Once called Guizhou, have you heard of Yanguan in Guilin? It became Guilin in 1940. Guilin is a popular tourist destination in China. It is known for its karst topography. The Karsts are hills and caves. Guilin is in the northeast of Guangxi.
Guilin means “forest of sweet osmanthus”. This is because of the fragrant sweet osmanthus trees. The city sits on the west bank of the Li River. It borders Hunan to the north.
Let’s explore the history of Yanguan in Guilin. Settlements in Guilin date back to 314 BC. Early settlers were drawn to the Li River banks. Formal records of the city began about 200 years later. This was during the Han Dynasty. The Shi An County was established then.
In AD 507, the town was renamed Guizhou. Then, in 1940, it became Guilin. Guilin has an extensive history of politics, land formations and human development. Its sheer beauty makes it a preferred tourist destination. Sightseeing is a major draw.
The Li River is the soul of Guilin. It is a focal point for majestic views. The Karsts are magical land formations. These mountains or hills are rounded. They seem to burst through the earth. The Karsts change with the weather. They look different under fog and in sunlight.
Guilin’s Karst Mountains and caves are unique. They show the beauty of naturally forged hills and caves. Inscriptions on the walls date back to 729 AD in the Tang Dynasty. Their beauty made this place spiritual. Thousands of people visit each year. News of its beauty spreads worldwide.
Before the Qin dynasty, the Baiyue people settled the Guilin region. During the Qin dynasty campaigns, the first administration was set up around Guilin. The modern city lies within the Guilin Commandery.
In 634, Lingui County was established. It was at the modern site of Guilin, under Gui Prefecture. Guilin prospered during the Tang and Song dynasties. Canals were built through the city. Food supplies came directly from the Yangtze plain. This supplied the empire’s southwestern point.
In 1921, Guilin became a headquarters. It was for the Northern Expeditionary Army. Sun Yat-sen led the army. Guilin was Guangxi’s provincial capital before 1912 and from 1936 to 1949.
During World War II, Guilin expanded greatly. Refugees poured in from all over China. By 1944, the population grew from 70,000 to over 500,000. Intellectuals and artists gathered here.
In 1981, Guilin was listed by the State Council. It was one of four cities for prioritizing historical, cultural, and natural scenery protection.
Guilin is a densely populated region. It covers 27,809 square kilometers. Over 4.7 million residents live here. There are diverse living conditions and lifestyles.
Guilin has many languages and dialects. These include Mandarin, Zhuang languages, Cantonese, and Mienic languages.
Guilin offers unique geographical characteristics. The Li River meanders through the city. Farms and rice paddies dot the green surroundings. Exotic animal life coexists with farmers. Encounters with buffalo and tamed cormorants are common.
Remember Yanguan in Guilin. It is more than just a stop on a tour. It is a vibrant place with a rich history. It is full of natural beauty and cultural significance.