The ancient Chinese city that grew sevenfold during wartime
In short: In 1944, Guilin’s population exploded from 70,000 to over 500,000. Driven by a massive influx of refugees during World War II, this landscape of limestone peaks and emerald rivers transformed from a regional outpost into one of China's most vital cultural and military hubs.
Guilin, whose name translates to 'forest of sweet osmanthus,' has a history stretching back to at least 314 BC, when a small settlement emerged along the Li River. Originally inhabited by the Baiyue people, the region underwent significant administrative shifts under successive dynasties. During the Qin dynasty (221–206 BC), the area became a formal administrative center, and by 111 BC, under Emperor Wu of the Han dynasty, the establishment of Shi'an County marked the early foundations of the modern city.
The city’s strategic importance peaked during the Tang and Song dynasties. Positioned as a nexus between the central government and the southwestern borders, Guilin served as a military garrison. To sustain its troops, an intricate system of canals was constructed to transport food supplies directly from the productive Yangtze plain to the far reaches of the empire. This infrastructure solidified Guilin's role as a vital logistical artery.
The 20th century brought profound demographic and cultural shifts. During World War II, Guilin became a sanctuary for intellectuals and artists, including figures such as Guo Moruo and Xu Beihong. This period of upheaval saw the population surge as refugees sought safety in the karst landscape. While the city’s role as the provincial capital of Guangxi ended in 1950 when the capital moved to Nanning, Guilin remains a protected priority for China's historical and natural heritage.
Today, the prefecture-level city manages seventeen divisions and is a major destination for its unique karst topography, featuring Triassic period limestone and dolomite. Beyond its scenery, the city is a culinary crossroads where Cantonese and Zhuang influences meet, famous for staples like Guilin rice noodles—a dish with legends dating back to the Qin dynasty—and its 'Three Treasures': chili sauce, Sanhua rice liquor, and pickled tofu.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Guilin
- Also: Wikidata — Guilin · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Guilin · CC0
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