Decades before Guilin became the Guilin we know, ancestors already called this land home. Dao County stands as a testament to Guilin’s rich history. It is a place where the echoes of ancient settlements resonate through the ages.
Around 10,000 years ago human ancestors inhabited Guilin. Discoveries in Baoji cliff and Zengpi cliff caves prove it. During the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties, Dao County was home to the Baiyue people.
In 214 BC, Emperor Qinshihuang ordered the construction of the Lingqu Canal. The canal connected the Xiangjiang River and Lijiang River. Guilin became an important town connecting the sea to the north and the Central Plains. The name “Guilin” comes from the abundance of cinnamon. It was known as “玉桂” in Chinese.
Shi’an county was established in 111 BC. It was under the jurisdiction of Lingling prefecture in Jingzhou. During the Three Kingdoms period it was ruled by Shu Han. Then it was ruled by Wu. In 265, Shi’an prefecture and Shi’an county were established in what is now Guilin. In 634, it was renamed Lingui county.
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Guilin was under the administration of Guilin Prefecture in Guangxi Province. During the Republic of China, it was under the administration of Guangxi Province. In 1914, it was renamed Guilin county. In 1940, it was upgraded to Guilin city. Guilin was the capital of Guangxi Province for a long time.
Guilin was liberated on November 22, 1949. It came under the direct administration of Guangxi Province. In 1958, it was renamed Guilin city of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It administered the urban and suburban areas of Guilin.
In July 1981 and October 1983, Yangsu county and Lingui county were incorporated into Guilin. On December 26, 1996, Guilin renamed its suburban area as Yanshan district. On September 8, 1998, Guilin city integrated with Guilin area. It formed a new Guilin city. It administers six districts. These include Xiufeng, Diecai, Xiangshan, Qixing, Yanshan, and Lingui districts. It also includes Lipu city and 10 counties like Yangsu and Lingchuan.
Today Dao County continues to evolve. It balances its historical roots with modern development. Dao County offers a glimpse into the soul of Guilin. It shows a place where the past and present coexist. As you explore Dao County consider the countless generations who have shaped this land. Think about their stories etched into the very landscape.