Libo history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Libo dates back to ancient times, when various ethnic groups began to settle these lands. As an administrative unit, the region began to take shape during the rule of Chinese imperial dynasties seeking to organize the governance of the southwestern borders. The first mentions of settlements in this area are linked to ancient tribes, the ancestors of the modern Bouyei and Shui peoples, who settled in the fertile valleys amidst the karst mountains long before the appearance of modern maps.

Key Factors of Development

• Complex Geography: Its location in a mountainous area on the border of Guizhou Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region made the region difficult to access, which provided natural protection for the settlements.
• Governance System: A crucial role in development was played by the historical Tusi system — an institution of local chieftains recognized by the central authority, allowing for the preservation of relative autonomy and stability over centuries.
• Trade Routes: Despite its isolation, local routes passed through the territory, connecting the mountain regions with the plains, which facilitated the exchange of goods.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From its inception, Libo was formed as a unique multicultural enclave. The foundation of the early economy was terrace farming, rice cultivation, and forestry. The cultural appearance of the city was defined by the traditions of the peoples inhabiting it: unique crafts flourished here, traditional wooden stilt houses ("Diaojiaolou") were built, and distinctive festive rituals were formed, which have been preserved to this day.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1494: During the Ming Dynasty, Libo County was officially established, becoming an administrative unit of the region.
• 1914: During the administrative reforms of the Republic of China, the county was permanently secured as part of Guizhou Province.
• 1956: Libo was included in the newly formed Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, which consolidated the cultural status of the ethnic groups living here.
• 1986: The Maolan National Nature Reserve was founded, designed to preserve the unique ecosystem of the karst forests.
• 1996: The Maolan Reserve was included in the international network of biosphere reserves under the UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" programme.
• 2007: The karst landscapes of Libo were officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "South China Karst" site.
• 2015: The Xiaoqikong Scenic Area ("Seven Small Holes") received the highest category of tourist attraction in China — 5A.
• 2023: The Libo railway station was opened on the Guiyang–Nanning high-speed line, significantly simplifying access to the region for tourists.

Stages of Development and Transformation

• Establishment of Ethnic Autonomy: Joining the Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in the mid-20th century became the foundation for preserving cultural identity. This event defined the vector of Libo's development as a centre of ethnographic tourism, where the traditions of the Bouyei, Shui, and Miao peoples are harmoniously integrated into the modern urban environment.
• Ecological Shift: The creation of the Maolan Reserve in the 1980s marked a rejection of extensive land use in favour of nature conservation. For the city, this meant a strategic change in the economic model: a transition from agriculture and logging to sustainable eco-tourism and scientific research.
• Global Recognition by UNESCO: The inclusion of Libo's karst forests in the World Heritage List in 2007 became a powerful driver for the economy. The city acquired an international brand, which attracted major investments in the hospitality business and service sector, radically changing the architectural appearance of the central part.
• Breaking Transport Isolation: The construction of an airport and connection to the expressway network in the early 21st century brought the region out of historical transport blockade. This allowed for a stable flow of guests and goods, stimulating the growth of trade and the construction of modern infrastructure.
• Standardisation of Tourism (5A): Assigning the highest tourist category to the Xiaoqikong Scenic Area required the modernisation of city services. This led to a significant improvement in service quality, the landscaping of public spaces, and the introduction of digital technologies in city management.
• Integration into the High-Speed Network (2023): The launch of the high-speed railway line included Libo in the "one-hour economic zone" of the provincial capital. This event stimulated a new wave of urban planning, the emergence of modern commercial zones, and the adaptation of the urban environment to accommodate a mass flow of tourists.

Traditional Architecture and Ethnic Style

The architectural appearance of Libo is inextricably linked with the culture of the Bouyei, Shui, Miao, and Yao ethnic groups living here. Historical buildings were formed under the influence of the humid climate and mountainous terrain, which led to the dominance of folk styles adapted to the environment.

