Baise (百色)

1. Introduction

Baise City (Zhuang language: Baksaek Si) is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. It is located in the western part of Guangxi, within the Youjiang River basin, approximately 266 kilometers from the autonomous region's capital, Nanning. The city borders Wenshan Prefecture of Yunnan Province to the west, Qianxinan Prefecture of Guizhou Province to the north, Hechi and Nanning cities to the east, and Chongzuo City and Cao Bang Province of Vietnam to the south. Situated at the junction of Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces and the Sino-Vietnamese border area, its northeastern part consists of the foothills of the Qinglong Mountains, the northwestern part comprises the foothills of the Jinzhong Mountains, the southwestern part is marked by the Huanglian Mountains, and the southeastern part features the Youjiang River valley. The Youjiang River (known as the Tuoniang River in its upper reaches) flows diagonally from northwest to southeast across the entire territory, converging with the Chengbi River within the urban area. Baise is the largest prefecture-level city in Guangxi by area, with the Zhuang ethnic group accounting for over 70% of its population. The Municipal People's Government is located at No. 13 Xiangyang Road, Youjiang District.

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2. History

According to Xu Songshi's History of the People in the Yuejiang River Basin, "Bai means mouth; Se means barrier, indicating a location within a mountain pass barrier." It is also suggested that "Baise" originates from the Zhuang language's original village "Bakdahguhsaeg" (Zhuang: Bakdahguhsaeg), meaning a good place for washing clothes. In the seventh year of the Yongzheng reign of the Qing Dynasty (1729), Baise was separated from Tuzhou to establish Baise Ting, and the magistrate of the Miao affairs from the Enfu Prefecture was relocated from Wuyuan County to reside there, belonging to the Enfu Prefecture. In the second year of the Guangxu reign (1876), it was elevated to a directly administered Ting.

In the first year of the Republic of China (1912), Baise Directly Administered Ting was changed to Baise Prefecture. In 1913, the prefecture was abolished, and Baise County was established. In 1914, the county belonged to the Tiannan Circuit. In December 1929, the Chinese Communist Party launched the Baise Uprising here, establishing the Seventh Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army and the Right River Soviet Government. In the 31st year of the Republic of China (1942), the Fifth Administrative Supervision District of Guangxi Province was established, with its administrative office located in Baise County.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Baise Special District was established, with its administrative office in Baise County. In 1952, Baise Special District was placed under the Guixi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which was renamed Guixi Zhuang Autonomous Prefecture in 1956. In 1958, the provincial-level Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was established, and Baise Special District became part of it. In 1970, Baise Special District was renamed Baise Prefecture.

In October 1983, Baise County was changed to the county-level Baise City. In June 2002, Baise Prefecture and the county-level Baise City were abolished, and the prefecture-level Baise City was established; the former county-level Baise City was reorganized into Youjiang District.

3. Geography

Baise is located in western Guangxi. Due to its terrain being higher in the west and lower in the east, there is a significant temperature difference between the eastern and western parts of Baise. Eastern Baise experiences a warm southern subtropical monsoon climate. Winters are short and mild, while summers are long and hot. Winters are dry with little sunshine. Sunny weather is common in summer and autumn. The average January temperature is 13.4°C, with an extreme minimum of -2.0°C (recorded on January 12, 1955). The average July temperature is 28.4°C, with an extreme maximum of 42.5°C (recorded on April 23, 1958). The annual average temperature is 22.0°C. Rainfall is concentrated from May to August, with an average annual precipitation of 1070.6 mm. In contrast, western Baise, situated on the eastern edge of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, has an average elevation above 500 meters, with areas like Longlin County and Xilin County exceeding 1000 meters. Its climate is similar to that of most cities in central Yunnan, characterized by smaller annual temperature variations and generally lower temperatures.

The following is the climate overview for the Baise urban area (eastern Baise).

