Dreaming of a place where sweet osmanthus perfumes the air? That’s Shijia in Guilin. It is a town steeped in history and natural beauty. The name “Guilin” itself means “forest of sweet osmanthus”. This reflects the abundance of these fragrant trees in the region.
Shijia is located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Guilin is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations. It is famous for its stunning karst topography.
Before Shijia existed, the Baiyue people settled the Guilin region. They lived along the Li River around 314 BC. During the Qin Dynasty, the first administration was set up around Guilin. This dynasty existed from 221 to 206 BC. The modern city was within the Guilin Commandery.
Guilin prospered during the Tang and Song dynasties. It became a connection between the central government and the southwest border. Canals were built for food supplies. These supplies came from the Yangtze plain to the empire’s farthest point.
Guilin became the headquarters of the Northern Expeditionary Army in 1921. Sun Yat-sen led this army. In 1940, Guilin City was officially established. From 1936 to 1949, it was Guangxi’s provincial capital.
During World War II, Guilin transformed into a vital hub. It was a military, transport, and cultural center. Refugees poured in from across China. The city’s population grew from 70000 to over 500000.
In 1950, the capital of Guangxi moved from Guilin to Nanning. In 1981, Guilin became a priority for preservation. The State Council recognized its historical, cultural, and natural importance.
The topography around Shijia features karst formations. These formations consist of Triassic period limestone and dolomite rocks. The Li River meanders through this landscape. Notable geographical features include mountains and caves.
Guilin has a humid subtropical climate. Expect short mild winters and long hot humid summers. The annual rainfall measures just under 1890 mm.
The population of Guilin was 4931137 in 2020. Most residents are Han Chinese. Other ethnic groups include the Yao and Zhuang.
Local industries produce various goods. This includes pharmaceutical products, machinery, silk, and wine. Agricultural products include pomelos and herbal medicine. Guilin rice noodles are a local breakfast staple. They are renowned for their delicate taste.
Guilin is accessible by air via Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. High-speed rail connects Guilin to major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Public transportation includes buses and taxis.
Several colleges and universities are in Guilin. They include Guilin University of Technology and Guangxi Normal University.
Guilin offers numerous scenic spots. The Li River connects Guilin and Yangshuo County. Other attractions include Reed Flute Cave and Seven-star Park.
Guilin cuisine blends Cantonese and Zhuang flavors. Chili is a prominent spice. Guilin chili sauce is one of the city’s Three Treasures.
Guilin is twinned with several international cities. These include Kumamoto City in Japan and Orlando in the United States. These relationships foster cultural exchange and friendship.
As you explore Shijia, remember its past. This includes ancient settlements and wartime transformations. Appreciate the natural beauty. A Chinese quote says it best. “Guilin’s scenery is best among all under heaven.”