Experience in GuilinLocated in the northeast of GuangxiZhuang Autonomous Region in south China, Guilin is famous for its naturalbeauty and historic treasures. As the Chinese saying goes, the mountains andwaters of Guilin are the finest under heaven. Ifyou’ve never been to China before, Guilin should be on your”must-visit” list.
You will believe it until you see it inperson.As the Li River winds its waypeacefully through, the limestone hills stretch out randomly and point to thesky, creating a picture of eternity beauty.Outdoor activities like hiking andbiking will bring you in touch with nature and local peoples’ daily lives. Guilin is suitable for travelling allyear round, as each season has its unique beauty. Here isa brief list of famous attractions in Guilin that you must visit.1. Liriver cruiseAs one of China’s top tourist destinations,the Li River is honored to be the largest and most beautiful karst gallery ofthe world, making it a must see during your Guilin vacation. As it sparkles inthe sunlight, the river meanders through lush mountains like a liquid jadebelt.
The essence of the Li River is well represented in the section fromGuilin to Yangshuo. A cruise between the two places offers you the best way toappreciate the scenery and is one of the best things to do in Guilin.Itwell represents the essence of the eye-catching Guilin landscape.
The cruisejourney takes about 4 hours, sailing over 52 miles (83 kilometers) with sceneryof marvelous limestone caves, verdant hills, limpid water and odd-shaped rocksalong the way. 2. YangshuoAs the saying goes, Guilin landscape tops elsewhere, Yangshuo landscape tops at Guilin.Located 65 kilometers (40 miles) away from Guilin, the passing-by Li River releases all her glamour in this town.Besides drifting on a bamboo raft, you can also rent a bike and ride along the Ten-Mile Gallery to view the scenes. As one of the most beautiful counties of China, Yangshuo presents peaceful rural scenery with distinctive log cabins dotted among wide fields and terraces.3.
Elephant Trunk HillAtthe confluence of the Taohua River and the Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill is thelandmark in downtown Guilin and also a highlight of the Li River. It is like agiant elephant drinking water from the river.The semicircle cave between its legs and trunk is called Water Moon Cave.Together with its reflection, it looks like a round moon on the river. 3. Seven-Star ParkSeven-Star Park is located on the east bank ofLi River, opposite Elephant Trunk Hill.
The park got its name because its seven peaks form the shape of the Big Dipper.This park is well known for its oddly-shaped peaks, stunning caves, clearwater, and exquisite natural landscapes.4. Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces The large-scale terraces of this scenic areareveal the original rural scenery of Longsheng, 90kilometers (56 miles) away from Guilin. It is inside a village, which gathersethnic groups of Zhuang and Yao.
Local people still plant crops in thefield for a living. Not only can you view the splendid natural scenes, but alsohave a glimpse of genuine folk life and culture of the two minorities. Local specialties include Guilin rice noodles,beer duck and snails. The pedestrianized Zhengyang Lu and its surrounding lanesare the busiest dining areas.
? TransportOptionsThe airport is 30km west of the city. A taxicosts about ¥120 .We suggest you take trains a few days in advance to getthere. Most trains leave from Guilin Station, but some may leave from GuilinNorth Train Station, 9km north of the city centre.Direct services include:Beijing West 1st/2ndclass ¥1250/806, 10½ hours, two daily (10.35am and 12.07pm)Chongqing ¥280,20 hours, two daily (12.50pm and 1.13pm)Guangzhou 1st/2ndclass ¥165/138, three hours, regularKunming ¥280,18½ to 24 hours, four daily (11.21am, 1.22pm, 3.50pm and 4.10pm)Nanning 1st/2ndclass ¥130/108, three hours, regularShanghai G-classtrain 2nd/1st class ¥660/1049, 9½ hours, one daily (11.44am)Xi’an ¥367,27 hours, one daily (7.10pm)
