Did you know Nanshui was once a small fishing village? Now it is part of the bustling city of Zhuhai. Let’s dive into the story of Nanshui.
Zhuhai’s history stretches back thousands of years. Around 4000 to 5000 years ago, people lived in this area during the Neolithic Age. However, Nanshui and Zhuhai remained small settlements for a long time. Things began to change between the Han and Tang dynasties. The islands around Zhuhai became useful stopovers. They were part of China’s Maritime Silk Road.
During the Tang Dynasty, the town of Xiangshan was officially established. Later, during the Song Dynasty, Xiangshan included four coastal counties. These were Nanhai, Panyu, Xinhui, and Dongguan. Despite its new status, the area remained mostly fishing villages. Even its brief role as a base for imperial forces during the Opium Wars did not change this.
The big change came in 1979. Xiangshan was renamed Zhuhai City. More importantly, the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone was founded. This designation attracted foreign investment. This investment transformed Zhuhai. Zhuhai became one of China’s fastest-growing cities. Between 1980 and 2000, the population grew tenfold. Today, Zhuhai has approximately 1.46 million residents.
Zhuhai means Pearl Sea. This name comes from its location where the Pearl River flows into the South Sea. Zhuhai is known as the Chinese Riviera. Other nicknames include the city for lovers and The Hundred Island City. There are actually 217 islands. Zhuhai is considered one of China’s prettiest, cleanest, and greenest cities. Its beautiful coastline and wavy palm trees add to its appeal. The city has been awarded Best Garden City in China, The Happiest City in China, and China’s Excellent Tourism City.
Zhuhai’s selection as a Special Economic Zone was strategic. It is located next to Macau. This is similar to Shenzhen’s location next to Hong Kong. Zhuhai quickly expanded. Modern industries developed including bio-pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances and manufacturing machinery.
Nanshui and Zhuhai also focus on tourism. Zhuhai plans to develop Hengqin into a tourist island. This targets leisure travelers from around the globe. Local authorities promote Zhuhai as an ecotourism destination. Hengqin’s location is very important. It is separated from Cotai in Macau by the Shisanmen Waterway.
Zhuhai offers a unique blend of history and modernity. From its humble beginnings as fishing villages to its current status as a thriving city, Zhuhai and Nanshui have a rich story.