Baiyi Ancient Town

Baiyi Ancient Town

Baiyi Ancient Town is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Baiyi Town, formerly known as Liuzhou and also called Baiyi An, is located on the banks of the Ba River east of Pingchang County. “The sun rises and shines on the eastern gate; in the Ba River there lies the city of Liuzhou, where beauties are born.” The Liuzhou mentioned in this folk song refers to Baiyi Town. It is also said to be known as the “Town of Beauties.”

Baiyi Town has a long history and rich culture. Historical records indicate it was first established during the Qin and Han periods, with the surrounding area of over ten square li being the site of the ancient Liuzhou. In ancient times, there were willow trees by the river, some as thick as could be embraced by four or five people, with lush foliage that shaded the entire ancient town. Their massive branches, extending more than ten zhang, reached across to the opposite bank of the river, allowing pedestrians to cross without boats by walking along the tree branches—hence the name Liuzhou (Willow State). During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Yongmu County was established here. In the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, due to a murder case involving a husband, its status was downgraded to Yongkang Town. In the Xianfeng era of the Qing Dynasty, it was devastated by fire, with only the Baiyi Guanyin Temple surviving, which is why it became commonly known as Baiyi An. During the Guangxu era of the Qing Dynasty, it was rebuilt by imperial decree, modeled after the imperial palace. Large-scale construction was carried out using thirteen years' worth of river tax revenues from the state and Ba rivers, along with one hundred thousand taels of silver donated from various provinces. Skilled craftsmen were summoned from across the country, and the project took ten years to complete. It resulted in a grand and extraordinary architectural complex consisting of six temples, three palaces, the grand Wu family residence, the majestic Monument to Chastity, and the Star of Literature pointing to the dipper—forming a uniquely styled ancient architectural ensemble. With carved beams and painted rafters, elegant pavilions and couplets, the refined atmosphere attracted inscriptions from officials and celebrities alike, all shining brilliantly. With its profound cultural heritage, numerous unique cultural sites, and picturesque natural scenery, Baiyi Town gained fame throughout the Bashu region.

Wu Depu, a scholar from Baiyi An born during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, was appointed as a Tongzhi official and dispatched to Guizhou. After quelling a Miao rebellion in Guizhou, he was summoned by Emperor Guangxu. When asked about his birthplace, Wu Depu playfully replied with a poem: “A small platform overlooks Baiyi, phoenix wings spread toward Mengxi, carp slippers glance back, step by step ascending the cloud ladder.” This not only revealed his birthplace but also praised the scenery of Baiyi. Upon hearing these four lines, Emperor Guangxu immediately awarded him an imperial yellow jacket and granted him the surname “Georgia,” shortly after promoting him to Censorate Official and appointing him acting Governor of Yunnan.

The former glory of Baiyi Town has become history. Yet, the stone-paved alleys, tiled roofs, remnants of old theaters, faded firewalls, and damaged paintings of a hundred longevity symbols... all tell the story of the town’s vicissitudes, serving as witnesses to history and highlights of its cultural legacy. The surrounding mountains of Baiyi Town are layered and majestic, exuding natural beauty and encircling the town with serene, rippling waters. Five mountains—Phoenix Mountain, Dragon Soaring Mountain, Yellow Crane Mountain, Ox Brain Mountain, and Zhongjia Mountain—embrace the town, making Baiyi Town resemble a radiant pearl embedded in a vast lotus. The clear and pristine Ba River flows around the town like a jade belt, while the expansive sandy beaches stretch flat; sandpipers gather, colorful fish swim, and sails dot the river surface as boats vie for passage. The town is dotted with palaces and temples standing in close succession, shrouded in auspicious clouds, surrounded by lush ancient trees and enveloped in a mystical aura. The market thrives, bustling with activity, making it a commercial hub and tourist destination downstream of the Ba River.