Guilin

Guilin

Guilin has always been famous for its scenic rivers and karst (limestone) peaks covered in lush greenery. The landscape has a long history as the most beautiful place in China and has inspired local poets and artists for centuries. Guilin means “Osmanthus Forest” and these sweet-scented tress can be seen all over the city. A few days soaking up some of the natural wonders of Guilin makes it a perfect antidote to the metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai.

Li River Cruise

Cruising along the Li River allows visitors to see what inspired the many artists to flock to Guilin and its surroundings. Travelling for 83 kilometres downstream to the beautiful town of Yangshuo, a Li River cruise winds it way through karst peaks, waterfalls, bamboo groves and ancient villages, enabling visitors to experience life in rural China. The former US president, Bill Clinton, remarked "Nowhere is like Guilin. It makes me think of the traditional Chinese paintings".

Fubo Shan

Offering great views back towards to the city and natural skyline, Fubo Shan is north of the city. Enjoy the Buddhist statues and scriptures found at Returned Pearl cave on the Southern bank of the Hill.

Solitary Beauty Peak

North of the centre of town is Solitary Beauty peak with impressive views from the 150m high peak. The climb is steep but the views into the distance are well worthwhile.

Seven Stars Park

Named after the seven peaks that form the Great Bear constellation, which governs fate in Chinese mythology, Seven Stars Park is renowned for its views of the city, as well as the numerous poems, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, that are carved into its rocks.

Reed Flute Cave

With numerous stalactites and stalagmites to behold in tunnels winding more than 500 metres into Guangming Hill, Reed Flute Cave is a great example of an underground cave and the amazing power of water. Used by Guilin's locals during WWII to escape the Japanese, the rock formations now attract visitors of the tourist kind.

Elephant Trunk Hill

With a height of over 100 metres, Elephant Trunk Hill is the most famous rock formation in Guilin. Resembling the shape of an elephant that placed his trunk in the Li River for a drink, legend has it that the elephant was turned into stone by an uncaring emperor, when it became sick and did not want to travel with the herd any longer.