Guilin Introduction

The hills and rivers of Guilin are the best across the world. This praise is popular among most Chinese of all ages as well as regular tourists from other countries.

Guilin is located in a region with typical Karst formations and collects the cream of the picturesque Li River. The town is most famous for the 'Four Perfections', namely verdant hills, emerald-green rivers, unusual caves and elegant stones. It is also blessed with green lands, steep hills, deep pools, running springs and swift waterfalls. Hence Guilin has become a paradise for sightseers and recreationists from every corner of the globe.

Guilin, in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is situated in the subtropical zone and subject to monsoonal influence. It has four distinct seasons and the mild climate offers opportunities for tourists throughout the year. Together with the adjacent regions and counties, the total city administrative area covers about 28 thousand square kilometers (7 million acres). It is inhabited by about 4.95 million people, comprised of many nationalities, including over 10 minority ethnic groups such as the Miao, Dong, Zhuang, Yao, Mulam, Maonan.

Historically, Guilin was first established as an administrative county as early as during the reign of the first emperor of the Chinese feudalist society - Qin Shi Huang (259 BC - 210 BC). Consequently, it is also famous for many cultural relics. The transportation hub,  Ling Canal was originally constructed by Emperor Qin as he longed for the unification of all of China. The Tomb of Prince Jinjiang of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) is the most complete preserved imperial mausoleum in China.

Li River: Guilin to Ox Gorge, Ox Gorge to Water-Dropping Village, Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo
Guilin: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Diecai Hill, Solitary Beauty Peak, Tombs of Prince Jingjiang
Yangshuo: Moon Hill, Tall Banyan, West Street (Xi Jie)

Apart from Li River, the best scenic spots in Guilin also include 'The Artistic Palace of Nature'- Reed Flute Cave, the heavenly Seven Star Park, the renowned symbol of Guilin City - Elephant Trunk Hill, as well as the distinctively beautiful hills of Diecai Shan, such as Solitary Beauty Peak and Fubo Hill. The natural wonders of rivers, hills, caves and stones are intertwined, so it is easy to be astounded during your exploration.

 Nearby Towns
The nearby Longsheng and Sanjiang and Yangshuo are also good options for an extended tour. It is always exhilarating to experience the unique terraces, houses, drum towers, wind & rain bridges and local customs of the minorities in these places. Yangshuo, at the termination of the Li River cruise, is also the most brilliant part of it. Its West Street is a cross-cultural street where western authentic coffee and restaurants and Chinese tea and antiques are in harmony.