The general historical changes are as follows: Tonghua Special Economic Zone was established in 1954, with Tonghua (in Tonghua City), Liuhe, Hailong, Huinan (in Chaoyang Town), Jingyu, Fusong, Changbai, Linjiang, Ji'an, etc. The nine counties formerly under Liaodong Province were placed under the Tonghua Special Economic Zone. In 1958, Tonghua City, formerly under the direct administration of the province, was placed under the leadership of Tonghua Institution. In 1970, Tonghua District was renamed Tonghua District, and the area was located in Tonghua City. It governs 7 counties including Tonghua, Hunjiang (located in Badaojiang Town), Tonghua (located in Tonghua City), Fusong, Liuhe, Hailong (located in Meihekou Town), Huinan (located in Chaoyang Town), Ji'an, and Jingyu. Changbai North Korea ethnic autonomous county. In 1985, Tonghua District was abolished and a city-governed county system was implemented. Tonghua City was upgraded to a prefecture-level city, and Meihekou City (prefecture level) was established. The original administrative area of ??Hailong County was the administrative area of ??Meihekou City. Huinan and Liuhe counties in Tonghua area were placed under the jurisdiction of Meihekou City.
In 1985, Meihekou City was changed to a county-level city, and Huinan and Liuhe counties were placed under the jurisdiction of Tonghua City.