Wutuan

Clutching a steaming cup of Guilin Sanhua Jiu, imagine yourself transported back to 1940s Wutuan. Wutuan wasn’t officially a city until then, though it bustled as a vital hub during World War II. Guilin, with Wutuan nestled within, became a sanctuary. Refugees poured in, seeking refuge from the encroaching conflict. Artists and intellectuals sought solace amidst the stunning karst landscape. Think of renowned figures like Guo Moruo and Ba Jin finding inspiration in Wutuan’s serene beauty. The population swelled to over half a million, a dramatic increase from its pre-war 70,000. Wutuan, part of Guilin, pulsed with a mix of anxiety and hope. The Li River, flowing through Guilin and near Wutuan, served as a lifeline, carrying vital supplies from the Yangtze plain. Canals, built centuries earlier during the Tang and Song dynasties, crisscrossed Guilin and likely near Wutuan, facilitating the transport of rice and other necessities. Picture the riverboats navigating these waterways, their decks laden with goods vital for survival. Close your eyes and inhale the fragrance of sweet osmanthus trees, Guilin’s namesake. Their delicate scent mingled with the aromas of Guilin cuisine, a blend of Cantonese and Zhuang flavors. Perhaps, in a Wutuan marketplace, you could have sampled the fiery Guilin chili sauce, one of the city’s “Three Treasures.” The air buzzed with the dialects of Mandarin and Pinghua, spoken by locals and newcomers alike. Wutuan, cradled by Guilin’s protective embrace, witnessed history unfold amidst its timeless beauty. The resilience of its people echoed the enduring strength of its karst mountains.