“Forest of Sweet Osmanthus”—does that ring a bell? We are about to discover Lagou in Guilin.
Lagou is a town in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Guilin is a prefecture-level city. It’s on the west bank of the Li River. The name Guilin means Forest of Sweet Osmanthus. This is because of the many fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees grown there.
Guilin is known for its karst rock formations. These formations create a unique and beautiful landscape. The area also has crystal clear waters. There are many caves waiting for explorers.
Guilin has long been a popular destination. It was the first city open to tourism after 1949. The area covers 27800 square kilometers. About 5.3 million people call it home. Guilin’s beauty is often described as “By water, by mountains, most lovely”.
Before Guilin existed, the Baiyue people settled here. That was before the Qin Dynasty. A small settlement appeared along the Li River’s banks in 314 BC.
During the Qin Dynasty, Guilin became an administrative center. Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty established Shi’an County in 111 BC. This marked the beginning of the city.
In AD 507, the town was renamed Guizhou. Lingui County was established in 634. It sits at the modern site of Guilin.
Guilin prospered during the Tang and Song dynasties. It was a vital link between the central government and the southwest border. Canals were built for food transport.
In 997, Guangnan West Circuit was established. Guizhou became its capital. In 1133, it was renamed Jingjiang Prefecture. The name changed to Guilin Prefecture in 1367.
Guilin played a role in the Northern Expeditionary Army in 1921. Guilin City was officially established in 1940. It served as Guangxi’s provincial capital. This was before 1912 and from 1936 to 1949.
During World War II, Guilin grew significantly. Refugees poured in from all over China. The population soared from 70000 to over 500000 by 1944. Intellectuals and artists found refuge here.
In 1950, the capital moved from Guilin to Nanning. Guilin was recognized in 1981. The State Council listed it as a priority for historical, cultural and natural protection.
Today, Guilin is divided into several administrative areas. These include districts, counties, autonomous counties and a county-level city.
The city’s landscape features karst formations. The Li River meanders through Guilin. Notable hills include Diecai Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Guilin has a humid subtropical climate. It has mild winters and long, hot summers. Rainfall is abundant. It peaks from April to June.
The largest ethnic group is Han Chinese. Yao and Zhuang people also live here. A Mandarin dialect is spoken in Guilin’s urban area.
Local industries include pharmaceuticals and silk. Agricultural products are also important. These include pomelos and herbal medicine.
Guilin has developed significantly since 1949. Food processing is a key industry. Modern industries focus on high technology. Tourism drives the tertiary sector.
Getting around Guilin is easy. The Guilin Liangjiang International Airport serves the city. High-speed rail connects Guilin to major cities. Public transportation includes buses and taxis.
Educational institutions include Guilin University of Technology. The city also boasts many scenic spots. These include the Li River and Reed Flute Cave.
Guilin cuisine blends Cantonese and Zhuang flavors. It is known for its snacks and spices. Guilin chili sauce is a local treasure. Guilin rice noodles are a breakfast staple.
Fan Chengda, a Song Dynasty scholar, once said he sent pictures of Guilin’s hills to friends who disbelieved their beauty. A popular quote says: “Guilin’s scenery is best among all under heaven.”
Guilin has sister city relationships. These include Kumamoto City in Japan and Hastings in New Zealand. Stuart Falconer identified shared interests between Hastings and Guilin. These included horticulture.
Now, as we stand here in Lagou in Guilin, let’s soak in the beauty. Consider the words of the ancients. Recognize the cultural richness. Absorb the natural wonders that define this extraordinary place.