Гуйлинь

1. Lijiang River Scenic Area

The Lijiang River, a symbol of Guilin’s beauty, has been praised as “Guilin’s mountains and waters are the best under heaven” since ancient times. With a history of thousands of years, it was an important waterway for cultural and economic exchanges between the central plains and the Lingnan region. The 83-kilometer cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo passes through wonderful karst landscapes such as Nine-Horse Mural Hill and Huangbu Reflection. The river water is crystal clear, and the peaks on both sides are strange and beautiful. The local Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups have lived by the river for generations, and their fishing songs and folk customs add a unique cultural charm to the Lijiang River.

2. Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Mountain)

As the symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill gets its name because its shape is exactly like a giant elephant drinking water by the river. It has a history of more than 1,000 years and has been a must-visit place for literati and poets since the Tang and Song dynasties. There are many cliff inscriptions on the mountain, recording the poems and travel notes of past celebrities. The Shuiyue Cave under the elephant’s trunk is a famous landscape, where the reflection of the moon in the water forms a wonderful picture at night. It is not only a natural wonder, but also a cultural carrier bearing the historical memory of Guilin.

3. Solitary Beauty Peak & Prince Jing’s Mansion

Solitary Beauty Peak, standing in the center of Guilin, is known as “the first peak in Guilin”. On the cliff of the peak, the famous stone carving “Guilin’s mountains and waters are the best under heaven” can be found. Prince Jing’s Mansion at the foot of the mountain is the imperial residence of the Jingjiang Prince in the Ming Dynasty, with a history of over 600 years. The mansion has a rigorous layout, with magnificent palaces and elegant gardens. It is the best-preserved feudal prince’s mansion in China. Here, visitors can appreciate the perfect combination of ancient Chinese imperial architecture and karst mountain landscape, and understand the political and cultural status of Guilin in the Ming Dynasty.

4. Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area

The Two Rivers (Li River and Peach Blossom River) and Four Lakes (Wood Lake, Gui Lake, Banyan Lake and Cedar Lake) form the core water system of Guilin’s urban area. After the urban renovation project, it has become a beautiful scenic belt integrating natural water scenery and cultural relics. The scenic area includes ancient buildings such as the Sun and Moon Twin Towers. The Moon Tower is made of copper, and the Sun Tower is inlaid with glass, which are particularly dazzling at night. Taking a night cruise, visitors can pass by ancient bridges and traditional dwellings, enjoying the unique charm of Guilin, a “water city” in southern China.

5. Yangshuo West Street

With a history of more than 1,400 years, Yangshuo West Street is one of the oldest streets in Guangxi and a famous international tourist pedestrian street. It was originally a commercial street for local villagers, and gradually became a gathering place for foreign tourists in modern times. The street is paved with bluestone slabs, with a combination of Chinese and Western buildings on both sides. There are both traditional Chinese snack bars and western cafes and bars. It is a place where Chinese and foreign cultures blend. Visitors can buy local handcrafts, taste authentic Guilin rice noodles, and also communicate with foreign tourists, experiencing a unique cross-cultural atmosphere.

6. Yulong River Bamboo Rafting

The Yulong River, a tributary of the Lijiang River, is known as “the Little Lijiang River”. Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is a classic experience. The river is gentle and clear, and the mountains on both sides are green and beautiful. Unlike the busy Lijiang River cruise, the Yulong River is more quiet and beautiful. The local boatmen have inherited the tradition of bamboo rafting for generations, and some can sing folk songs. During the rafting, visitors can enjoy the idyllic scenery of rural Guangxi, with farmers working in the fields and ancient stone bridges spanning the river, feeling the peace and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

7. Diecai Mountain Scenic Area

Diecai Mountain, located on the west bank of the Li River, gets its name because its layered rocks look like stacked colored brocades. It has been a famous scenic spot since the Tang Dynasty, and many literati and painters have come here to paint and write poems. There are many cultural relics and historic sites on the mountain, such as the Diecai Pavilion and the Zenggong Temple. The viewing platform on the top of the mountain is an excellent place to overlook the panoramic view of Guilin’s urban area and the winding Li River. The mountain is covered with green vegetation, and the air is fresh. It is both a natural scenic area and a cultural mountain with a long history.