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Exploring Guilin’s Hidden Forbidden City

Jeffrey Johnson05 mins

Discover Jingjiang Princes’ City in Guilin

Guilin is one of China’s most picturesque cities, renowned for its striking karst mountain landscapes. A must-visit destination in Guilin is the historic Jingjiang Princes’ City, which offers a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage and history.

Historical Significance

Jingjiang Princes’ City has a storied past that dates back to the late 14th century, making it older than the Forbidden City in Beijing. The site was once the royal complex for the princes of Jingjiang, which played a vital role during the Ming Dynasty.

Key Attractions

  • Chengyun Gate: As the main entrance to Jingjiang, it welcomes visitors into a world of history.
  • Chengyun Palace: A former administrative center, this majestic building now serves as a museum showcasing the history of the complex and its 14 princes.
  • Solitary Beauty Peak: Rising 216 meters high, this limestone outcrop provides breathtaking aerial views of the palace and the surrounding landscape.
  • The Former Examination Hall: A unique attraction that allows visitors to experience a mock examination like the scholars of the past.

Visiting Jingjiang Princes’ City

Visitors can immerse themselves in the complex’s rich history while exploring various attractions such as traditional dance demonstrations and martial arts performances held on-site. Moreover, with over 306 steps leading to the top of Solitary Beauty Peak, the hike rewards climbers with mesmerizing vistas of the palace and its lush surroundings.

Conclusion

In summary, Jingjiang Princes’ City is not only an architectural marvel but also a symbol of cultural significance. A visit to this site enriches your understanding of ancient Chinese history and offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Guilin.

In the center of Guilin in China's southern Guangxi Province, Jingjiang Princes' City has a history stretching back to the late 14th century, older than the Forbidden City in Beijing. Chengyun Gate (pictured) now acts as the main entrance to Jingjiang.
Chengyun Gate — In the center of Guilin in China’s southern Guangxi Province, Jingjiang Princes’ City has a history stretching back to the late 14th century, older than the Forbidden City in Beijing. Chengyun Gate (pictured) now acts as the main entrance to Jingjiang.
A number of martial arts forms are practiced on the grounds of Jingjiang.
A number of martial arts forms are practiced on the grounds of Jingjiang.
Jingjiang Princes' City is a former royal complex surrounded by a 1.5 kilometer-long perimeter wall. The Princes' Path connects Chengyun Gate with Chengyun Palace.
Jingjiang Princes’ City is a former royal complex surrounded by a 1.5 kilometer-long perimeter wall. The Princes’ Path connects Chengyun Gate with Chengyun Palace.
Traditional dance demonstrations take place inside Chengyun Palace, now a museum.
Traditional dance demonstrations take place inside Chengyun Palace, now a museum.
The museum details Jingjiang's history. The complex served 14 princes, or lords of Jingjiang, during the Ming Dynasty.
The museum details Jingjiang’s history. The complex served 14 princes, or lords of Jingjiang, during the Ming Dynasty.
In its previous life, Chengyun Palace was the most imposing of Jingjiang's buildings. For centuries, it operated as its administrative center.
In its previous life, Chengyun Palace was the most imposing of Jingjiang’s buildings. For centuries, it operated as its administrative center.
The 216-meter-high limestone outcrop Solitary Beauty Peak looms above Chengyun Palace.
The 216-meter-high limestone outcrop Solitary Beauty Peak looms above Chengyun Palace.
There are 306 steps leading to the top of Solitary Beauty Peak, where breathtaking aerial views of the palace await. A temple is located at the top.
There are 306 steps leading to the top of Solitary Beauty Peak, where breathtaking aerial views of the palace await. A temple is located at the top.
A small pavilion sits at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak. In China, pavilions serve as more than just a place for rest and shelter. They often commemorate important events.
A small pavilion sits at the foot of Solitary Beauty Peak. In China, pavilions serve as more than just a place for rest and shelter. They often commemorate important events.
Visitors can take a mock exam at the former Examination Hall.
Visitors can take a mock exam at the former Examination Hall.


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