[Photo from guilin.com]

Daxu Ancient Town is situated on the east bank of Lijiang River, southeast of Fuzi Rock (‘father-son’ rock), north of Mopan Mountain and 23 kilometers by waterway from Guilin city. According to the historical records, the town can trace its history back over 1000 years. The city was established in early Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960-1127), developed in Ming-Qing Period (1368-1911) and thrived during Republic China (1912-1949). As early as 600 years ago, it became the largest of the four big towns in Guangxi – the other three being Luxu in Binyang County, Rongxu in Cangwu County and Qiaoxu in Guixian County.

[Photo from guilin.com]

Daxu Town is a water transport hub and a well-known center of fair trade. It faces the Chaotian New River in the east and connects to the Mahe River of Fuli Town. On its west side runs the Xiangsi River, which passes through Yongfu Town; and to the north lies the Lijiang River, which connects Guilin, Xing’an, Yangshuo, Ping’le and Wuzhou.

Built in AD 200, Daxu Town is an old town. The old Daxu Street, paved with blue flagstones, is narrow and stretches for two kilometers along Li River, with well-preserved historic buildings standing on both sides.

Many traditional handicraft workshops still remain in the town, including bamboo weaving and straw sandal workshops, traditional stores dealing with funeral goods, herbalist clinics and barbershops. Wanshou Bridge (longevity bridge), a single-arch stone bridge built in the Ming Dynasty in the south of the town, is still in use. Architecture constructed in the Qing Dynasty, such as the Gaozu Temple, Han Emperor Temple and guild halls for Guangdong, Hunan, and Jiangxi businessmen are all witnesses of this old town’s remarkable history.

Around Daxu Town are several mountains, including Shegong Mountain, Jingshan Mountain and Mopan Mountain. West of the town lies the islet of Maozhou Island. Daxu Town is also known for its orange, tangerine and grapefruit orchards, as well as picturesque scenery.

For all of Daxu Ancient Town’s serenity and charm, it also has many mysteries adding to its attraction. Among the mysteries are the four families, Huang, Li, Liao and Gao, that controlled the economy of northern Guangxi for many years and the town’s seven ancient tombs built in the shape of the Big Dipper.