Liuzhou

When people talk about the most beautiful cities of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, they would not forget to mention Liuzhou and give it a credit next only to Guilin.

Liuzhou is located in the interior of Guangxi. To its southeast are spectacular jagged mountain peaks and to the northwest, rolling hills. The clear Liujiang River, like a green jade belt, encircles the downtown area, forming a pot-shaped peninsula, hence its nickname-dragon ot City.

A panoramic view from atop Yufeng Peak on the southern bank of Liujiang River reveals that the entire city is a gigantic circle, with the mountains, river and urban architecture forming an enormous three-dimensional painting.

The history of Liuzhou began as early as 40,000-50,000 years ago. Liujiang Man, with distinct features of the primitive Mongols, was discovered here. During the Han Dynasty (206B.C.-A.D.220), Liuzhou was made into a county and the city was built. In the early days of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Liuzhou was made into a prefecture, but it was not until 634 that the name Liuzhou came into being.

Through the later dynasties of Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing, Liuzhou served as the site of the prefecture government. Now, Liuzhou city is under the direct administration of the government of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is also the largest industrial city and an important communications hub in Gangxi.

Liu Zongyuan and Third Sister Liu
Liu hou's fame was enhanced by the venerable Liu Zongyuan, a Tang-dynasty poet who was considered as one of the "Eight Literary Masters in the Tang and Song Dynasties". Liu served as governor of Liuzhou for four years until he died. Liu Zongyuan accomplished many good deeds for the local folks, and they held him in high esteem. Proof of this respect is evident in the many landmarks built in his honor in the city.

Another celebrated figure in Liuzhou is Third Sister Liu, a mastersinger. Although possibly not genuine, the legendary stories about Third Sister Liu greatly influenced the people of Liuzhou. Nowadays, local people still commemorate the beloved singer by holding folk singing contests every year.

Limestone Landscape Attractions
The city entertains visitors with many scenic spots. Yufeng Peak, a sheer structure, resembles a standing fish, while Ma'an Hill in the distance domination Liuzhou's skies. The whole area south of the city captivates visitors with its karst scenery??unusual, rugged limestone formations of abrupt peaks and underground caverns.

Dalongtan Park, occupying 533 hectares of land four kilometers from the downtown, is another attraction. Sheer limestone peaks surround the quiet crystal-clear waters of Longtan Lake, their images vividly reflected in the water. A clear underground river disgorges its water into the lake year round.

Further south of Dalongtan Park, 12 kilometers from the downtown area. Is Double Mountain Scenic Area, where 46-limestone underground cavern of various size are found.