Peeking over Guilin’s northeastern horizon reside the Haiyang Mountains. These mountains stretch almost 100 kilometers. They act as a natural border. The Haiyang Mountains separate the West River basin from the Xiang River basin.
Welcome to the heart of Guilin, where the majestic Haiyang Mountains stand tall. These mountains are more than just a scenic backdrop. They are a testament to Guilin’s rich history. They have shaped its cultural identity.
The Haiyang Mountains have been known by different names. Anciently they were called “Yanghai Mountains”. The Haiyang range runs from south to north. It traverses six counties. These include Guanyang, Quanzhou, Xing’an, Lingchuan, Gongcheng and Yangshuo.
Imagine the early settlers. They navigated these very peaks. The Baiyue people shaped Guilin’s cultural tapestry near the Li River. The Haiyang Mountains witnessed their traditions blending with nature.
Guilin became a hub for trade and governance. Its fertile valleys ensured its importance. During the Qin dynasty, Guilin rose as a significant administrative center. The Haiyang Mountains silently watched over emperors. They observed merchants building Guilin.
Buddhism flourished in Guilin. The Haiyang Mountains provided a serene backdrop. Artists found inspiration in the landscape. They marked Guilin as a melting pot of culture.
Before the Han Chinese arrived, various ethnic groups called this area home. The Zhuang and Yao people valued their independence. The Haiyang Mountains became a silent witness to their encounters with the Qin army.
Tensions rose. The Yao resisted Chinese acculturation. Central and eastern Guangxi became hotbeds of unrest. The Haiyang Mountains stood firm. They stood as a constant in a changing world.
Guilin played a pivotal role in the Taiping Rebellion. This bloody civil war engulfed China. Hong Xiuquan, the rebellion’s leader, sought converts here. The Haiyang Mountains became the backdrop for revolt.
In 1852, the Taiping force laid siege to Guilin. They fought for 33 days. The Haiyang Mountains echoed with the sounds of battle. General Jiang Zhongyuan defeated the Taipings.
At the dawn of the 20th century, Guilin experienced a shift. It lost its status as Guangxi’s capital. Nanning became the new center. But Guilin remained a strategic base for the Nationalist Party.
During World War II, Guilin became the primary base for Chinese and Allied air forces. The Flying Tigers were stationed here. The Haiyang Mountains bore witness to countless defensive attacks. They were launched against Japanese troops.
Communist forces took Guilin in 1949. Guangxi became part of the People’s Republic of China. The Haiyang Mountains watched as China entered a new era.
In 1981, Guilin earned protected status. It became a culturally and historically significant city. The Haiyang Mountains and its karst landscape achieved UNESCO World Heritage status.
Today, Guilin welcomes visitors from around the world. The Haiyang Mountains continue to inspire. They remind us of Guilin’s enduring beauty. The Haiyang Mountains stand as a symbol. They symbolize resilience. They symbolize cultural richness. They symbolize a history etched in stone.