HELLO CHINA

UNDERSTAND CHINA · MODERN HISTORY

Zhanjiang

The area of modern central Zhanjiang was known as Guangzhouwan. France seized it by force in 1898 and compelled the Qing to sign a ninety-nine-year lease in 1899 covering extensive land, islands and water, then incorporated it into the French Indochina colonial system. Roads, port facilities, banks and government buildings arose through coercive rule, while villagers responded through armed resistance, labour and cross-border trade. Invading Japanese forces occupied Guangzhouwan in 1943; China recovered it and established Zhanjiang in 1945.

City timeline

  • 1898—1899 · French seizure and coerced lease — After military expansion, France compelled a ninety-nine-year lease covering extensive land and water at Guangzhouwan.
  • 1899 · Local armed resistance — Villagers and militia from Suixi and Wuchuan repeatedly attacked French positions, resisting colonial expansion at heavy cost.
  • 1900—1937 · Port under French Indochina — The commissioner, district government, police, port and financial institutions took shape, with Fort-Bayard and Chikan developing different urban roles.
  • 1937—1943 · Refugees and wartime corridor — Guangzhouwan briefly linked occupied South China, the interior and overseas routes, receiving refugees while facing blockade, inflation and a relief crisis.
  • 1943—1945 · Occupation by invading Japanese forces — Invading Japanese forces forcibly took over Guangzhouwan, ending its special corridor role and imposing new military control.
  • 1945 · Recovery and creation of Zhanjiang — A Sino-French agreement restored Chinese administration and established Zhanjiang on the former leased territory.
  • 1949—present · Port industry and coastal opening — Shipping, rail and industry continued to expand; coastal opening in 1984 reconnected the port to national external networks.

Begin with these places

  • Former French Commissioner’s Office and military headquarters — Read how France controlled the leased territory through administration, military power and urban siting.
  • Chikan old streets and Guangzhouwan Chamber of Commerce — Observe the spaces between Chinese commerce, waterfront labour, refugee economy and colonial institutions.
  • Zhanjiang Museum’s modern Guangzhouwan galleries — Build the full sequence of seizure, lease, resistance, wartime corridor, Japanese occupation and 1945 recovery.