Here in Guilin, ever wonder how a town gets its name? Let me introduce you to Toupai. Toupai is more than just a name. It is a place steeped in local culture and history.
Toupai town is located in Guilin. Guilin itself carries a sweet name. It means forest of sweet osmanthus. This name comes from the many fragrant sweet osmanthus trees in the region. The city is famous for its karst topography.
Guilin is a popular tourist destination in China. It is known as “By water, by mountains, most lovely”. The State Council of China has named Guilin a National Famous Historical and Cultural City. This honor was given in the first edition of the list.
Before the Qin dynasty, the Baiyue people settled the Guilin region. A small settlement began along the Li River in 314 BC. During the Qin dynasty campaigns, the first administration was set up around Guilin. Guilin Commandery is where the modern name Guilin comes from.
In 111 BC, Shi’an County was established during the Han dynasty. Some consider this the start of the city. In AD 507, the town was renamed Guizhou. Lingui County was established at the modern site of Guilin in 634.
Guilin thrived in the Tang and Song dynasties. It was a crucial link between the central government and the southwest border. Armies were stationed here to protect the border. Canals were built for food supplies. These canals connected the Yangtze plain to the empire’s farthest southwestern point.
Guangnan West Circuit was established in 997. This circuit was the predecessor to modern Guangxi. Guizhou served as its capital. In 1133, Guizhou was renamed Jingjiang Prefecture. The name changed to Guilin Prefecture in 1367.
Guilin became a headquarters for Sun Yat-sen’s Northern Expeditionary Army in 1921. Guilin City was formally established in 1940. From 1936 to 1949, Guilin was Guangxi’s provincial capital.
During World War II, Guilin grew as a military, transport, and cultural hub. Refugees poured in from all over China. The population soared from 70000 to over 500000 by 1944. Many intellectuals and artists found refuge here.
In 1950, the provincial capital moved from Guilin to Nanning. In 1981, Guilin was recognized for its historical, cultural, and natural significance.
Guilin is made up of several administrative divisions. These include districts and counties. The Li River flows through Guilin’s karst landscape. Notable geographic features include hills like Diecai Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill. Caves like Reed Flute Cave also draw visitors.
Guilin has a humid subtropical climate. The area has short, mild winters and long, hot, humid summers. The best time to visit Toupai and Guilin is from April to October.
The population of Guilin includes Han Chinese, Yao, and Zhuang people. Local cuisine blends Cantonese and Zhuang flavors. Guilin chili sauce is a key ingredient. Guilin rice noodles are a local staple.
Fan Chengda, a Song dynasty scholar, praised Guilin’s hills in his paintings. A popular Chinese quote says, “Guilin’s scenery is best among all under heaven.”
Today, Toupai benefits from Guilin’s rich history. It also gains from the region’s growing tourism. As you explore Toupai, remember its connection to the beautiful and historically rich Guilin.