|
Archaeological research shows that aborigines started to occupy this area of land as early as 6,700 years ago in the Neolithic Age. Shenzhen, as a settlement, dates back 1,673 years.
Ancient Baiyue Tribes (Prehistory-214B.C.)
In the Xia and Shang dynasties, Shenzhen was a base for the ancient sea-faring Baiyue tribe. Those who lived here were called the Nanyue Tribe, a southern branch of the Baiyue Tribe. They lived mainly by fishing with a little cultivation.
Qing Prefecture (214B.C-331)
In 214 B.C., Emperor Qinshihuang united China to become its first emperor. He set up three prefectures, Nanhai, Guilin and Xiangjun, in the area encompassing Guangdong and Guangxi. He banished 500,000 people from the central plains to the southern area to help development. Shenzhen was under the administration of Nanhai Prefecture at the time and was formally brought into China's territory. As a result, the area was influenced by culture from the central plains.
Establishment of County (331-1573)
In 331 A.D. in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Dongguan Prefecture was established to administer the six-county area that now covers Shenzhen, Dongguan and Hong Kong. The capital of the prefecture was in Nantou, Bao'an County.
In 590 A.D. in the Sui Dynasty, Dongguan Prefecture was abolished and Bao'an County came under the administration of Nanhai Prefecture, the county seat being in what is now Nantou, Shenzhen. In 757 A.D. Bao'an County was renamed Dongguan County by the Tang Dynasty, and the county seat was moved to Dongguan. Meanwhile, the Tunmen Military Base was established at Nantou.
|
