What does the name Qiaotou mean? It literally means forest of Sweet Osmanthus. The name fits this town perfectly. Qiaotou is a town in Guilin. It is known for its beautiful karst topography.
Guilin is a prefecture-level city. It sits in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The city lies on the west bank of the Li River. Guilin borders Hunan to the north. Its name comes from the fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees.
The city has long been renowned for its scenery. The karst topography makes it a popular tourist destination. Guilin is one of China’s most popular destinations. The saying “By water, by mountains, most lovely, Guilin” is often associated with the city.
Before the Qin dynasty, the Baiyue people settled the Guilin region. A small settlement was established along the banks of the Li River in 314 BC.
During the Qin dynasty, 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. This was under Gui Prefecture. Guilin prospered in the Tang and Song dynasties. It remained a county. The city was a nexus between the central government and the southwest border. Regular armies were placed here to guard that border. Canals were built through the city. Food supplies could be directly transported from the Yangtze plain to the empire’s southwestern point.
In 997, Guangnan West Circuit was established. This was the predecessor of modern Guangxi, with Guizhou as 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. Sun Yat-sen led this army. Guilin City was established in 1940. Guilin was the provincial capital of Guangxi before 1912. It was again from 1936 to 1949.
Guilin became one of China’s most important military, transport, and cultural centers during World War II. The city expanded drastically. Refugees poured in from all over China. By 1944, its population had grown from 70000 pre-war to more than 500000. It hosted intellectuals and artists.
In 1950, the provincial capital of Guangxi was moved from Guilin to Nanning.
In 1981, Guilin was listed by the State Council. It was one of four cities where historical, cultural heritage and natural scenery should be a priority.
Guilin is located in northern Guangxi. The topography of the area is marked by karst formations. The Li River flows through the city.
Guilin has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. It has short, mild winters. It has long, hot, humid summers.
Guilin is home to many ethnic groups. These include Zhuang, Hui, Miao, Yao, and Dong minorities.
Guilin cuisine is a mixture of Cantonese cuisine and Zhuang cuisine. It is known for its snacks and the use of spices. Guilin chili sauce is widely used by locals. It is made of fresh chili, garlic, and fermented soybeans.
Guilin rice noodles have been a local breakfast staple since the Qin dynasty. They are renowned for their delicate taste.
Fan Chengda, a Chinese Song dynasty scholar, once said he sent pictures of Guilin’s hills to friends back home. Few believed what they saw. Now you can see the enchanting landscape of Qiaotou with your own eyes.