Laibin

Laibin (simplified Chinese: 来宾; pinyin: Láibīn) is a prefecture-level city in the central part of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Geography and climate

Laibin is located in central Guangxi province. The Hongshui River or Red River and Rongjiang, both tributaries of the Xijiang, meet in Laibin. Its area is 13,400 km². More than 43% is forested.

History

Laibin is an ancient town with more than 2000 years of history. The area was settled in prehistoric times, more than 30,000 years ago.

Administration

Laibin has 1 urban district, 1 city and 4 counties.

City District:
*Xingbing (兴宾区)

City:
*Heshan (合山市)

Counties:
*Xincheng (忻城县)
*Wuxuan (武宣县）
*Xiangzhou (象州县）

Autonomous District:
*Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County (金秀族自治县)

Demographics

Laibin's population is 2,450,000. Han and Yao are the two most numerous ethnic groups.

Economy

Laibin is an important transportation hub with several regional and national highways, important rail lines, and shipping along the Hongshui River to Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou. Agriculture is a major industry with sugarcane, rice, peanuts, tea, and fruits being the major crops. There are more than 600 industries in Laibin including sugar processing, powerplants, construction materials, mining, and Chinese medicine. The area produces 1/4 of the world's indium.

Culture

Laibin is filled with numerous examples of unique ethnic minority culture, especially from the Yao. There are also many types of dance found only in the area including the Bamboo Horse, the Colorful Butterfly, the Dragon Fish, the Emerald, the Bright Lantern, and the Yao dance, the Monkey Drum.

Notable People

*Xiao Qiaogui (萧朝贵) (1821-1852) Taiping general
*Zhai Fuwen ( 翟富文) (1866-1942) educator, author, and national assembly representative for Guangxi province
*Liu Ceqi (刘策奇) (1895-1927) revolutionary hero and martyr
*Mo Jiangbai (莫江白) (1918-1949) revolutionary hero and martyr
*Zhang Hua(张华) (1911-1990) military and political figure
*Jin Baosheng (金宝生) (1927- present) military and political figure

Tourism

Laibin is blessed with beautiful natural scenery and is an ideal tourist destination.

References

External links

* [http://www.laibin.gov.cn/ Official Website(Chinese)]