Baise history

The history of Baise dates back to antiquity, when these lands were inhabited by tribes who became the ancestors of the modern Zhuang people. An official milestone in the city's history is considered to be 1729 (during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty), when an administrative district—the Baise Commissariat—was established here. The name of the city itself is of local origin: translated from the Zhuang language, it is interpreted in various ways, often as "a place blocking the mouth" or "a place for washing," indicating the settlement's close connection with water.

The transformation of a small settlement into an important regional center was driven by a unique combination of geographical and economic factors:

• Geographical Location: Baise is situated at the junction of three provinces—Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou—making it a natural "gateway" for travellers and traders.
• River Artery: The city grew on the banks of the Youjiang River. This waterway served as the main route for transporting goods from the inland mountainous areas to the coast of the South China Sea.
• Trade Hub: Thanks to its convenient harbour, Baise quickly became a key transit point, consolidating the resources of a region rich in natural gifts.

Since its founding, the city has developed as a colourful centre of Zhuang culture, preserving its unique traditions, folklore, and architectural elements. The economy of the early period was built on transit trade and agriculture. Flows of valuable timber, tung oil, anise, and medicinal herbs passed through Baise. Its status as an important river port fostered the formation of a wealthy merchant class and the development of market infrastructure long before the modern era.

• Paleolithic Era (about 800,000 years ago): Archaeological finds of unique stone tools in the Baise Basin indicate that ancient humans inhabited this territory in prehistoric times.
• 1729: During the Qing Dynasty, the Baise Commissariat was officially established, which is considered the founding date of the city as an administrative unit.
• 1913: During administrative reforms, the settlement's status was changed, and it was transformed into Baise County.
• 1929: A historic uprising took place in the city, becoming a major milestone in the region's history; today, a large memorial complex is dedicated to this event.
• 1983: Baise received the status of a county-level city, which facilitated the beginning of active urbanization and the development of local industry.
• 2002: The State Council of the PRC approved upgrading Baise's status to a prefecture-level city, significantly expanding its administrative boundaries and authority.
• 2006: The opening of Baise Bama Airport provided regular air connections with other regions of the country, simplifying access for tourists.
• 2015: The launch of a section of the high-speed railway connecting Nanning and Kunming integrated the city into China's modern transport network.

Key Stages of Development and Transformation

The modern appearance of Baise has been shaped by a series of strategic decisions and economic breakthroughs. From a traditional river port, the city has evolved into an important industrial and tourist centre in southwest China. Below are the main milestones that defined the region's development vector:

• Emergence as the "Aluminium Capital" of South China
  The discovery of rich bauxite deposits was a turning point for the city's economy. The creation of a powerful cluster for aluminium mining and processing turned Baise from an agrarian region into an industrial hub, providing a financial base for urban development projects.
• Administrative Reform and Urbanization (2002)
  Granting the status of a prefecture-level city launched a large-scale renewal of the urban environment. This allowed for attracting state investment in infrastructure, building new residential districts, modern bridges across the Youjiang River, and public spaces.
• Transport Revolution and Ending Isolation
  The construction of expressways and the launch of the high-speed railway (Nanning — Kunming) radically changed logistics. The city ceased to be a difficult-to-access mountain area, transforming into a vital transit hub connecting inland China with the coast and ASEAN countries.
• Development of the "Home of Mangoes" Brand
  The transition from spontaneous farming to high-tech fruit cultivation made Baise one of the largest mango producers in the country. This not only strengthened the economy of rural areas but also created a unique gastronomic image for the city.
• Formation of a Cultural and Historical Tourism Centre
  The restoration of historical monuments and the creation of the "Baise Uprising" memorial park allowed the city to occupy a niche in educational tourism. This stimulated the development of the hospitality industry and the service sector.
• Opening of Air Gateways
  The launch of Baise Bama Airport ensured a direct link with China's major metropolises. This event was key for attracting investors and tourists wishing to visit both historical sites and natural attractions, such as karst sinkholes and caves.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Baise represents a unique fusion of the ethnic traditions of the Zhuang people, the heritage of South China's trading past, and modern urbanization. The urban fabric developed from a river port by the Youjiang River to a large-scale industrial centre, while preserving colourful historical quarters.

