Wuhan is a famous historical and cultural city in China, with a history of 3500 years. It originated from Panlong City in the Shang Dynasty, went through Chu culture, military strongholds in the Three Kingdoms, commercial centers in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and gradually developed into a core city in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, where the Xinhai Revolution broke out in modern times.
Early Civilization and the Origin of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties
The history of Wuhan area can be traced back to the Neolithic Age (8000-6000 years ago), and the East Lake Eagle Terrace site indicates early human activities. Panlong City of the Shang Dynasty (around the 15th century BC) is the only ancient city of the Shang Dynasty discovered in the Yangtze River Basin to date. Excavated bronze and jade artifacts confirm that it was a military stronghold for the southern expansion of the Shang Dynasty, and is known as the "root of Wuhan city".
Development from Qin and Han Dynasties to Southern and Northern Dynasties
During the Qin and Han dynasties, Shaxian County was established in the Western Han Dynasty (201 BC), and in the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Queyue City was built in Hanyang, becoming a military fortress.
During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Quan built Xiakou City on Sheshan (223 AD) and constructed the Yellow Crane Tower as a military watchtower, giving rise to the name Wuchang (221 AD).
Prosperity from Sui and Tang Dynasties to Ming and Qing Dynasties
Sui and Tang Dynasties: Hanyang was named (606 AD), and the Tang Dynasty formed a dual city pattern of Wuchang and Hanyang, becoming a commercial transportation center.
Ming and Qing dynasties: The diversion of the Han River led to the rise of Hankou (during the Ming Chenghua period), and the geographical pattern of the three towns was formed. During the Qing Dynasty, Hankou became one of the "Four Great Ports of China" and developed into an international commercial port after its opening in 1861.
On October 10, 1911, the Xinhai Revolution led by the bourgeoisie broke out in Wuhan, establishing the Hubei Military Government and overthrowing the last feudal dynasty in China. In December 1926, the Nationalist Government relocated its capital to Wuhan. In January 1927, Hankou and Wuchang merged into Wuhan City and were designated as Jingzhao District.
On May 16, 1949, Wuhan was liberated and the city of Wuhan was officially established. The three towns were merged and established as a central municipality directly under the central government. In June 1954, it was changed to the provincial capital city under the jurisdiction of Hubei Province.