Guilin, China
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East or west, Guilin landscape is best!' Located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China,
Guilin is considered to be the pearl of China's thriving tourist industry on account of the natural beauty and historic treasures. Covering an area of about 27,800 square kilometers (10,734 square miles), the city is rather compact when compared with other major tourist cities in the country. The stunning landscape in which the city is situated has a kind of magic that is all its own. The strangely shaped hills or karsts, with the verdant vegetation ranging from bamboos to conifers together with crystal clear waters and wonderful caves make the city such an appealing destination. It is also an important cultural city with a history of more than 2,000 years. The city has been the political, economic and cultural center of Guangxi since the Northern Song Dynasty. A Half-day city tour can include visit to Seven Star Park, Fubo Hill; Do visit Longji Terraces and Longsheng Town; No trip is complete without going on a Li River Cruise. |
Fubo Hill
Rising from the ground, Fubo Hill slopes into the Li River in the east and looms in the west over the ground. Waves run back wherever they meet the blocks thus it gets the name. A tale also has it that Ma Yuan, called General Fubo, of the Han Dynasty had once passed by Guilin on a southern expedition. He poured all the pearls he carried into the river, so the hill was named after him in his memory, and there used to be a Fubo Pavilion on the hill in Tang Dynasty. |
Seven-star Park
Seven-star Park is located in the urban area of Guilin City and on the east bank of Li River, through which Xiaodong River is passing. The park takes its name from the fact that the four peaks on Putuo Hill and the three peaks on Crescent Hill that form the main part of the park replicate the pattern of the seven stars in the Ursa Major constellation (Great bear or Big Dipper). A further hill, known as Camel Hill is another attraction of the park. |
Li River Cruise
It is a bright pearl on the list of China"s tourist attractions and it is the highlight of sightseeing tour in Guilin. The 83-kilometer journey boat from Guilin down the river to Yangshuo through the numerous loft peaks of varied shapes is just like enjoying a melodious symphony. Li River is by far the main reason to visit Guilin. In contrast to the burgeoning cities of the north, it is quiet here; the rural scenery is magnificent. |
Longji Terraced Field
The Longji Terraces are situated in Longsheng County about 2 hours drive from Guilin. The rice terraces are built into the hillsides. The terraces resemblethe great chains or ribbons as they meander from the foot to the top of the hills. This smart construction makes the best use of the limited arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. The Terraces were first started in the Yuan dynasty and finished d in the Qing dynasty by the Zhuang people. |
Longsheng Town
The town of Longsheng, surrounded by mountains in four sides, is situated in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, 100 km away from Guilin. It is a famous tourist spot well-known for her enchanting scenery, plenty of local products and various colorful ethnic groups" customs. With a total area of 2442 square kilometers, the town is inhabited by Yao, Miao, Dong, Zhuang and Han people. Built on the mountain slopes, the town boasts rows of tall buildings separated by banyan trees in some places. |