Centuries echo within the Nantou Sub-District. Here, amidst the modern cityscape of Shenzhen, lies a place steeped in history. Nantou Sub-District, once known as Nantou, stands as a testament to time. It whispers tales of emperors and admirals, of bustling trade and fortified walls. Nantou Sub-District isn’t just a place; it’s a journey through nearly 1,700 years of change. It has seen the rise and fall of dynasties, from the East Jin to the present day.
Nantou Sub-District was once the heart of Xin’an County. Established in 1573, the county encompassed a vast area. This included modern-day Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and parts of several other cities. Imagine the activity within these walls. Thousands of families, over 30,000 people, called Nantou Sub-District home. The city thrived as a key point on the South China sea route. It served as a gateway to the Pearl River and the bustling metropolis of Guangzhou. Its strategic location made it a vital hub for trade and defense.
The story of Nantou Sub-District begins long before Xin’an County. In 331 CE, it was known as Dongguan, the capital of Dongguan Prefecture. The prefecture’s reach extended across a wide swathe of southern China. This included the areas that would later become Hong Kong and Macau. Nantou Sub-District has always been a place of strategic importance. Its fortifications, first built in 736 CE during the Tang Dynasty, protected the region. They stood as a bulwark against invaders and pirates. Even the legendary admiral Zheng He recognized the area’s significance. He stopped at the nearby Tianhou Temple in Chiwan to pray for safe passage during his epic voyages.
The walls you see today, or rather, the remnants of them, date back to 1394. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, they replaced earlier fortifications. They stand as a reminder of the city’s historical role in coastal defense. These walls have witnessed much. They’ve seen periods of prosperity and decline, of peace and conflict. Sadly, much of Nantou Sub-District’s heritage has been lost to time and progress. The city walls themselves have been largely demolished. This happened in three main waves of destruction. First during the Qing Dynasty’s Great Clearance, then during the Japanese occupation, and finally during Shenzhen’s rapid development in the late 20th century.
Despite the losses, Nantou Sub-District retains its historical charm. Around 40 buildings from the Qing Dynasty and the early 20th century still stand. The Shenzhen government has made efforts to preserve the area. It has renamed it Xin’an Ancient City and established the Nantou Ancient City Museum. Nantou Sub-District isn’t just a historical relic though. It’s a living, breathing community. Over 20,000 people call it home. As you walk these streets, you’re not just walking through history. You’re walking through the lives of the people who have shaped Nantou Sub-District into what it is today. Nantou Sub-District, a place where the past and present intertwine, a place where centuries of history whisper on the breeze.