History of Zhaoqing 

Zhaoqing has a history of more than 2,000 years.

Because of its strategic position, Zhaoqing has been an important place from the time when the whole of China was unified in 221 BC by Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty.

In 111 BC, during the Han Dynasty Yuanding Reign, Zhaoqing was the capital of Gaoyao County.

In 581 AD, Zhaoqing was the capital of the Duanzhou prefecture during the Sui Dynasty Kaihuang Reign.  At that time there was a river named Duan Xi flowing through the prefecture, and from this river the prefecture got its name.

In 1118 AD, the first year of the Zhonghe Reign of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Zhao Ji (Song Huizhong) changed the city's name to the present Zhaoqing. The Emperor made this name change because before becoming Emperor he was the Lord of Duan, and Duanzhou was his local area. The Emperor considered his lordship of this area a happy and auspicious time for him, a time when something "happy" & "lucky" "began".....hence the name "Zhao" (begin) "qing" (happy/lucky).

Any changes/corrections to this information? Please send to john@china8.org