What stories could these ancient streets tell if Xinjie could speak? This town is located in Guilin. It is more than just a place. It is a living chronicle. It echoes with tales from a time long ago.
Xinjie’s history is long. Evidence suggests human ancestors lived here around 10000 years ago. Discoveries in Baoji Cliff and Zengpi Cliff Caves support this. These caves offer a glimpse into Guilin’s distant past.
Emperor Qinshihuang made Guilin an important town in 214 BC. He ordered the construction of the Lingqu Canal. This canal connected the Xiangjiang and Lijiang Rivers. This linked the sea to the north and the Central Plains. Guilin became a vital hub. The city’s name comes from the abundance of cinnamon. Cinnamon was known as “玉桂” in Chinese.
Shi’an county was established in 111 BC. This area is now part of Guilin. It fell under Lingling prefecture’s jurisdiction in Jingzhou. Shu Han ruled it first during the Three Kingdoms period. Wu then took over. Shi’an prefecture and county were established in 265. In 634, it was renamed Lingui county.
Guilin was under Guilin Prefecture’s administration during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was part of Guangxi Province. Guilin was under Guangxi Province during the Republic of China. In 1914, it became Guilin county. It was upgraded to Guilin city in 1940. Guilin served as Guangxi Province’s capital for a long time.
Guilin was freed on November 22 1949. It came under Guangxi Province’s administration. In 1958, it was renamed Guilin city. This was part of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It managed Guilin’s urban and suburban areas. Yangsu and Lingui counties joined Guilin in July 1981 and October 1983.
Guilin renamed its suburban area Yanshan district on December 26 1996. In September 1998, Guilin merged with the Guilin area. This created a new Guilin city. This city has six districts including Xiufeng, Diecai and Xiangshan. It also includes Lipu city and ten counties.
Wandering through Xinjie today, one feels transported. You are moved through time. The echoes of ancient dynasties resonate here. You witness people who have shaped Guilin’s story. The blend of culture makes Xinjie unforgettable.
Take a moment to appreciate Xinjie’s timeless beauty. Remember its significant role in Guilin’s vibrant story. Xinjie is more than just a town. It is a treasure.