Longxi Ancient Town, situated on the banks of the Wushui River at the border of Hunan and Guizhou provinces, boasts a history of over 400 years. It was founded during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, began to take shape during the Qianlong period (1736-1766), and gradually flourished during the Daoguang period (1821-1850). With the development of water transportation, merchants started their businesses and set up many shops in the town. To facilitate the docking of ships and the loading and unloading of goods, four docks (the Grand Dock, the Yuanzhou Dock, the Water Dock, and the Wanshougong Dock) were built along the riverbank. During the Tongzhi period (1862-1875), the town grew into a densely populated and bustling market town, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Huang Prefecture (now Xinhuang County). Therefore, when people refer to Xinhuang, they often generalize it as Longxikou, the mouth of Longxi River in the ancient town. Due to its superior location and convenient water transportation, Longxikou became a hub for the distribution of goods from eastern Sichuan and eastern Guizhou. During the Anti-Japanese War, Longxikou was a gathering place for merchants, and its docks reached unprecedented prosperity, making it one of the three famous commercial ports on the upper reaches of the Yuanjiang River. It was also an important historical node on the Long March route of the Red Army and the westward migration route of the National Southwest Associated University. Besides merchants, Longxikou was also a favorite destination for many literati and poets throughout history. Over 100 historical figures, including Li Bai, Wang Changling, Lin Huiyin, Liang Sicheng, Wen Yiduo, He Long, and Wang Zhen, have left their footprints here. The ancient buildings in Longxi Ancient Town are also a beautiful scenery along the Wushui River. Over 200 existing ancient buildings reflect ethnic culture, possessing high research and economic value. In April 2007, Xinhuang Dong Autonomous County, with Longxi Ancient Town as its core area, was rated by the provincial government as a provincial historic and cultural city. Since 2014, the total area of the ancient town has increased to 43.3 hectares, and more than ten valuable tourist attractions have been repaired or constructed, including Longxi Academy, Longxi Guild Hall, the Museum Honoring the Campaign to Suppress Bandits, Linyang Inn, the former site of the National Southwest Associated University’s migration route, Ruoshui Residence, and the Dong Medicine Hall.

(Translated by Yang Hong)