Andi Ancient Town

Andi Ancient Town

Andi Town is located 52 kilometers northwest of Jingxi City, in a rocky mountainous area. It borders Longlin Town to the east, Napo County to the northwest, Nanpo Township and Ludo Township to the south, and the corner of Guole Township to the northeast, making it the “northern gateway” of Jingxi City. The Jingxi–Napo Expressway passes through 19.8 kilometers of the town, involving 10 villages and streets, with an interchange at Sannan Village within the territory.

Andi Town has a long history and was historically known as “Guzhou,” serving as a northern stronghold. In the early Northern Song Dynasty (1049), it was the capital site of the “Danan Kingdom” (later renamed “Nantian Kingdom”) established by Nong Zhigao, the leader of the Zhuang people. At the end of the Qing Dynasty, the famed anti-French general Liu Yongfu raised the “Black Flag” here and vowed to march into Vietnam to fight against French invaders. The town boasts majestic mountains and rivers, stunning natural scenery, abundant natural and cultural resources, profound cultural heritage, simple and honest local customs, and distinctive folk traditions. There are over ten scenic spots in the area, including ancient houses, Nantianmen Gate, the Three-Tiered Pagoda, the Heroes’ Monument, Lingshan Mountain, Guanyin Mountain, Kuishen Mountain, the Cave of the Song Immortal, Zhaoyang Pass, the ruins of the Nantian Kingdom, stone forests, and the Dragon King’s Fishing Platform.

Lingshan Mountain: Located 1 kilometer northeast of Andi Street, it is a limestone peak rising abruptly from the plain, about 50 meters high. Stone steps lead directly to the summit, where there are structures such as a mountain gate, pavilions, and the Temple of Wenchang. The mountain is covered with ancient trees and offers beautiful scenery, making it an important tourist attraction in Andi.

Zhaoyang Pass: Located 1.5 kilometers northwest of Andi, this pass consists of two cave openings piercing through the mountain from top to bottom. The upper cave is 70 meters wide and 80 meters high. Historically, it was the only route from western Guangxi into Yunnan. According to the Qing-era “Guisui Direct-Controlled Prefecture Records,” “The morning sun rises in the east and shines directly into the cave,” hence the name Zhaoyang Pass. The rock walls of the pass bear inscriptions from literati of various dynasties, showcasing powerful brushwork. The pass is situated in a strategically crucial location, so steep and narrow that it was said to be easily defensible—“one man could hold it against ten thousand.” On both sides of the cave entrance are ancient stone structures: the lower cave is 20 meters wide, 15 meters high, and 100 meters long. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, a road was built through the area, turning this once treacherous path into an accessible route. Since ancient times, it has been a contested military stronghold. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the rebel troops of Nong Zhigao, the Zhuang leader, camped inside the cave. In the early Qing Dynasty, remnants of the forces of Prince Wu Sangui set up stone walls at the upper cave to guard the pass (at a time when the lower cave route was not yet open). In the late Qing Dynasty, the peasant army led by Wu Yazhong of the Tiandihui also stationed here.