Remember Xing’an’s name. It is a county with a story etched in waterways and mountain trails. Xing’an County lies northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is part of Guilin. This area spans 2,348 square kilometers. Around 370,000 people call it home.
Xing’an County stands as a testament to China’s rich history. Its story dates back over 2,000 years. The narrative of Xing’an is closely linked to the Lingqu Canal. It is a waterway that shaped the region’s destiny.
In 221 BC, the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty ordered its construction. His aim was to unite South China. The emperor faced logistical challenges. Supplying troops in the south was difficult. Rugged roads complicated the transport of personnel and supplies.
To solve this, he commissioned Shi Lu to build a canal. Shi Lu connected the Xiangjiang River and the Zhujiang River. The Lingqu Canal stretched 37 kilometers. It became a vital artery for the Qin army. This helped unify South China.
The Lingqu Canal transformed Xing’an. It grew from a small village into a bustling center. Merchants from the north and south converged here. Ports sprung up along the canal. The government established a tax department. Troops were sent to protect the area’s wealth.
Xing’an thrived for nearly 2,000 years. Its prosperity waned in the early 1940s. A new road connected Guilin and Wuzhou. Yet, the Lingqu Canal remains an important irrigation source for local farmers. It is a testament to ancient engineering.
Locals consider Xing’an a cultural melting pot. Its culture is inclusive. This is in contrast to other counties in Guilin.
Another attraction near Xing’an is Maoer Mountain. It is the highest peak in South China. It is the source of the Lijiang, Xunjiang and Zijiang rivers. These flow into the South China Sea. The mountain’s name describes its appearance. It looks like a squatting cat.
Botanists find the mountain particularly interesting. Different plants grow at different altitudes. Evergreen broad-leaf trees grow up to 1,200 meters. Mixed forests dominate between 1,200 and 1,800 meters. Rare plants thrive here. Low brushes cover the mountaintop.
Maoer Mountain became a national natural reserve in 1999. It is home to 112 rare animals and 1,436 rare plant species.
During the Long March in the 1930s, the Red Army faced challenges here. Soldiers called it Yaoshan Mountain. The Yao ethnic group were the only residents at the time.
Tragically, some soldiers fell from the mountainside. A monument commemorates them. Another monument honors American soldiers who died there.
In 1996, farmers found the wreckage of a World War II B-24 bomber. The bomber crashed in 1944 after a bombing mission. The wreckage was transported to the US.
Xing’an County is more than just a place. It is a living story. It is a blend of ancient canals and mountain peaks. Its tale is one of unity. It is a legacy that endures through the ages.