Anshan History, China

Anshan in China has a long history and based on records the city was inhabited by the early settlers starting pre-historic times. Since its establishment, the area played a minor role in the province and was overshadowed by the more popular and progressive cities. This extended even after the 20th century.

The year 1587 was the time when the area was fortified by the Ming Dynasty, and this was necessary in order to address the growing threat and power of Manchu.  At the start of the 20th century, the city experienced some damage and the damage that it received was due to the Boxer Rebellion. The city was burned down and this was repeated during the Russo-Japanese War. And because of the war that happened, Japan gained power in the area and gained influence in nearby Liaoning.

The area of Anshan is on a strategic location as the area was near the South Manchuria Railway and this railway ran from port of Dalian and extended to the area of Shenyang. Thanks to its proximity to the railway, major industries were established in the area. One such industry was the joint venture between the Chinese and the Japanese called the Anshan Zhenzing Iron Ore Company Unlimited and this was started in the area in 1918. When Japan occupied the northeastern part of the country, the mills in Anshan was controlled by a Japanese monopoly.

At the begining of 1933, the site was expanded and included more products like steel production and this was renamed as Manchukuo Showa Steel Works. The area was made part of the Japanese puppet state Manchukuo. It was during this time as well when other industries were developed and the area and thanks to this development, the area of Anshan has grown as well. The development of the area did not stop there rather a number of other industries sprouted near the site. In fact Anshan was then considered as one of the largest producers of iron and steel in the continent.

And because of its production, the city was of strategic importance during the Pacific War. And because of that was well, the city was often the subject of constant attacks from bombers. When Japan was defeated the area of Anshan was returned to China. After that time, the production of the industries in the area continued. But this was the time as well when the environment suffered.