Guilin
Guilin is said to be the most scenic and picturesque city in all of China. Two crystal-clear rivers go through the city, which are lined by beautiful and unusually shaped karst mountain formations.
From 180 to 200 million years ago, movements from the earth’s crust thrust the limestone sediments from the bottom of the ocean going upwards of more than 200 meters to the surface. The karst formations were in a sense sculpted by the wind and rain with many years of erosion shaping their distinct appearance. Both Scientists and tourists have since become fascinated with these karst limestone mountains.
The city was named after the fragrance of the Osmanthus tree. It was first inhabited in the Qin Dynasty more than 2000 years ago. It flourished during the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing dynasties, often benefiting from special interest from the emperors. The city has a population of just over 1.2 million people including the surrounding area. 12 Ethnic minorities can also be found in this area.
Main Attractions
Elephant Flag Hill.
Pictures of this famous hill in the south of the city have become iconic images representing Guilin. It is a must see attraction for visitors to the city. Many inscriptions and carvings can be seen here too.
Reed Flute Cave.
Coloured lights illuminate the strangely shaped rock formations along the path. The stalactites and stalagmites are also very impressive. This famous cave is vast and quite a sight to behold. It is also a very popular attraction.
Seven Star Park.
There are many things to do and see in the park. It's a perfect place to take a stroll and take in the many hills, bridges and caves. It lies to the east of the Li River and covers a large area.
Fubo Hill.
Situated in the northern area of the city, Fubo Hill is famous for its many carvings and inscriptions. Perhaps the most notable of these are the many images of Buddha. The top of the hill also provides a good viewpoint.
The Li River.
Take the 4 and a half hour Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo and pass by a stunning array of Karst mountains. If you stay in Yangshuo, you can also take the two hour Li River boat trip from Xingping to Yangdi.
The 4 Lakes.
You can take a relaxing boat trip on the four lakes that lets you view a blend of eastern and western architecture and appreciate the natural splendours of the city.
The Night Show.
This performance celebrates the beauty of the local area and the importance of savouring nature. The ballet part of the performance is particularly impressive.
Longsheng.
Longsheng is famous for the Longji(Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces and its range of Ethnic minorities. There is a rich blend of cultural diversity to be found here as well as a spectacular mountain landscape.
More Guilin Attractions:
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Location
The city is located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The downtown area covers an area of 565 square kilometers. It is in a basin surrounded by the Yuecheng Mountain Range, Ocean Hill, Jiaqiao Mountain Range and Tianping Hill.The city is almost directly west of Hong. There are many flights to and from Hong Kong which take about an hour. The region is in a subtropical zone with a warm and humid climate most of the year round. The altitude is 140-160 meters. The Li River goes through the main part of the city from north to south. Most of the city lies on the western bank of the Li River. The beautiful combination of rivers, parkland and mountains means Guilin makes an unforgettable impression.
Guilin City Map and County
Click here for PDF enlargements of the maps below plus more maps of the area. (Opens another window).
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