I spent an unforgettable day exploring Guilin's Qixing Scenic Area, where I discovered towering 300-year-old sweet maple trees blazing red like flames against a backdrop of revolutionary history. Walking among these ancient witnesses of time, I paid respects at martyrs' memorials and learned about heroes who sacrificed everything for China's freedom just days before liberation. This journey revealed a side of Guilin that goes far beyond its famous karst mountains—a place where nature's beauty intertwines with powerful stories of courage and sacrifice.
Trip Overview
When: December 2020
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~60 RMB (~$9 USD)
Transportation: Walking within the park
Location: Qixing Scenic Area (七星景区), Guilin, Guangxi
The Journey Begins
When I entered Qixing Scenic Area in late December 2020, I wasn't expecting anything beyond the typical Guilin landscape. But as I walked past the ancient Hua Bridge, something caught my eye—a sea of red leaves shimmering among the green.
"This is the Sweet Maple Plaza," my friend explained. "Those trees are over 300 years old."
I looked up in awe at the massive trunks and spreading branches above me, each leaf burning crimson against the winter sky. These weren't just any maple trees—these were living witnesses to centuries of history.
🎯 About Qixing Scenic Area
Entry Fee: ~60 RMB (~$9 USD) Best Time: December for red maple leaves Location: Eastern bank of Li River, Guilin city center Tip: Allow 3-4 hours to explore fully
Red Leaves and Revolutionary History
As I wandered deeper into the park, I noticed sculptures depicting traditional life—one appeared to show people preparing local snacks, another celebrated traditional sports. But the true surprise came when we reached the Sweet Maple Plaza.
To the right of those magnificent ancient maples stood a solemn monument. To the left, a silver-gray memorial tower rose against the red canopy of leaves. This was no ordinary park—it was a designated patriotic education base.
The Martyrs' Memorials
Standing before the Chen Guang Martyrs' Memorial Tower, I felt a chill that had nothing to do with the December air. The tower stood about 7-8 meters tall, its silver-gray surface gleaming. At the very top, a bright red five-pointed star pointed skyward.
The base of the tower featured inscriptions detailing Chen Guang's life. Joining the Chinese Communist Party in 1939, he was sent to Liuzhou in 1943 to lead anti-Japanese resistance. By 1949, he was working underground in Guilin, organizing guerrilla forces in northern Guangxi.
But on October 5, 1949, tragedy struck. Betrayed by a traitor, Chen Guang was arrested. For over a month, he endured torture in prison, never breaking. Then, on November 11, just eleven days before Guilin's liberation—eleven days before freedom arrived—he was executed by the Kuomintang near Guilin North Railway Station.
Behind the memorial tower stood Chen Guang's red tomb—circular, made of concrete and stone, simple yet dignified. Together with our guide, we bowed three times in respect.
🎯 Historical Significance
Chen Guang Memorial Tower: Built in 1951, moved to current location in 1966 Designated: Protected cultural site in 1966, patriotic education base in 1993 Nearby: 800 Soldiers Tomb commemorating another resistance battle Symbolism: The red maple leaves represent eternal revolutionary spirit
A Living Memorial
As I stood there, surrounded by those 300-year-old sweet maples blazing red against the winter sky, I understood why this place was special. These trees had witnessed it all—centuries of history, including those final dark days of 1949 and the triumph of liberation that followed.
The guide explained how the red leaves symbolized the "red power" of revolutionary spirit—never fading, always vibrant, just like the memory of those who sacrificed for their country.
Reflections
Walking back through the park, I saw those sculptures again—the people making snacks, the athletes competing in traditional sports. But now I understood. This wasn't just a pretty park. It was a place where life goes on, where people enjoy their days, precisely because of sacrifices made by people like Chen Guang.
The red maple leaves I saw that day weren't just beautiful—they were a reminder. A reminder that freedom isn't free, that heroes walk among us, and that some trees stand not just as natural wonders, but as living witnesses to the fire of human courage.
If you visit Guilin, by all means, see the karst mountains and the Li River. But take a day to visit Qixing Scenic Area. Walk among those ancient maples. Stand before the memorial towers. And remember the stories that make this place truly unforgettable.
Practical Tips
Getting There: Qixing Scenic Area is in central Guilin, easily accessible by taxi or bus Best Season: December for red maple leaves, though the park is beautiful year-round Time Needed: 3-4 hours to see the maple trees, memorials, and other sculptures What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water, and a sense of respect Nearby: Combine with Seven Star Park and Reed Flute Cave for a full day