Baise City Meteorological Data (1981–2010)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Record high °C (°F) | 32.1(89.8) | 35.9(96.6) | 38.9(102.0) | 41.3(106.3) | 42.2(108.0) | 39.9(103.8) | 40.1(104.2) | 39.6(103.3) | 39.6(103.3) | 36.4(97.5) | 34.0(93.2) | 32.8(91.0) | 42.2(108.0) | | Average high °C (°F) | 18.3(64.9) | 20.6(69.1) | 24.5(76.1) | 29.4(84.9) | 31.9(89.4) | 33.1(91.6) | 33.7(92.7) | 33.8(92.8) | 32.1(89.8) | 28.6(83.5) | 24.5(76.1) | 20.4(68.7) | 27.6(81.6) | | Daily mean °C (°F) | 13.5(56.3) | 15.6(60.1) | 19.1(66.4) | 23.7(74.7) | 26.4(79.5) | 27.9(82.2) | 28.4(83.1) | 28.1(82.6) | 26.3(79.3) | 23.0(73.4) | 18.7(65.7) | 14.7(58.5) | 22.1(71.8) | | Average low °C (°F) | 10.3(50.5) | 12.3(54.1) | 15.4(59.7) | 19.6(67.3) | 22.3(72.1) | 24.3(75.7) | 24.8(76.6) | 24.4(75.9) | 22.5(72.5) | 19.5(67.1) | 15.1(59.2) | 10.9(51.6) | 18.5(65.2) | | Record low °C (°F) | 0.6(33.1) | 2.8(37.0) | 4.0(39.2) | 10.1(50.2) | 13.3(55.9) | 17.2(63.0) | 19.5(67.1) | 20.5(68.9) | 15.8(60.4) | 10.2(50.4) | 4.8(40.6) | 0.3(32.5) | 0.3(32.5) | | Average precipitation mm (inches) | 20.0(0.79) | 23.0(0.91) | 35.5(1.40) | 59.6(2.35) | 148.4(5.84) | 192.6(7.58) | 197.9(7.79) | 166.1(6.54) | 109.1(4.30) | 59.0(2.32) | 39.5(1.56) | 16.0(0.63) | 1,066.7(42.01) | | Average rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) | 8.3 | 8.6 | 7.9 | 10.0 | 13.5 | 14.4 | 15.8 | 16.3 | 10.7 | 9.4 | 7.2 | 4.8 | 126.9 | | Average relative humidity (%) | 75 | 74 | 72 | 71 | 74 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 79 | 78 | 78 | 75 | 76 | | Mean monthly sunshine hours | 82.9 | 78.1 | 113.8 | 141.2 | 163.9 | 165.0 | 190.1 | 194.8 | 177.7 | 147.1 | 125.1 | 126.1 | 1,705.8 | | Percent possible sunshine | 25 | 25 | 31 | 37 | 40 | 41 | 46 | 49 | 48 | 41 | 38 | 38 | 38 |

Source: China Meteorological Administration (precipitation days and sunshine data from 1971–2000)

4. Administrative Divisions

Baise City administers 2 municipal districts, 7 counties, 1 autonomous county, and manages 2 county-level cities on behalf of a higher authority.

Municipal Districts: Youjiang District, Tianyang District
County-level Cities: Jingxi City, Pingguo City
Counties: Tiandong County, Debao County, Napo County, Lingyun County, Leye County, Tianlin County, Xilin County
Autonomous County: Longlin Various Ethnic Groups Autonomous County
(Since 1992, Xilin County and Lingyun County have been treated as autonomous counties.)