• Stilt Constructions (Ganlan): Traditional wooden houses known as "Diaojiaolou", raised above the ground on stilts. This type of housing is characteristic of the Miao and Bouyei peoples. The lower tier was usually used for household needs or keeping livestock, while the upper tier was for living, which protected against dampness and wild animals.
• Bouyei Stone Architecture: In some districts, stone buildings predominate. The Bouyei people masterfully use local limestone to erect walls and even roofs, creating durable structures that blend organically into the karst landscape.

Legacy of the Qing Dynasty

Although the city itself has been significantly modernised, the key architectural monuments of the region remain the engineering structures of the Qing era, which have become symbols of Libo. They demonstrate the skill of 19th-century Chinese architects in working with stone.

• Xiaoqikong Bridge ("Seven Small Holes"): Built in 1835. This is an elegant stone arch bridge spanning the Xiangshui River. It served as an important transport hub on the trade route between Guizhou and Guangxi provinces. Its style is distinguished by strict geometry and harmony with nature.
• Daqikong Bridge ("Seven Large Holes"): Erected in 1847 (later reconstructed). A more massive structure, demonstrating the monumentality of road construction of that period.

Modern Urban Planning and Neo-Traditionalism

With the development of tourism in the 21st century, Libo has undergone significant changes. Modern urban planning here follows the "Garden City" concept, striving to combine the comfort of an urban environment with the aesthetics of traditional culture.

• "Libo Ancient Town" Tourist Complex: A large-scale reconstruction and stylisation project created to immerse tourists in the atmosphere of the past. The architecture here represents a synthesis of Ming and Qing dynasty styles with decorative elements of the Bouyei and Shui peoples. Characteristic features include curved roofs with raised eaves, wood carving, and stone-paved streets.
• Integration with the Landscape: New districts are designed with the preservation of views of the karst peaks in mind. Limiting the height of buildings in the centre allows for the preservation of the visual connection between the city and the surrounding mountains and forests.

Historical and Cultural Figures

The history of Libo County is closely intertwined with the destinies of outstanding people whose names remain forever in the annals of the region. This is the homeland of revolutionaries and a place that inspired explorers. Learning about the biographies of these individuals allows for a deeper understanding of the cultural code and historical significance of this part of Guizhou Province.

• Deng Enming
  Revolutionary, one of the founders of the Communist Party of China
  The most revered historical figure in Libo. Deng Enming was born here into a Shui family. He went down in history as the only representative of ethnic minorities among the participants of the famous 1st National Congress of the CPC in 1921. Today, the Deng Enming Memorial House Museum is open in the city, serving as an important site for historical tourism and a place of remembrance.
• Xu Xiake
  Famous geographer and traveller of the Ming Dynasty
  A legendary 17th-century explorer whose "Travel Diaries" became an invaluable source of knowledge about China's geology. His expedition routes passed through the southwestern regions of the country. It was thanks to his detailed descriptions of the karst landscapes that the world learned about the unique nature of these places, which centuries later contributed to the recognition of the value of local mountains and caves at the UNESCO level.
• Deng Xiaoping
  Statesman and reformer
  In the early 1930s, during his command of the 7th Red Army, the future leader of China passed through the territory to which modern Libo belongs. The army's stay in this region left a significant mark on local history: campsites and headquarters have been preserved and transformed into attractions of the "Red Route", attracting those interested in the history of the civil war.
• Zhang Yunyi
  Outstanding military commander, General
  A close associate of Deng Xiaoping and one of the leaders of the 7th Red Army. His strategic talent played an important role during the difficult troop movements through the rugged mountain regions of Guizhou. The memory of his unit's actions is carefully preserved in local museums as an example of overcoming harsh geographical conditions.
• Mo Youzhi
  Scholar, bibliophile, and calligrapher of the Qing Dynasty
  A native of neighbouring Duyun, Mo Youzhi is an iconic figure for the entire Qiannan Prefecture. Known as the "Sage of Qiannan", he made an invaluable contribution to the preservation of literature and culture in the southwest of the empire. His legacy is considered the common cultural heritage of the region, symbolising the high level of education and art that flourished here in the 19th century.