Osmanthus trees define the “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus”. That is what Guilin means. Guilin is famous for its breathtaking scenery. It has vertical karst formations. These limestone mountains inspired classical Chinese landscape paintings. They show fantastically shaped peaks. These peaks rise above winding rivers.
Guilin was founded in the third century BC under the Qin Dynasty. The Ling Canal is located 70 kilometers north of the city. It links the Xiang River and the Tan River. This joins two of China’s major waterways. Guilin is one of the most prosperous cities in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Guilin draws substantial revenue from its large tourist trade.
Guilin is a National Famous Historical and Cultural City. This was designated in the first edition of the list by the State Council of China. Before the Qin dynasty, the Baiyue people settled the Guilin region. In 314 BC, a small settlement was established along the banks of the Li River. During the Qin dynasty, the first administration was set up around Guilin. Guilin Commandery is the origin of the modern name “Guilin”.
In AD 507, the town was renamed Guizhou. In 634, Lingui County was established at the modern site of Guilin. Guilin prospered in the Tang and Song dynasties. It remained a county. Canals were built through the city. Food supplies could be transported from the Yangtze plain to the empire’s farthest southwestern point.
Guizhou was the capital in 997. Guangnan West Circuit was established. It is the predecessor of modern Guangxi. In 1133, Guizhou was renamed Jingjiang Prefecture. In 1367, the name changed to Guilin Prefecture.
Guilin became one of the headquarters of the Northern Expeditionary Army in 1921. Sun Yat-sen led it. Guilin City was established in 1940. Guilin was the provincial capital of Guangxi before 1912. It was also the capital from 1936 to 1949.
Guilin became an important center during World War II. It was a military, transport, and cultural hub. The city expanded as refugees poured in. By 1944, the population had grown from 70000 to over 500000.
In 1981, the State Council listed Guilin as a priority. It was one of four cities. The protection of historical and cultural heritage should be treated as a priority project.
Guilin is located in northern Guangxi. The Li River flows through the city. Guilin has a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate. Winters are short and mild. Summers are long, hot, and humid. The annual rainfall is just under 1890 mm.
Guilin is home to 28 minority groups. Zhuang, Hui, Miao, Yao, and Dong people live here. They make up about 8.5 percent of the city’s total population. These groups maintain their ancient, unique, and colorful customs. Notable festivals include the Zhuang’s San Yue San Festival. The Yao’s Panwang Festival is also important. The Miao’s Lusheng Festival and the Dong’s Huapao Festival are very special too.
Guilin’s cuisine is characterized by spicy flavors. It incorporates a variety of other tastes. Guilin’s food culture blends influences from Hunan and Guizhou. Rice noodles and stuffed river snails are flavorful spicy dishes. Oil tea and Lipu pork with taro are local delicacies.
Guilin is home to several significant cultural heritage sites. The Zengpiyan Cave site is a notable prehistoric archaeological site. The Lingqu Canal in Xing’an is one of China’s three major ancient water conservancy projects.
Guilin’s scenery is the most beautiful in the world. Its shapely-rising limestone towers and crystal-clear waters are portrayed in Chinese artworks. The Lijiang River is the most important part of Guilin’s scenery. Along the Lijiang River, you can appreciate verdant hills and clear waters. Elephant Trunk Hill is the symbol of Guilin.
Guilin is a good place to experience ethnic minorities. Zhuang, Yao, Hui, Miao, Mulao, Maonan and Dong people live here. Each minority has its own unique customs and festivals. Being with local people from different ethnic groups will be an exciting experience. Come and explore Zhushan in Guilin, a town steeped in history and surrounded by unparalleled natural beauty.