Township-level Administrative Divisions

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin / Zhuang (Phonetic Transcription) | Area (sq km) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | of which Ethnic Townships | |--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--| | 451000 | Baise City | Bǎisè Shì / Baksaek Si | 36,201.77 | 3,571,505 | Youjiang District | 533000 | 2 | 75 | 58 | 13 | | 451002 | Youjiang District | Yòujiāng Qū / Yougyangh Gih | 3,717.71 | 472,086 | Baicheng Subdistrict | 533000 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | | 451003 | Tianyang District | Tiányáng Qū / Denzyangh Gih | 2,373.04 | 308,785 | Tianzhou Town | 533600 | | 9 | 1 | | | 451022 | Tiandong County | Tiándōng Xiàn / Denzdungh Yen | 2,810.52 | 352,007 | Pingma Town | 531500 | | 9 | 1 | 1 | | 451024 | Debao County | Débǎo Xiàn / Dwbaz Yen | 2,575.24 | 268,758 | Chengguan Town | 533700 | | 7 | 5 | | | 451026 | Napo County | Nàpō Xiàn / Naxboh Yen | 2,222.72 | 171,781 | Chengxiang Town | 533900 | | 3 | 6 | | | 451027 | Lingyun County | Língyún Xiàn / Lingzyinh Yen | 2,047.45 | 188,194 | Sicheng Town | 533100 | | 4 | 4 | 4 | | 451028 | Leye County | Lèyè Xiàn / Lohyep Yen | 2,633.17 | 146,397 | Tongle Town | 533200 | | 4 | 4 | | | 451029 | Tianlin County | Tiánlín Xiàn / Denzlinz Yen | 5,523.78 | 224,828 | Leli Town | 533300 | | 5 | 9 | 4 | | 451030 | Xilin County | Xīlín Xiàn / Silinz Yen | 2,997.26 | 142,898 | Bada Town | 533500 | | 4 | 4 | 3 | | 451031 | Longlin Various Ethnic Groups Autonomous County | Lónglín Gèzú Zìzhìxiàn / Lungzlinz Gozcuz Swcden | 3,517.56 | 350,765 | Xinzhou Town | 533400 | | 6 | 10 | | | 451081 | Jingxi City | Jìngxī Shì / Cingsih Si | 3,326.13 | 489,163 | Xinjing Town | 533800 | | 11 | 8 | | | 451082 | Pingguo City | Píngguǒ Shì / Bingzgoj Si | 2,457.19 | 456,643 | Matou Town | 531400 | | 9 | 3 | |

5. Economy

5.1 Economic Growth and Industrial Structure

The GDP of Baise City grew from 16.51 billion yuan in 2002 to 156.87 billion yuan in 2021, with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%, higher than the national and regional averages. In 2022, Baise's GDP further increased to 172.91 billion yuan, a year-on-year growth of 4.2%, ranking sixth among cities in Guangxi. The proportion of the three industrial sectors in Baise has also been optimized, with significant development in industry and services.

5.2 Leading and Emerging Industries

Baise City is dominated by the aluminum industry, forming a complete industrial chain that includes bauxite mining, alumina, electrolytic aluminum, and aluminum processing, making it a significant national aluminum industrial base. Additionally, Baise is vigorously developing emerging industries such as new energy, new materials, forestry, and eco-agriculture, promoting the transformation of its industrial structure from "aluminum dominance" to "four-wheel drive."

5.3 Agriculture and Specialty Agricultural Products

Baise City boasts abundant natural resources and is a key national production base for specialty agricultural products. It ranks first in the country in mango cultivation area and third in oil tea cultivation area. Baise mangoes have been recognized as a national advantageous and characteristic industrial cluster. Furthermore, Baise is actively promoting the development of specialty agriculture, including oil tea and citrus.

5.4 Modern Services and Tourism

The modern service industry in Baise City is developing rapidly, encompassing areas such as cultural tourism and wellness, commerce and logistics, and the digital economy. The added value of the service industry has increased elevenfold. Baise is rich in natural landscapes and historical-cultural resources, such as the Tongling Grand Canyon and the Baise Uprising Memorial Hall, attracting a large number of tourists.

5.5 Infrastructure and Urbanization

Baise City continues to improve its transportation infrastructure, with the total length of expressways reaching 840 kilometers, essentially achieving the goal of connecting all counties by expressway. Simultaneously, Baise is actively advancing urbanization, with the urban population share increasing from 21.58% in 2002 to 44.56% in 2021.

5.6 Opening-Up and Cooperation

Baise City actively integrates into the national "Belt and Road" Initiative and the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area. By strengthening exchanges and cooperation with countries like Vietnam, it promotes the development of border trade and cross-border economic cooperation zones.

5.7 Social Development and Improvement of People's Livelihood

Baise City has made significant progress in public service facilities such as education, healthcare, culture, and sports, with continuous improvement in people's well-being. Additionally, Baise is one of the key battlegrounds in the national fight against poverty, having significantly reduced the number of impoverished people through years of effort.

6. Transportation

• Highways
  National Highway 323 traverses the area. National Highway 324 traverses the area. G69 Yinbai Expressway traverses the area. G78 Shankun Expressway traverses the area. G80 Guangkun Expressway traverses the area.
• Railways
  Baise Station: Nanning-Kunming Railway, Nanning-Kunming Passenger Dedicated Line, and Huangbai Railway (under construction).
• Civil Aviation
  Baise Tianyang Bama Airport
• Leye General Airport (under construction)
• Ports
  Baise Port

7. Education

7.1 Higher Education Institutions

• Public Undergraduate Institutions: Baise University, Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities
• Public Vocational Colleges: Baise Vocational College
• Private Vocational Colleges: Guangxi Engineering Vocational College, Guangxi Peixian International College

8. Population

As of the end of 2022, Baise City had a registered population of 4.2262 million, a decrease of 1,900 people from the end of the previous year. The resident population was 3.5620 million.

