Guilin’s name literally translates to "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus", named after the massive number of fragrant osmanthus trees that grow all over the city.
- The 20-Yuan Note View: The dramatic karst landscape along the Li River near Xingping is the exact scene printed on the back of China's 20-yuan banknote.
- Ancient Canal: In 214 BCE, the Qin dynasty built the Lingqu Canal near Guilin, which links the Yangtze River and Pearl River systems and stands as one of the world's oldest and best-preserved ancient canals.
- Older than the Forbidden City: The Ming-era Jingjiang Princes' City palace complex in Guilin was built in the early 14th century, making it older than Beijing's famous Forbidden City.