The river forms a green gauze belt; the mountains are like jade hairpins. - Han Yu, a Tang dynasty poet
Guilin has long been renowned for almost 1500 years for its unique Karst topography. The Li River and the thousands of needle-like peaks are its beauty. Seeing is believing, so think seriously about including Guilin in tour trip to China. You will not be disappointed.
Li River is the life force of Guilin. Part of the Zhujiang Water System, it flows generally southwards through Guilin and Yangshuo to join the Gui River which eventually runs into the Pearl River and onto Guangzhou. The section between Guilin & Yangshou is 83 km long and contains some of the most beautiful scenery in China. A Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is an essential part of any trip to Guilin.
The journey from Guilin to Yangshou passes story book like images of the peaks reflected in the crystal clear river, fishermen on bamboo rafts, small villages and water buffalo bathing near the banks. The famous scenes—Jiu Ma Hua Shan (Nine Horses Painting The Mountain) and Huang Bu Dao Ying (The Inverted Reflection in Water Like a Yellow Cloth) slip by. Most guests take the cruise from Zhujiang Pier near Guilin to Yangshuo Pier which takes about 4 hours. A lunch is included on board.
The Reed Flute Cave is a classic result of the Karst geography and the best example in Guilin. Once there were many reeds of the type used to make flutes so this is how the cave got its name. 6kms from the city it is on the western side of the Taohua River which is a tributary of the Li River.
In the Chinese tradition, the Reed Flute Cave has many different stories behind each shape which are explained as visitor stroll along the 500m path. Cave explorers over the past 1500 years have left murals and poems to mark their presence. Colorful lights have been used to bring the stalactites and stalagmites and make the visit a truly unique experience. The cave is cool in summer and warm in winter. Allow two hours for a comfortable visit.
This park is situated in the city center with Fubo Hill sitting partly in the Li River causing a strong current around the base. The ancient people believed that the hill subdued the water and the hill was therefore called Fubo Hill (Wave-subduing Hill). Another story is that the famous General Fubo sharpened the hill stone to test his sword before beating back his enemies. A sculpture of General Fubo is in front of the park.
No matter the legends, the hill stands tall and provides a bird’s eye view of Guilin City including Elephant Trunk Hill. One Thousand Buddha Cave in the hill is a cool place to survive summer heat. Two hours provides enough time to climb the hill as well as see the park.
Yaoshan Mountain is located in the northeast Guilin about 10 km away and is the highest mountain in the area. The main peak is 909.3 meters (994 feet) high. The road up the mountaintop is very steep with many sharp turns, but it attracts many biking enthusiasts challenging themselves on the road. Cable cars are available but stop operation at 16:00 every day. It is worth the trip to see the sunset in the mountains and enjoy a cup of tea at the top.
Not far from the foot of the mountain is a large tea plantation producing white tea, green tea, black and flavored teas. A demonstration of the tea-making process from picking to tasting is available. A two hour visiting including the tea plantation will be enough time.
Yangshuo is a highlight when traveling to Guilin and Yangshuo Countryside Cycling could be a highlight of your Yangshou visit. The section from the Yangshou to Moon Hill is perhaps the most dramatic and is called the Ten Miles Gallery. Bike rentals are available in many places in Yangshou. Go early for the best choice of bikes. 10-20 Yuan/bike per day is the average rate.
Along the way the locals work in the fields or catch local lobsters in small ponds or drive carts loaded with vegetables. The ride takes you past Gongnong Bridge and Yulong River which are popular stops. Rock climbing is available at selected places over the course of the ride. The natural attractions are Dolphins Expelling Water, Flaming Mountain, Dragon Horn Mountain, Qing’e Scenery and the Ancient Banyan Tree and offer good photography opportunities.
West Street is also known as for Yangren Street (Street for Foreigners). With a history of over 1,400 years, the street is old as well as unique. It is located in center of Yangshou and runs from the near the bus station to the Li River. Houses along the street are 2 story traditional local styles. These days they are all shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels. The exteriors of the buildings have been retained.
Interesting souvenirs abound but remember to bargain. Avoid it on public holidays.
Impression Sanjie Liu is a most popular nightly show. The stage is situated at the confluence of the Li River and Tianjia River opposite Shutong Hill. Using the river and the bank as a stage and 12 hills as the backdrop is brilliant staging. Combing this with great lighting and cool acoustics it tells the love story of Liu Sanjie who was heroine in the local folklore. All 600 actors are from local villages. The show lasts 1 1/2 and is well worth the cost and time.
The Longji Rice Terraces are the other highlight when talking about sightseeing around Guilin. They are located in Longsheng County 77 kms from Guilin City. The gate of the scenic area is on the road from Guilin to Longsheng. There are 3 main terraced areas. They are in Ping’an Village - Zhuang people, Jinkeng Village - Red Yao people and Gu Zhuangzhai Village also Zhuang nationality.
The earliest developed Ping’an is very convenient but also quite commercial. Jinkeng is further but cable cars are available which makes the travel time equal to that of Ping’an. Jinkeng Rice Terraces are also called Dazhai Rice Terraces. On summer night the fireflies come out. 70% of beautiful photos of Longji Rice Terraces were taken in Jinkeng. The Rice Terraces in Gu Zhuangzhai are the most original and it also has some ancient houses.
The end of April to the mid of October is the best travel time as the best photography is available at this time. The Rice Terraces have different appeal as the season and weather change; no matter whether rainy days, green summer, golden autumn or sunny days. Do not miss this amazing sight! A 2 day visit or hiking is highly recommended.
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