Luzhou
Sichuan's largest port and famed baijiu-producing city.
Luzhou is a prefecture-level city in southeastern Sichuan Province, China, known as the 'Liquor City' for its baijiu production. Situated at the confluence of the Tuo and Yangtze Rivers, it has been Sichuan's largest port in both size and output since Chongqing's separation from the province in 1997. As of the 2020 census, its population was over 4.25 million, with more than 1.24 million living in the built-up area of Jiangyang and Longmatan districts. Luzhou borders Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, making it the only geographic junction of four provincial-level regions, a strategic position that made it an important port in ancient China.
Historically, the area was part of the Ba state during the Shang and Zhou periods. In 316 BC, after the Qin conquest of Ba and Shu, the region was incorporated into Ba prefecture, and immigrants introduced advanced techniques that boosted local economy and culture. During the Western Han dynasty, Jiangyang county was established at the river confluence, and under Emperor Wu it expanded, becoming a portal for trade and spurring salt-refining and agriculture. The Song dynasty was a key period, with Luzhou known as a natural granary of southern Sichuan; liquor-distilling and salt-refining grew, and the method of decocting salt with natural gas was discovered. Trade with ethnic groups flourished, and defensive walls and forts were built. In the Yuan dynasty, Luzhou remained a trade hub for liquor, salt, and tea, with wooden ship construction supporting shipping. During the Qing dynasty, waves of immigrants spurred economic and cultural growth, and Luzhou served as a political, economic, military, and cultural center for Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan.
After the founding of the People's Republic in 1949, the People's Liberation Army took control in December. Luzhou became the capital of southern Sichuan province and the seat of multiple administrative offices. During the Cultural Revolution, the city suffered severe armed conflicts from 1967 to 1970, resulting in over 2,000 deaths and more than 16,000 injuries, along with extensive destruction of property. In 1983, Luzhou was upgraded to a prefecture-level city. Today, it is a center for chemical, machinery, and liquor-distilling industries. Notable historic relics include the Bao'en Pagoda, a seven-tiered octagonal brick-and-stone structure built in 1148, and the Ming-dynasty D
- area_type
- Prefecture-level city
- province
- Sichuan
- known_for
- Baijiu, port, chemical and machinery industries
Lore & Background
Luzhou was incorporated into the Ba state in the 11th century BC. In 316 BC, King Huiwen of Qin established Ba prefecture, which included most of Luzhou. During the Western Han dynasty, Jiangyang county was set up at the confluence of the Tuo and Yangtze rivers, and Luzhou became a portal for trade, boosting salt-refinery and agriculture. The Song dynasty saw it as a natural granary, with expanding liquor-distilling and salt-refining, and the discovery of decocting salt with natural gas. In the Yuan dynasty, trade in liquor, salt, and tea flourished, and wooden ships were built for shipping. During the Qing dynasty, immigrants brought rapid economic and cultural growth, and Luzhou served as a political, economic, military, and cultural center for Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan.
Reader's Guide
Luzhou’s significance is rooted in its geography and history. Situated at the confluence of the Tuo and Yangtze rivers, it has long been a vital port and the only point where Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Chongqing meet. Since Chongqing’s separation from Sichuan in 1997, Luzhou has been the province’s largest port by both size and output. Historically, this position made it an important portal for trade and transport, particularly during the Han dynasty when it became the gateway to western Sichuan, boosting salt-refining and agriculture. The Song dynasty saw Luzhou flourish as a natural granary and a center for liquor-distilling and salt-refining, where the technique of decocting salt with natural gas was discovered. In the Yuan dynasty, it remained a trade hub for liquor, salt, and tea, with a thriving wooden shipbuilding industry. During the Qing dynasty, waves of immigrants spurred economic and cultural growth, and Luzhou served as a political, military, and cultural center for three provinces. Today, it is a center for the chemical, machinery, and liquor-distilling industries, best known for its baijiu. The city also houses notable cultural relics, including the Bao’en Pagoda, a seven-tiered brick-and-stone structure from the Southern Song dynasty, and the Ming-dynasty Dragon Head Bridge, a national cultural relic carved with auspicious beasts.
Did You Know?
- Luzhou is known as the 'Liquor City' for its baijiu production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Luzhou and where is it located?
Luzhou is a prefecture-level city in the southeastern part of Sichuan Province, China. It sits at the junction where the Tuo River meets the Yangtze, a position that has shaped its identity as a trade hub for centuries.
Why is Luzhou called the 'Liquor City'?
The nickname comes from the city's deep-rooted tradition of brewing baijiu, a distilled Chinese spirit. Liquor production is so woven into local culture and economy that the moniker has become Luzhou's most recognizable label.
What industries are Luzhou known for?
In addition to its celebrated baijiu production, the city has a solid base in chemical manufacturing and machinery. The port and its associated logistics also form a major pillar of local employment and trade.
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