The history of Wuwei stretches back millennia; that history was very often the opposite of inactive. Once upon a time, it was called Liangzhou, and under that name was a crucial link in the defense against the Xiongnu nomads, as well as a pivotal post and hub of the Silk Road. As time passed on, archaeological wonders such as the Western Xia mausoleums and Western Han-era statuaries and documents were found in this region, reminiscing about the city that was only subtly overshadowed by the imperial splendor of Chang'an.

Today Wuwei is just as vital and alive as it was in the past. The headquarters of the Northwest NRA after the fall of Lanzhou, it serves alongside Xining as the political and military nerve-centre of the Northwest Government under the "Diarchy". Large numbers of immigrants flood in each day, gradually bringing back to life the long-lost days of the Silk Road.