang

Hanyang’s name has a close relationship with the Han River. In the ancient culture of China, Yang means the south of a mountain, and the north of the river. Hanyang got its name since it is in the south of Gui Mountain and in the north of the Han River. This name was originated from Hanjin in 606 during Sui Dynasty. Hanyang experienced a rapid development during 618-917 in Tang Dynasty. Hanyang, especially the Yingwu Island area has been the trade center of the Middle Reaches of Yangtze River, and has a prosperous business and handicraft industry.

History of Wuhan - Hankou

Hankou was next to Hanyang in history. It was a dependent territory of Hanyang till 1474 in Ming Dynasty. Han River deflected its stream, and flowed into Yangtze River at the foot of Gui Mountain, then the two cities were departed. After that, Hankou became a new trade port, and enjoyed a greater reputation and a faster development than Wuchang and Hangyang.

History of Wuhan - Modern Wuhan

Wuhan plays an important role in China’s modern history. Wuhan was awarded as the “Oriental Chicago” and was one of the Four Counties in China in the 17th century. Hankou became the biggest inland trade port since it was established as a trade port in 1861. A lot of countries set up concessions here, such as Britain, France, Russia, Germany, and Japan. Most of them settled their consulates here.

The Wuchang Uprising raised the curtain of the 1911 Revolution. It marked the demise of China’s more than 2000 years feudalism. Wuchang, Hankou, and Hanyang consolidated to form the modern Wuhan in 1926. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Wuhan was approved as the city of metallurgical industry. Eight years later, the first double-deck bridge with both expressway and rail way across Yangtze River brought into use.