Clutching a steaming bowl of Guilin rice noodles, I overheard a heated debate. “Qin Dynasty,” one man insisted, “that’s when it all started!” Another countered, “Tang Dynasty, surely, for the canals!” Baoli, nestled in the heart of Guilin, has seen centuries come and go. Baoli wasn’t always a town. It began as a small village, existing long before even the Qin Dynasty. Baoli’s location, along the crucial route connecting central China and Guangdong, meant it was often at the crossroads of history. Guilin, the “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus,” and Baoli, part of its tapestry, prospered during the Tang and Song dynasties. The canals built during this time, meant to transport vital supplies, boosted trade and solidified Baoli’s importance. During the turbulent times of World War II, Guilin, and therefore also Baoli, became a haven for refugees from all corners of China. Its population swelled, and among the newcomers were artists, intellectuals, and cultural figures. These newcomers, alongside the long-term residents, shaped Baoli’s unique cultural identity. Today, Baoli stands as a testament to this enduring history. It showcases the convergence of various influences, from ancient dynasties to modern times. The spirit of those early settlers, the ingenuity of the canal builders, the resilience of wartime refugees – all echo within Baoli’s streets.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to