Guangxi

漓江山水

Paddy field Longsheng

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File:Zhuang people of Longzhou Guangxi.jpg

Zhuang people of Longzhou Guangxi

Guangxi (Chinese: 广西), officially the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (GZAR), is a provincial-level autonomous region located in the southern part of the People's Republic of China. It borders Vietnam to the southwest, the Guangdong province to the east, Hunan province to the north, Guizhou province to the northeast, and Yunnan province to the northwest. The region's capital and largest city is Nanning. Guangxi is home to the Zhuang people, one of the 56 ethnic groups officially recognized by China. The Zhuang people are the largest minority group in China, and Guangxi is the only region in the country where they form the majority.

History

The history of Guangxi can be traced back to the Paleolithic Age, with the region being a significant center of ancient Chinese civilization. During the Qin dynasty, it was incorporated into the Chinese empire. The region has a rich history of resistance against foreign invasions and central control, contributing to its distinct cultural and historical identity. In the early 20th century, Guangxi was a stronghold for the Kuomintang during the Chinese Civil War but eventually came under Communist control in 1949.

Geography

Guangxi is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, rivers, and karst formations. The Guilin region, in particular, is famed for its picturesque karst hills and the Li River, making it a popular tourist destination. The region also features part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau and has a coastline along the Gulf of Tonkin.

Economy

The economy of Guangxi is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and services. It is a major producer of fruits, sugarcane, and timber. Guangxi's industrial sector includes machinery, electronics, metallurgy, and food processing. In recent years, the region has focused on developing high-tech industries and improving its transportation infrastructure to better integrate with the ASEAN economies.

Culture

Guangxi's culture is influenced by the Zhuang people, with their language, music, and festivals playing a significant role in the region's cultural life. The Zhuang language is one of the officially recognized languages in China. Traditional Zhuang music and the Dragon Boat Festival are among the cultural highlights. The region is also known for its cuisine, which features spicy and sour flavors.

Tourism

Tourism is a vital part of Guangxi's economy, with the region offering a variety of natural and cultural attractions. Besides Guilin and the Li River, other notable destinations include the Detian Waterfall, the largest transnational waterfall in Asia, and the Longsheng Rice Terraces. The region's rich ethnic diversity adds to its appeal, with numerous festivals and traditional villages attracting visitors interested in cultural experiences.

Administrative Divisions

Guangxi is divided into 14 prefecture-level divisions: 12 cities and 2 autonomous prefectures. These are further subdivided into counties, county-level cities, and districts. Nanning serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of the region.

Demographics

The majority of Guangxi's population is of Zhuang ethnicity, with Han Chinese and other ethnic minorities making up the rest. The region's demographic composition reflects its status as an autonomous region, designed to preserve the cultural heritage and rights of the Zhuang people and other minorities.