Guilin China Video
Guilin is a picturesque city located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. It is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including the iconic limestone karst mountains and the Li River. One of the best ways to explore Guilin is on foot, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s charm and discover its hidden gems. In this ultimate walking tour of Guilin, we will take you through ten sections, each highlighting a different aspect of the city.
Section 1: Exploring Elephant Trunk Hill
Start your walking tour at Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin’s most famous landmarks. The hill resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River, hence its name. As you explore the area, you’ll find lush gardens, caves, and pavilions. Don’t miss the Puxian Pagoda, which offers panoramic views of the city. This section is a great introduction to Guilin’s natural beauty.
- Puxian Pagoda: Climb to the top of the pagoda for a breathtaking view of Guilin’s skyline.
- Love Island: Take a stroll on the bridge connecting Elephant Trunk Hill to Love Island.
- Water Moon Cave: Explore the fascinating Water Moon Cave, located beneath Elephant Trunk Hill.
The Puxian Pagoda is a seven-story tower built during the Ming Dynasty. From its highest point, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, including the Li River and the surrounding karst mountains. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.
Love Island is a small island located near Elephant Trunk Hill. It is connected to the hill by a picturesque bridge. The island is known for its beautiful flowers and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couples and nature lovers.
The Water Moon Cave is a natural limestone cave that can be accessed from Elephant Trunk Hill. Inside the cave, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground lake. The cave is especially enchanting during the evening when the moonlight reflects on the water, creating a magical atmosphere.
Section 2: Discovering Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave is a mesmerizing limestone cave located just a short distance from the city center. Its name comes from the reeds growing near its entrance, which were traditionally used to make flutes. The cave is famous for its stunning rock formations, illuminated by colorful lights.
- Natural Art Gallery: Marvel at the incredible stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that resemble various shapes and animals.
- Crystal Palace: Visit the Crystal Palace, a large chamber filled with sparkling crystal formations.
- Inscriptions: Observe the ancient inscriptions on the cave walls, dating back over 1,000 years.
Reed Flute Cave is often referred to as the “Natural Art Gallery” due to its diverse and intricate formations. As you explore the cave, you’ll encounter formations resembling flowers, pagodas, and even dragons. The colorful lighting adds to the magical ambiance.
The Crystal Palace is one of the highlights of Reed Flute Cave. The chamber is adorned with countless sparkling crystal formations, creating a magical and ethereal atmosphere. The lighting inside the Crystal Palace enhances the beauty of the crystals, making it a truly enchanting experience.
Throughout Reed Flute Cave, you’ll find inscriptions carved into the walls by visitors from centuries past. These inscriptions provide insights into the cave’s historical significance and add a sense of mystery and wonder to the experience.
Section 3: Exploring Seven Star Park
Seven Star Park is Guilin’s largest comprehensive park, covering an area of approximately 120 hectares. It is named after the seven karst peaks within the park, which are said to resemble the pattern of the Big Dipper constellation. The park offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational activities.
- Panda House: Visit the Panda House and see the adorable giant pandas up close.
- Seven Star Cave: Explore the Seven Star Cave, a natural limestone cave within the park.
- Flower Bridge: Cross the Flower Bridge, a picturesque stone bridge adorned with colorful flowers.
Seven Star Park is home to a dedicated Panda House, where you can observe China’s beloved national treasures, the giant pandas. You’ll have the opportunity to see these adorable creatures eating bamboo, playing, and lounging in their natural habitat. It’s a must-visit for animal lovers.
The Seven Star Cave is a fascinating underground world waiting to be discovered. Inside the cave, you’ll find stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations. The cave is well-lit and easily accessible, making it suitable for visitors of all ages.
The Flower Bridge is a beautiful stone bridge that spans across the Li River within Seven Star Park. The bridge is surrounded by vibrant flowers, creating a picturesque scene. Take a leisurely stroll across the bridge and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Section 4: Enjoying Li River Cruise
A Li River cruise is an absolute must when visiting Guilin. Embark on a scenic boat ride along the Li River, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and breathtaking landscapes. The cruise takes you from Guilin to the charming town of Yangshuo, offering stunning views at every turn.
- Karst Landscapes: Marvel at the iconic karst mountains that line the Li River.
- Xingping Ancient Town: Explore the ancient town of Xingping, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture.
- Impression Sanjie Liu: Watch the famous Impression Sanjie Liu outdoor performance in Yangshuo.
The Li River is famous for its mesmerizing karst landscapes. As you cruise along the river, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of towering limestone peaks, lush greenery, and tranquil waters. The scenery is so stunning that it has inspired countless poets and artists throughout history.
