Formally known as Shijiazhuang back in the days of Imperial China, Shimen had been a less-than-significant town compared to other cities in northern China, such as Beijing and Baoding. While it was known as a hub for transportation and an important supply point for travelers on the Northern China Plain, it was, ironically, not known to many until the Japanese occupation.

As Japan launched its invasion against China, Shijiazhuang was used as a major operational base by the IJA, under which it received its new name of Shimen. After the war, its operational importance warranted a massive leap in its status - under the new administrative division of the Wangite ROC and the NCPC, Shimen became the capital of the redrawn province of Hebei. The elevation of status surely boosted the economy of the city; however, under the NCPC's oppressive rule, nothing much really can be said for the citizens of Shimen.