Tongzhou was founded in 195 BC during the Western Han dynasty under the name of Lu (路) County, although there is evidence for human settlement in the Neolithic.

In 1151 under the Jin dynasty Lu County was renamed Tongzhou, roughly meaning 'the place for passing through', in recognition of its importance as the land and water approach to Beijing.

In July 1937, subsequent to the infamous Marco Polo Bridge Incident, Tongzhou became another site of determined Chinese resistance.

In the fall of Tongzhou to the Nationalists, many civilians were tortured and murdered as well as captured Japanese military personnel.

[3] Numerous local government departments will be moved to Tongzhou to reduce crowding within the city center of Beijing.

Its climate belongs to the mild temperate zone, with distinct seasons including hot summers and freezing winters.

[9][10] On May 11, 2020, Tongzhou District Government made a series of changes to its administrative divisions by adding the following subdistricts:[12] Downtown Tongzhou is connected to downtown Beijing by Jingtong Expressway and several metro lines operated by Beijing Subway.

Downtown Tongzhou is earmarked for redevelopment into a comprehensive central business district with an emphasis on consumer retail.

[15] Canal Business District plans to develop industrial clusters of headquarters economy and wealth management.