History of Wuhua District in Kunming
Wuhua District (五华区): A Historical Overview
As one of the central districts of Kunming (昆明), Wuhua District (五华区) may have been established later, but its history spans thousands of years. Archaeological discoveries in recent years reveal that more than 30,000 years ago, ancient humans lived in the Dianchi Basin (滇池盆地), with these early ancestors being identified as Kunming Man (昆明人), marking the oldest discovered human ancestors in Kunming to date.
Ancient Inhabitants: The Dian People
During the late Neolithic period (3000-4000 years ago), ancient Dian People (滇人) lived around Dianchi Lake (滇池). They laid the foundations of Dian Culture (滇文化), which would later influence the development of the region’s civilization.
The Kingdom of Dian
Between 293-262 BCE, Zhuang Qiao (庄蹻), a general of the Chu Kingdom (楚国), led his troops into the Dianchi (滇池) area. He adopted the local customs and integrated with indigenous tribes, ultimately establishing the Dian Kingdom (滇王国) with Zhuang Qiao as its king. In 109 BCE, during the Han Dynasty, the Yizhou Commandery (益州郡) was set up, with the Dian leaders, including Chang Qiang (常羌), receiving the title of Dian King and the Dian King Seal. The capital of the Yizhou Commandery was established in present-day Jincheng (晋城), which included 24 counties, with Wuhua District falling under Guchang County (谷昌县).
Political Shifts in the Three Kingdoms and Beyond
In 225 CE, during the Three Kingdoms period (三国时期), Yizhou Commandery was renamed Jianning Commandery (建宁郡), and its capital moved to Qujing (曲靖), with Guchang being part of Jianning. By the Southern and Northern Dynasties (南北朝时期), Yunnan (云南) formed two political centers: Jinning (晋宁) and Jianning (建宁), with the Yi (翼氏) family occupying significant political positions.
Tang Dynasty and the Rise of Kunming
In 581 CE, during the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui (隋文帝), Kunzhou (昆州) was established. By the early Tang Dynasty (618-626 CE), Kunzhou was renamed Kunchuan (昆川) and governed several counties. In 765 CE, during the reign of Emperor Dezong of Tang (唐代宗), the city of Shanchan (鄯阐城) was established as the capital, later renamed Chengdu (成都) and subsequently recognized as East Capital (东京). During the Zhao Dynasty (南诏), the political center gradually shifted from Erhai Lake (洱海) to Dianchi Lake (滇池).
The Dali Kingdom and Later Dynasties
In 937 CE, Duan Sipin (段思平) founded the Dali Kingdom (大理国), establishing the region’s political structure. The city of Shanchan (鄯阐城) continued to serve as a key political hub until the end of the Southern Song Dynasty (南宋). By 1255 CE, during the Yuan Dynasty (元朝), the area became Shanzhou (鄯州), and Kunming was elevated to the status of a prefecture.
Ming Dynasty and the City’s Transformation
In 1381 CE, during the Ming Dynasty (明朝), the establishment of the Yunnan (云南) province saw Kunming become the capital. The city underwent significant urban expansion, with the Ming government restructuring the city and surrounding areas. The unique layout of Kunming emerged, where mountains and lakes were incorporated into the urban landscape, notably with Cuihu Lake (翠湖) and Yuantong Mountain (圆通山) being surrounded by the city’s boundary.
Modern Development and the Formation of Wuhua District
In the late Qing Dynasty (清朝), Kunming was divided into various districts for management purposes. The modern administrative structure of Wuhua District (五华区) began taking shape during the Republic of China (民国) era, with several district changes over time. Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国) in 1950, the area underwent further reorganization and ultimately became an official district of Kunming in 1956.
Today, Wuhua District stands as a pivotal center of Kunming, integrating both its historical and modern significance.
