Guilin
A Journey into a Living Landscape Painting
Guilin, a world-renowned destination in southern China, is Guangxi's cultural and tourism jewel as well as an important center for international cultural exchange. In 1998, Guilin was ranked among China's top tourist cities and has consistently been recognized as one of Asia's most charming destinations.
However, the city's modern development can never outshine the natural magnificence that this region possesses. The breathtaking karst landscape, as you can imagine, will amaze you while you are cruising down the Li River, marveling at the unique shapes of limestone peaks, and exploring the mystical Reed Flute Cave.
Of course, this region has much more to offer than just scenic wonders: authentic Guilin rice noodles, vibrant ethnic minority culture, adventurous Yangshuo countryside cycling, and local life experiencing in ancient water towns.
Natural Wonders
Li River and Yangshuo: Taking a boat from Guilin down the Li River to Yangshuo is the absolute climax of the journey. The reflections of the strange peaks on both sides of the Taiwan Strait form an ink painting scroll that stretches for 80 kilometers, making it a paradise for photographers.
Elephant Trunk Mountain: As the city emblem of Guilin, this peak shaped like a giant elephant drinking water is the city’s most classic landmark.
Longji Rice Terraces: About 2 hours’ drive from downtown Guilin, the layers of terraces wind from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain. The scenery varies throughout the seasons, especially the golden waves of rice in autumn are the most spectacular.
Cultural Exploration
Jingjiang Imperial City and Duxiu Peak: Located in the center of Guilin, it is the residence of the Ming Dynasty vassal. You can learn about the history of Guilin here and climb Duxiu Peak to overlook the whole city.
Impression·Liu Sanjie: A large-scale real-life landscape performance directed by Zhang Yimou, using the waters of the Li River as the stage and twelve peaks as the background, it perfectly integrates the local ethnic minority culture and the natural landscape.
Food & Leisure
Guilin Rice Noodles: The most representative local delicacy, the brine is fragrant and the rice noodles are smooth. It is a not-to-be-missed breakfast or light meal choice.
Yangshuo West Street: West Street is full of vitality at night, with various restaurants, bars and handicraft shops gathered together. It is a good place to relax and make friends with travelers from all over the world.