Dreaming of ancient China amidst Shenzhen’s modernity? We’re at Tun Tau now ready to explore Nantou. Nantou is a historical monument with a story stretching back centuries. It was once the administrative heart of Xin’an County.
Nantou faced Qianhai Bay long ago as a walled city. It guarded the Pearl River and Guangzhou on the South China Sea route. Nantoucheng means “walled city of Nantou”. Nantou’s influence extended south to Chenwuwei.
Nantou’s history began in 331 CE when it was known as Dongguan. Dongguan Prefecture covered a vast area including present-day Dongguan, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Huizhou, Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Macau. It was also the administrative center of Bao’an. Nantou prospered due to its salt industry.
In 736 CE during the Tang dynasty Nantou transformed into a fortified city named Tunmen. Imperial troops defended it. The current walled city construction began in 1394. The Ming dynasty wanted to strengthen coastal defenses after the Yuan dynasty fell. Admiral Zheng He supposedly prayed at the Tianhou Temple close to Nantou for a safe voyage.
In 1573 the government moved over 33000 people into Nantou establishing Xin’an County. Nantou’s importance waned with the rise of Shenzhen. The Kowloon-Canton Railway made Shenzhen more prosperous. In 1953 the administrative center moved to Shenzhen. Bao’an County was renamed Shenzhen and elevated to city status in 1979.
Nantou covers about 70000 square meters today. It has an irregular quadrilateral shape. Its widest points measure 680 meters east to west and 500 meters north to south. Eight of the original nine streets still exist.
Nantou’s city walls had yellow sand foundations. Defensive trenches once surrounded the city. Only a few northern sections near Zhongshan Park remain. The south gate still stands 10 meters wide and 4.5 meters tall.
Nantou experienced three major periods of destruction. The first occurred during the Great Clearance of the Qing dynasty. Xin’an ceased to be a county. Many residents were displaced and buildings destroyed. The Japanese occupation during World War II saw fortifications built on the walls. The most recent destruction happened after Shenzhen became a Special Economic Zone in 1980. Rapid development led to the demolition of historic buildings for townhouses.
Today restoration efforts are underway in Nantou. The Shenzhen government renamed it Xin’an Ancient City. The Nantou Ancient City Museum aims to revitalize the area. Around 40 buildings remain from the Qing dynasty or early 20th century.
From 1983 to 1990 Nanshan District was named Nantou District after this town. More than 20000 people live in Nantou today. Despite the passage of time Nantou remains a vital piece of Shenzhen’s story. It shows us a glimpse into China’s rich past.