There is no journey that can really show the true beauty of Guangxi Province than a voyage down the Li River which so conveniently connects the twin beauty spots of Guilin and Yangshuo. Lined with karst scenery that juts and jags dramatically round every bend, the Li River is truly the core of Guilin's natural allure.
The Li River has aroused the romantic and artistic side of many visitors dating back to the area's beginnings in the Qin Dynasty. Long a model for a library of Chinese paintings and poetry, the Li River has become the epitome of Chinese landscape; a striking blend of green karst, blue waters and the yellow hue of the low-sunken sun.
The most famous residents on the Li River are the cormorant fishermen. With their conical hats, bamboo rafts, and winged business partners in a pre-dive stance, these fishermen transport you back to China's ancient past and a way of life long-missed in the west.
A cruise down the river will allow you to witness this natural haven in all of its glory. There is much famous karst scenery along the way, including the pachyderm-shaped Elephant Trunk Mountain and Seven Star Park, the largest natural fresco in Guilin.
Whimsical hill landscape, tranquil lagoon-blue waters and lush vegetation, the Li River is a blend of Guilin's most visually-stunning and iconic natural scenery. Indulge your artistic side and be inspired with a journey down this dream like waterway.
It is not only Guilin's exterior that has incomparable natural beauty; the grotto network of the Reed Flute Cave offers a stunning visual experience which has inspired and enticed visitors for over 1,000 years. A natural limestone cave over 180 million years old, the Reed Flute Cave is one of Guilin's many highlights.
It is said that the cave received its name from the lush green reeds that used to grow outside its entrance. The shape and texture of the reeds allowed the local people to shape this tall grass into a flute-like object, hence the name Reed Flute Cave.
The features that make the Reed Flute Cave both unusual and fascinating are its range of stalagmites and stalactites of all different shapes and sizes. Their natural beauty is then enhanced by the vibrant colours of the light show used to illuminated and highlight their jagged shapes for the admiration of the visitor.
Within the caves also are 70 inscriptions written in ink which are said to date back the Tang Dynasty. Their content gives insight into the role of the cave as a place of wonder since ancient times and show that the Reed Flute Cave has been seen as a visitor's spot for generations.
The Reed Flute Cave is a must-see destination on any visit to Guilin. With its selection of stalagmites and stalactites, colourful displays and grand natural architecture, the Reed Flute Cave is a library of treasures and enjoyment.
The Yulong River is a small stream that is a tributary of the Li River that passes from Guilin into the small town of Yangshuo. Its jade-green waters are rich with fish and stretch over 16km. The charming scenery that cushions the Yulong River is one of true beauty; the riverbank is home to many rolling hills, fresh green grass and impressive bamboo forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. The local cormorant fishermen are often seen floating on their hand-made bamboo rafts which adds further to the idyllic image of this natural haven. What makes the Yulong River so beautiful is that motorized vehicles are not allowed to travel its length, allowing the waters to remain as calm and tranquil as the scenery around. Visiting the Yulong River creates a unique experience that allows visitors to move at a different pace from the bustle of normal life; an undisturbed centre of tranquility.
The Longsheng Rice Terraces, constructed around 650 years ago, are located just two hours from Guilin. They are also known by the alternative, and perhaps more appropriate, moniker 'Longji', meaning 'dragon's spine' due to the way they curve and shimmer, said to resemble dragon's scales. The impressive result of old farm engineering from the times of the Yuan Dynasty (13th century), the layout and definition of each terrace creates intricate patterns as they tumble down the hillside to the river below.
The area around the terraces is home to a number of ethnic minority groups. The Zhuang and Yao minorities are the main residential groups – look out for the Yao women who are famous for growing their hair to extreme lengths and dressing in bright pink costumes.
A walk through the Zhuang village of Ping An is a great route to trek for those looking to really soak up the atmosphere and scenery of the area. Climbing the steps through the terraces allows the panorama to unfold gradually until you arrive at the ridge and gain 360 degree views of the whole valley.
Offering arguably the best views in the city, Mt Diecai is one of Guilin's many natural beauties, standing majestically on the banks of the Li River. The name of this mound literally translates as 'folded brocade', due to the mountain's unusual structure that resembles folded fabrics layered on top of each other. The stunning scenery on Diecai and in the surrounding parameters had made this area a place of relaxation and inspiration since the Tang Dynasty.
Diecai Mountain is made up of several peaks, including Siwang, Yuyue, Xianhe Peak and Mingyue Peak. The rolling hills, lush vegetation and ancient trees combine to form what is often described as an idyll on earth. Exquisite pavilions, pagodas and unusual stone formations add further to the unique and attractive image of this destination.
Diecai Mountain is a stretch of paradise, filled with sweeping mountains, deep valleys and hidden gems which make each visit feel like a treasure hunt of beauty.
Elephant Trunk Hill, originally called Lishan Mountain, is located in south Guilin at the confluence of the Peach Blossom River and Li River. The hill is cleverly named as it is said that its shape resembles an elephant's trunk drinking up water from the Li River below.
At night the moon shines through Elephant Trunk Hill with its reflection literally dancing on the water. Behind the 'trunk' of the 'elephant' lies Water Moon Cave, an arched grotto that resembles a moon rising from the water. In this cave there are many paintings, carvings and inscriptions dating back over a millenia, including a poem by Lu Yu, one of the four great poets of the Song Dynasty. Much of the inscriptions inside the Water Moon Cave make reference to the tranquil image of the moon sitting on the river; a feat which can be even more appreciated with a boat ride down this inside conduit.
At the top of the hill stands the Puxian Pagoda, a uniquely chubby pagoda dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The shape of the pagoda's body is said to represent a sword which has been plunged into the elephant's back; a gruesome image for such a winsome beauty spot. Part of the second floor is decorated with an image of Bodhisattva Puxian, a traditional Chinese Buddhist spiritualist whom the pagoda was named after.
One of Guilin's most popular sights, Elephant Trunk Hill is considered a symbol of Guilin, epitomizing the beauty and pure nature of the area.
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