Xingping Ancient Town is a charming riverside town located along the Li River. It is renowned for its ancient buildings, narrow streets, and picturesque scenery. Take a stroll through the town’s ancient alleys, visit local shops, and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.
The Impression Sanjie Liu is a grand outdoor performance directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The show takes place on the Li River, with a backdrop of karst mountains and illuminated bamboo rafts. It showcases the rich culture and traditions of the local Zhuang minority through music, dance, and stunning visual effects.
Section 5: Exploring Fubo Hill
Fubo Hill is a prominent landmark in Guilin, known for its unique rock formations and panoramic views of the city. It is named after General Fubo, a military general from the Tang Dynasty. The hill offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, with beautiful gardens and ancient Buddhist grottoes.
- Overlooking Guilin: Climb to the top of Fubo Hill for a bird’s-eye view of Guilin.
- Sword-Testing Rock: Discover the legendary Sword-Testing Rock, a massive rock split in two.
- Thousand Buddha Cave: Explore the Thousand Buddha Cave, a Buddhist grotto with ancient statues.
From the top of Fubo Hill, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Guilin and its surrounding landscapes. Admire the city’s skyline, the winding Li River, and the majestic karst mountains. It’s a great spot to capture stunning photographs.
The Sword-Testing Rock is a fascinating natural wonder located within Fubo Hill. Legend has it that General Fubo tested the sharpness of his sword by cutting this rock in half. The split in the rock is still visible today and serves as a reminder of the general’s strength and bravery.
The Thousand Buddha Cave is a hidden gem within Fubo Hill. Inside the cave, you’ll find a collection of ancient Buddhist statues carved into the rock walls. The flickering candlelight creates a serene and mystical atmosphere, perfect for reflection and contemplation.
Section 6: Visiting Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Guilin Two Rivers and Four Lakes is a scenic area located in the heart of the city. It consists of two rivers (Li River and Taohua River) and four interconnected lakes (Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulong Lake). The area is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and cultural performances.
- Evening Light Show: Watch the spectacular evening light show on the lakes.
- Sun and Moon Pagodas: Admire the iconic Sun and Moon Pagodas, located on Shan Lake.
- Guilin Art Museum: Visit the Guilin Art Museum and explore its collection of traditional and contemporary art.
As night falls, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area comes alive with a mesmerizing light show. Colorful lights illuminate the lakes, bridges, and surrounding buildings, creating a magical ambiance. Sit back and enjoy the enchanting spectacle as the lights dance across the water.
The Sun and Moon Pagodas are two striking landmarks within the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. The Sun Pagoda is taller and represents the sun, while the Moon Pagoda is slightly shorter and represents the moon. Both pagodas offer panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and cityscape.
The Guilin Art Museum showcases a diverse range of artwork, including traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, and contemporary art. Take your time to appreciate the talent and creativity of local artists and gain a deeper understanding of Guilin’s artistic heritage.
Section 7: Immersing in Daxu Ancient Town
Daxu Ancient Town is a well-preserved ancient town located on the banks of the Li River, approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Guilin. It dates back over 1,000 years and offers a glimpse into Guilin’s rich history and traditional culture. Walking through its narrow streets and alleys feels like stepping back in time.
- Old Street: Wander along the ancient street and soak in the town’s historic charm.
- Yuanbao Tower: Visit the Yuanbao Tower, a historic landmark in Daxu Ancient Town.
- Traditional Folk Customs: Experience the traditional folk customs and cultural activities of Daxu Ancient Town.
The Old Street of Daxu Ancient Town is the heart and soul of the town. It is lined with traditional wooden houses, local shops, and small eateries. Take a leisurely stroll, browse through the shops, and savor the nostalgic atmosphere.
The Yuanbao Tower is a three-story tower located in the center of Daxu Ancient Town. It was originally built during the Ming Dynasty and served as a trading center for merchants. Climb to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the town and the Li River.
Daxu Ancient Town is known for its vibrant folk customs and cultural traditions. Depending on the time of your visit, you may have the opportunity to witness traditional performances, participate in local festivals, or learn about ancient crafts and techniques.
Section 8: Discovering Yao Mountain
Yao Mountain, also known as Yaoshan, is the highest peak in Guilin and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. It is a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the fresh mountain air. The mountain is named after the Yao ethnic minority, who have inhabited the area for centuries.
- Cable Car Ride: Take a scenic cable car ride to the summit of Yao Mountain.
Avoid the steep climb and enjoy a leisurely cable car ride to the summit of Yao Mountain. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the city, the Li River, and the distant karst mountains. It’s a convenient and scenic way to reach the top.