According to the Seventh National Population Census in 2020, the city's resident population was 3,571,505. Compared with the 3,466,758 people from the Sixth National Population Census, there was an increase of 104,747 people over the ten years, representing a growth of 3.02% and an average annual growth rate of 0.3%. Among them, the male population was 1,826,662, accounting for 51.15% of the total population; the female population was 1,744,843, accounting for 48.85% of the total population. The sex ratio of the total population (with females as 100) was 104.69. The population aged 0–14 was 798,115, accounting for 22.35% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 2,171,649, accounting for 60.8% of the total population; the population aged 60 and above was 601,741, accounting for 16.85% of the total population, of which the population aged 65 and above was 442,548, accounting for 12.39% of the total population. The population living in urban areas was 1,551,425, accounting for 43.44% of the total population; the population living in rural areas was 2,020,080, accounting for 56.56% of the total population.

8.1 Ethnic Groups

Among the city's resident population, the Zhuang population was 2,676,720, accounting for 74.95%; the Han population was 588,273, accounting for 16.47%; and the population of other ethnic minorities was 306,512, accounting for 8.58%. Compared with the Sixth National Population Census in 2010, the Han population increased by 69,860, a growth of 13.48%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 1.52 percentage points; the population of various ethnic minorities increased by 34,887, a growth of 1.18%, but its proportion of the total population decreased by 1.52 percentage points. Among them, the Zhuang population increased by 8,706, a growth of 0.33%, but its proportion of the total population decreased by 2.01 percentage points; the Yao population increased by 11,089, a growth of 8.14%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.2 percentage points; the Miao population increased by 11,192, a growth of 8.75%, and its proportion of the total population increased by 0.21 percentage points.

Ethnic Composition of Baise City (November 2020)

| Ethnic Group | Zhuang | Han | Yao | Miao | Yi | Bouyei | Gelao | Dong | Mulao | Tujia | Other Ethnic Groups | |--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--| | Population | 2,676,720 | 588,273 | 147,336 | 139,067 | 6,864 | 4,056 | 2,959 | 1,387 | 927 | 751 | 3,165 | | Percentage of Total Population (%) | 74.95 | 16.47 | 4.13 | 3.89 | 0.19 | 0.11 | 0.08 | 0.04 | 0.03 | 0.02 | 0.09 | | Percentage of Minority Population (%) | 89.73 | — | 4.94 | 4.66 | 0.23 | 0.14 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.11 |

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9. Culture

9.1 Products

• Minerals include over 20 types such as aluminum, coal, antimony, manganese, iron, gypsum, and talc.
• Developable hydropower potential is 189,400 kilowatts.
• Forests are primarily composed of pine, fir, oak, and bamboo.
• Wild animals include pangolins, soft-shelled turtles, and masked palm civets.
• Medicinal herbs include Ganoderma lucidum, Solomon's seal, and fleeceflower root.
• Local products include star anise, fennel, cloud ear fungus, mangoes, flat peaches, tea, citrus fruits, longan, wampee, chestnuts, and broken black tea. Among these, Baise mangoes have been cultivated in Baise for over 300 years and are now a national geographical indication product.

9.2 Notable Events

The Baise Uprising occurred in the city on December 11, 1929.

9.3 Scenic Spots and Historical Sites

• Baise Uprising Monument
• Qingfeng Tower
• People's Park
• Garden Expo Park
• Dawangling Drift
• Chengbi Lake

9.4 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units

• Baigu and Gaolingpo Sites
• Former Sites of the Headquarters of the Seventh and Eighth Armies of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army
• Former Site of the Youjiang Workers' and Peasants' Democratic Government
• Gantuo Rock Site
• Bubing Basin Cave Site Complex
• Nalai Site
• Xilin Cen Family Architectural Complex

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"Baise" originates from the Zhuang language Baksaek, meaning a place with complex terrain of mountain passes and river valleys.

Youjiang District

Jingxi City

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Almond tree

Bougainvillea