Taiyuan History, China

The Dragon City is the another name of Taiyuan which is the capital city of Shanxi Province in China. It is said to be the ancestral home of Wang family that is considered as one of China’s most common name. This city reflects China’s ever changing past from prosperity to a period of adversity as well as its history of rebellion and bloodshed.

Taiyuan is where you will find 27 temples made for the god of war since this town is where most battles were fought as the town was on its way to growth. This part of Shanxi province is strategically located parting the prosperous lands of the south and southeast from the burdensome parts of north and northeast. Early settlers were believed to be present in Taiyuan as early as 2,500 years ago and its first ever invasion happened in 200 BC made by the Mongols who started the onslaught of wars in the provinces until 386-534 AD when the Northern Wei Dynasty was established.

This began the dynasty cycle in this part of China. After the Northern Wei Dynasty, Tang Dynasty entered from 618-907 AD which was a very prosperous time for the town that was believed to be the Golden Years of the city. Improvements in infrastructure were visible as well as a flourishing trade market for silk and other products, most popular of which was the production of grapes that were naturally grown in the area. During this time, Taiyuan was known as a stable post on the boundaries controlled by the Han Chinese.  

Tang Dynasty exited Taiyuan’s scene around 907AD, with an unfavorable result. From the time the previous Dynasty left the town until around 960 AD, Taiyuan experienced its most bumpy ride. A number of groups attempted to invade the city and the worst that happened was when the Song Dynasty burnt the city in 976 AD. 

When 11th century came, Taiyuan started to recover as it began to flourish with the establishment of the financial institutions of China in the location and the city began to be recognized as a center for trade and industry. This prosperity lasted until the 19th century when the Boxer Rebellion began from around the year 1898 up to 1900. The Boxer Rebellion was a time when there were numerous wars fought between Chinese factions and foreign oppression.

Taiyuan under the Republic of China in the years 1912 to 1949 was taken by the warlord Yan Xishan as his capital. He was a bit of a Republican at heart, and with the help of foreign countries, he took the city to economic growth and industrial development.  This has changed Taiyuan significantly that up to now, residents enjoy its continuous prosperity. A visit to the city with a view of its sights and historical attractions will let you rekindle its great history of ups and downs.