Guilin
Location
'East or west, Guilin landscape is best!' Located in the northeast of
Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, Guilin is considered
to be the pearl of China's thriving tourist industry on account of the
natural beauty and historic treasures. Covering an area of about 27,800
square kilometers (10,734 square miles), the city is rather compact when
compared with other major tourist cities in the country. The stunning
landscape in which the city is situated has a kind of magic that is all
its own. The strangely shaped hills or karsts, with the verdant vegetation
ranging from bamboos to conifers together with crystal clear waters and
wonderful caves make Guilin such an appealing destination. Guilin is also
an important cultural city with a history of more than 2,000 years. The
city has been the political, economic and cultural center of Guangxi since
the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). You can refer to Guilin History
to know more about the vicissitudes of the city.
History
As soon as Guilin is mentioned, the city's beautiful natural scenery will
come to people's minds more vividly than its history. In fact, with the
exception of its astonishing karst landscape, Guilin City also boasts
a long history that can be traced back for 10,000 years. It was the time
of the Zengpiyan People who were in the matriarchal clan society. However,
Guilin was not brought into the official prefecture until 214 B.C. when
the first Emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221 B.C.-206 B.C.) set up the Guilin
Shire in this region. At the same time, due to the construction of the
Ling Canal, Guilin became one of the gateways between the Central Plains
and the Lingnan Region (current Guangdong, Guangxi and part Hunan, Jiangxi).
Later, in 111 of the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), the Shian County was
founded in Guilin.
From then on, Shian (Guilin) was considered to be an important strategic
spot for many ambitious schemers. During the tumultuous Three Kingdom
Period (220-280), Shian was governed by the Shu State and the Wu State
successively. Of course, Shian was developed to be a political center
gradually. In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Shian was renamed Lingui County
and built to be an impressive southern prefecture. Turn to the Song Dynasty
(960-1127), the territory of this region was extended to the current Hainan
Island. As for the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, the
important position of the Guilin region both in economy and politics was
unshakable.
Tourist attractions:
As a centre for tourism, Guilin boasts magnificent natural beauty and
many precious cultural relics. The colorful ethnic background lends a
touch of mystery that enhances its fame. Why delay - come and enjoy this
huge natural theme park.Top AttractionsLi RiverElephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi
Hill)
Diecai HillSeven-Star Park
Reed Flute Cave
Guilin Map
Guilin Hotel
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