Historical Eras and Styles

• Traditional Zhuang Architecture (Antiquity — Present)
  The indigenous style of the region is Ganlan (wooden stilt structures). Although pure examples are rare in dense urban areas, elements of this style (curved roofs, specific wooden decor, ornaments) are actively used by modern architects to stylize cultural facilities and public spaces.
• Qilou Style / Lingnan Architecture (Late 19th — Early 20th Century)
  The heyday of river trade shaped the look of the old centre. The dominant style is Qilou (arcade houses). These are two- or three-storey buildings where the ground floor features an open gallery for shops and pedestrian passage, protected from the tropical sun and heavy rains. Facades are often decorated with elements borrowed from European Baroque and Classicism (stucco moulding, pilasters), which is characteristic of trading cities in South China of that era.
• Socialist Monumentalism (Mid — Late 20th Century)
  The city's status as the site of the historic 1929 uprising determined the appearance of large-scale memorial ensembles. The architecture of this period is distinguished by strict forms, the use of granite and concrete, and a sense of grandeur intended to emphasize the magnitude of revolutionary events.
• Modernism and High-Tech (21st Century)
  Upon receiving the status of a prefecture-level city, Baise began to grow actively upwards. New administrative and business districts are being built with high-rise buildings made of glass and concrete. Urban planning has shifted towards creating wide avenues, landscaped parks, and modern bridges across the Youjiang River.

Landmark Buildings and Districts

• Jiefang Street
  The historical heart of the city and the best example of urban planning from the early 20th century. The street is lined with well-preserved buildings in the Qilou style, where the ground floors are still used for trade, creating the atmosphere of an old trading port.
• Guangdong Guild Hall
  An outstanding monument of classical Chinese architecture from the Qing era. The building served as a merchant guild and is distinguished by rich wood carving, figured roof ridges, and a traditional system of courtyards.
• Baise Uprising Memorial Hall
  The architectural dominant of the memorial park. The building combines features of modern monumentalism and abstract references to the local relief, symbolizing resilience and courage.
• Baise Sports Centre
  A striking example of contemporary architecture. The design of the complex is inspired by the shape of a traditional bronze drum and the kapok flower, demonstrating a popular trend in China for integrating national symbols into futuristic forms.

Distinguished Figures of Baise

The history of Baise is inextricably linked with the names of great commanders, reformers, and revolutionaries. This region has given China a whole galaxy of statesmen and national heroes whose legacy is honoured to this day.

Historical Figures of the Imperial Era

• Wa Shi Fu Ren (Lady Washi)
  Heroine of the Ming Dynasty, leader of Zhuang troops
  A legendary 16th-century female commander hailing from the Tianzhou area (present-day Tianyang District of Baise). She went down in history as a fearless leader who led Zhuang detachments ("Wolf Troops") to the eastern coast of China to fight against Japanese pirates (Wokou). Her tactical genius and famous combat technique with dual swords became part of local folklore.
• Cen Yuying
  Statesman of the Qing Dynasty, Governor-General
  A native of Xilin County (part of Baise Prefecture), and a representative of the powerful Cen clan. He rose to the high posts of Governor-General of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces. Cen Yuying played a key role in strengthening the empire's borders in the southwest and developing local infrastructure in the 19th century.
• Cen Chunxuan
  Politician of the late Qing era and early Republic
  The son of Cen Yuying, also born in the territory of modern Baise. He earned the nickname "Tiger Official" for his uncompromising fight against corruption and his courage to contradict even the imperial court. He served as Governor-General of Liangguang (Guangdong and Guangxi provinces) and was one of the most influential figures in China in the early 20th century.

Figures of the Revolutionary Era

• Deng Xiaoping
  Statesman, architect of Chinese reforms
  Although Deng Xiaoping was not a native of these parts, his name is forever inscribed in the city's history. In 1929, it was here that he, as a young revolutionary, organized and led the famous Baise Uprising. This event led to the creation of the 7th Corps of the Red Army and the Soviet Government of Youjiang, becoming a turning point in the revolutionary movement of the region.
• Wei Baqun
  Leader of the peasant movement, Zhuang revolutionary
  A national hero of the Zhuang people and one of the pioneers of the peasant movement in Guangxi. Wei Baqun was a key associate of Deng Xiaoping during the uprising. His authority among the local population made it possible to mobilize thousands of people to fight for their rights. In Baise, he is revered as a symbol of resilience and devotion to his native land.
• Zhang Yunyi
  Senior General of the PLA, military strategist
  One of the main leaders of the Baise Uprising alongside Deng Xiaoping. A talented military commander, he played a decisive role in the formation of armed forces in the Youjiang region. Later, he held important posts in the leadership of Guangxi, contributing to the post-war reconstruction of the region.