Li Zicheng’s Palace

Mizhi County is a county-level city in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, located in the central-eastern part of Yulin, on the middle reaches of the Wuding River. The county covers a total area of 1,212 square kilometers, with a permanent population of 145,400. It is known as the “County of Beauties,” “Hometown of Culture,” “Hometown of Folk Opera,” and “Hometown of Terraced Fields.”

Although Mizhi County is known as the County of Beauties, many may not be familiar with the county itself. But mention Diaochan, and everyone knows her—she is one of China’s Four Great Ancient Beauties, said to be so stunning she appeared otherworldly, as if a fairy descended to earth, and she hailed from Mizhi County.

It is recorded in the 1681 edition of the Mizhi County Annals: “Diaochan Cave is located west of the city at Aihao (now Aihao Bay Village, Dujiashigou Township), though this is also folklore.” That such a great beauty came from Mizhi County suggests it is a place that produces beauties, and indeed, there are many local beauties.

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The abundance of beauties in Mizhi County is mainly because...

They say the land shapes its people, and the abundance of beauties in Mizhi County must have something special about it. It turns out the county is named after Mizhi Water. According to the Gazetteer of Places and Geography: “Mizhi Water is located southeast of the county seat”—the land is fertile and suitable for millet, with juice as smooth as fat, hence the name. It flows westward into the Wuding River, describing the county’s rich soil ideal for growing millet.

The millet grown in Mizhi County, when cooked into congee, is incredibly delicious. It is said that as early as the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was tribute to the imperial court, and its cultivation history dates back 4,000 to 5,000 years. The locals eat this millet every day, which is rich in beauty-enhancing nutrients—so the women here are known to be very beautiful, with fair and smooth skin.

Because there are so many beautiful women here, many men hope to marry one, which is why the area is also known as the "County of Fathers-in-Law." What do you think about Mizhi County?