Did you know that Guilin is known as “forest of sweet osmanthus”? I am excited to share the story of Mayin Temple with you. This is a place where history and spirituality intertwine.
Guilin is a prefecture-level city in the northeast of China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is known for its scenery of karst topography. The State Council of China has designated Guilin a National Famous Historical and Cultural City.
Before we delve into the story of Mayin Temple, let’s appreciate the beauty of Guilin itself. Guilin is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. The epithet “By water by mountains most lovely Guilin” is often associated with the city.
Now back to Mayin Temple. Before the Qin dynasty the Guilin region was settled by the Baiyue people. In 314 BC a small settlement was established along the banks of the Li River.
During the Qin dynasty’s campaigns against the state of Nanyue the first administration was set up in the area around Guilin. The modern city was located within the Guilin Commandery. This is the origin of the modern name “Guilin”. In 111 BC during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty, Shi’an County was established. This could be regarded as the beginning of the city.
In AD 507 the town was renamed Guizhou. In 634 Lingui County was established at the modern site of Guilin under Gui Prefecture. In 868 Pang Xun rebelled against the Tang from Gui Prefecture.
Guilin prospered in the Tang and Song dynasties but remained a county. The city was a nexus between the central government and the southwest border. Regular armies were placed to guard that border. Canals were built through the city. Food supplies could be transported directly from the food-productive Yangtze plain to the farthest southwestern point of the empire.
In 997 Guangnan West Circuit the predecessor of modern Guangxi was established. Guizhou was the capital. In 1133 Guizhou was renamed Jingjiang Prefecture. In 1367 the name was changed to Guilin Prefecture.
In 1921 Guilin became one of the headquarters of the Northern Expeditionary Army led by Sun Yat-sen. In 1940 Guilin City was established. Guilin was the provincial capital of Guangxi before 1912 and from 1936 to 1949.
Guilin became one of the most important military transport and cultural centers of China during World War II. The city drastically expanded as refugees from all over China poured in. By 1944 its population had grown from 70000 pre-war to more than 500000. It hosted intellectuals and artists including Guo Moruo Mao Dun Ba Jin Tian Han Xu Beihong Feng Zikai and many others.
In 1950 the provincial capital of Guangxi was moved from Guilin to Nanning. In 1981 Guilin was listed by the State Council as one of the four cities where the protection of historical and cultural heritage as well as natural scenery should be treated as a priority project.
Mayin Temple stands as a testament to Guilin’s rich history and cultural significance. Its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture provide a peaceful retreat for locals and travelers alike. As you explore this sacred place, take a moment to reflect on the past and appreciate the enduring spirit of Guilin.