History of Wuyuan County

History of Wuyuan County

Geography and Location

Wuyuan County (婺源县) is a county located in the northeastern part of Jiangxi Province, People’s Republic of China. It borders Zhejiang Province to the east and Anhui Province to the north. Wuyuan is under the jurisdiction of the prefecture-level city of Shangrao (上饶市).

Wuyuan, situated at the boundary of three provinces in Jiangxi’s northeastern corner, boasts a scenic landscape dotted with strange caves, deep secluded rocks, and numerous historic sites. The county is home to some of the best-preserved ancient architecture in China. Many of these structures were built in 740 during the Tang Dynasty. Wuyuan’s remoteness and inconvenient transportation helped protect its villages from large-scale tourism, allowing much of its heritage to remain intact.

Ancient History

Pre-Qin Period

Evidence found in areas like Shan Mountain (善山), Jiang Village (江村), and Maotanzhuang (茅坦庄) reveals that over 4,000 years ago, the Wuyuan region was inhabited by the ancient Yue people (古越族). Archaeological findings, including ceramic spinning wheels, stone net sinkers, bone needles, and patterned pottery shards, suggest a vibrant culture centered around totems such as snakes and birds. The Yue people, known for their distinctive printed pottery, established several primitive settlements in the region, which was part of the Sanmiao tribe (三苗部族). During the late Xia Dynasty, a branch of the Sanmiao tribe, the Ancient Mountain Yue people (古山越), rose to prominence in this area.

Western Zhou and Eastern Zhou Periods

Before the Western Zhou Dynasty (西周), the Wuyuan region belonged to the “Yangzhou” domain. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was part of the Wu Kingdom (吴国). After the fall of Wu, the area became part of the Yue Kingdom (越), and later, the Chu Kingdom (楚). A boundary stone marking the separation of the Wu and Chu states stands in the northern Zhejiang hills, known as the “Wu-Chu boundary” (吴楚分源). In the 14th year of King Xian of Zhou (公元前355), after Chu conquered Yue, the Wuyuan area was incorporated into the Chu Kingdom.

Qin, Han, and Southern and Northern Dynasties

After the Qin Dynasty unified China, the empire sent troops south to conquer the “Hundred Yue” peoples. In 216 BC, during the 31st year of Qin Shi Huang (秦始皇), the Qin forces took control of the ancient Huizhou (徽州) region and established two counties, Yao (黝, later changed to 黟) and She (歙). Wuyuan was originally part of She County and came under the jurisdiction of Zhang Commandery (鄣郡). The name “Zhang Commandery” is thought to have derived from the large mountain named San Tianzi Zhang (三天子鄣) in the northern part of Wuyuan.

In 121 BC, during the Western Han Dynasty, the Zhang Commandery was renamed Danyang Commandery (丹阳郡), and Wuyuan, along with She County, became part of Danyang Commandery. During the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, Danyang Commandery became a territory of the Sun Wu Kingdom (孙吴). After Sun Wu’s military campaigns, the region was further divided into several counties, with Wuyuan falling under Xuyang (休阳) County.

Tang, Song, and Yuan Dynasties

Tang Dynasty

In 740 AD, during the Tang Dynasty, the Wuyuan County was formally established by separating lands from She County. The county seat was initially located in Qinghua (清华), and it was governed under Shezhou (歙州). In 812 AD, Wuyuan expanded further when land from Le County (乐平县) was incorporated into the county. The administrative center was later moved from Qinghua to Rancheng (蚺城) in 901 AD.

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period

During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, Wuyuan was governed under various states, including the Wu Ning Kingdom (吴宁国) and the Southern Tang Kingdom (南唐). In 938 AD, Wuyuan was fortified by 1,500 soldiers from the Guanzhi Army (关西军), who established farming colonies in the area to develop the mountainous basins.

Song and Yuan Dynasties

In 975 AD, the Southern Tang was defeated, and Wuyuan was incorporated into the Song Dynasty (宋朝). By 1121, the Song Dynasty renamed Shezhou to Huizhou (徽州), with Wuyuan continuing to be governed under this administrative division. During the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), Wuyuan became a part of Huizhou Road (徽州路), and in 1295, it was upgraded to Wuyuan Prefecture (婺源州), though still under Huizhou’s jurisdiction.

Ming and Qing Dynasties

Ming Dynasty

In 1369, the Ming Dynasty restored Wuyuan to county status, with it still governed by the Huizhou Prefecture. During this period, the region witnessed the flourishing of the Huizhou merchant class (徽商) and Huizhou-style architecture (徽派建筑), known for its unique decorative carvings. In 1596, Yu Maoxue (余懋学), a Minister of the Ministry of Household and the Ministry of Works, constructed the “Shangshu Residence” (尚书第) in Tuochuan Likeng (沱川理坑), which marked the beginning of what is known as the “Three Carvings of Wuyuan” (婺源三雕). These included intricate wood, stone, and brick carvings.

Qing Dynasty

During the Qing Dynasty, Huizhou-style architecture reached its peak. Notable buildings like the Sima Residence (司马第) built by Yu Weishu (余维枢) in 1659, and the “Hundred Pillars Ancestral Hall” (百柱宗祠) built in Huang Village (黄村) in 1687, are still standing today. These buildings exemplify the peak of Huizhou craftsmanship, showcasing stunning carvings and designs in wood, stone, and brick.

Modern History

The Republic of China

After the founding of the Republic of China in 1912, Wuyuan was initially governed under Anhui Province. It later became part of Jiangxi Province in 1934, and during the Chinese Civil War, it remained under the control of various districts until its liberation in 1949.

People’s Republic of China

After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, Wuyuan became part of Shangrao (上饶) Prefecture. In 1988, it was recognized as one of the first rural electrification pilot counties in China, marking a significant advancement in infrastructure. By 1993, reforms had been implemented, leading to the establishment of various towns from former townships. In 2000, Wuyuan became a county under the jurisdiction of Shangrao City, and in 2007, an Industrial Park Management Committee was established to further local development.

Notable Landmarks and Cultural Heritage

Wuyuan is renowned for its cultural and architectural heritage, which includes well-preserved examples of ancient buildings, villages, and scenic landscapes. Some of the most famous sites include: