Understand
Longzhou is southwest of Nanning, near the border of Vietnam.
Longzhou has quite a history despite its current lack of importance. There is a saying in Longzhou, "We have an embassy, but no ambassador. A train station, but no trains. And an airport with no planes."
During the late 1800's as French influence grew in Vietnam they tried to expand into Guangxi province. In Longzhou they set up the first Embassy in Guangxi. Wars were fought along the little great wall to prevent further influence.
In the early 1900's the Guomindang Chinese Nationalists built up their influence in this important river port, they even built an airport to help them keep control of the city. In the 1950's and 60's Ho Chi Minh had a small house in Longzhou where he would be able to meet with Chinese leaders.
In 1979 Deng Xiaoping tried to launch a Communist rebellion from Longzhou. Ultimately it failed, and Deng tried again in Baise, where he launched his most famous rebellion. There is a small building where Deng Xiaoping stayed while in Longzhou.
With the development of the Nanyou expressway, Longzhou has been cut out of the main Vietnam-China traderoute and has returned to its backwater status.
