“Where does this bridge lead?” I hear you ask. The Chuanshan Bridge before us is more than just a way to cross the Xiaodong River. It is a gateway to the scenic wonders of Chuanshan Park.
Chuanshan Park itself covers about two square kilometers. Mountains form its very core. The park is a showcase of the fabulous karst landscapes. This landscape graces the southern suburbs of Guilin.
Tunnel Hill stands to the east. Pagoda Hill rises to the west. They are connected by the Xiaodong River. This river is a small branch of the Li River.
You can cross the Xiaodong River. Then you can hike up to an interesting pagoda. It sits on Pagoda Hill. Near the hill’s summit is a wind-eroded chasm. From afar it supposedly resembles a moonscape.
To reach Chuanshan Park, take bus No.6, No.23 or No.31. Get off at the Chuangshan Bridge bus stop. From there, walk about 200 meters.
Guilin boasts a long history. Its origins trace back 10,000 years. The area around Guilin was once part of an ancient sea. This was about 190 million years ago. Earth’s crust moved. The sea floor rose and became dry land.
Remains of the Primitive Society exist. These are found at Zengpiyan Cave. Relics there prove prehistoric inhabitants fished and hunted. They collected food. Natural resources were abundant then. These relics paint a picture of Guilin’s Matriarchal Clan Society 10,000 years ago.
In 214 BC, the Qin Dynasty established the Guilin Shire. This is the first appearance of the name Guilin. The Lingqu Canal was dug. Guilin became a gateway. It connected the Central Plains and the Lingnan Region. From then on, Guilin became an important cultural city.
The Lingqu Canal is an engineering marvel. It links the Yangtze and Pearl River systems. Shi Lu designed the canal.
Guilin took on importance in the Tang Dynasty. In 621, Grand General Li Jing began building city walls.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Guilin became the capital of Guangxi. More people moved to Guilin. They built homes by the Li River. Ancient towns with traditional Chinese architecture arose. Many have a history of over 1000 years.
In 1973, US President Richard Nixon visited Guilin. He said no city surpasses Guilin’s beauty. He called it a bright pearl in China.
Former Secretary of State Herry Kissinger visited in 1979. He said Guilin’s landscapes are portraits of realism. They were not just romantic ideals.
So, as we stand here at Chuanshan Bridge, remember. This spot connects us to a land shaped by time. It connects us to a history rich in culture and natural beauty.