Guilin
Guilin © Dmitry Sumin
Guilin is a small city in southern China when compared to bustling metropolises like Beijing or Shanghai, but it is one of the country's most visited. It's name means 'forest of Sweet Osmanthus' due to the large number of Osmanthus trees in the area. The distinctive limestone karst hills provide a dramatic backdrop for the city of 1.3 million people, making it a favourite destination for avid photographers.

The hills were formed in tectonic shifts about 200 million years ago, and limestone sediments thrust up from the sea to form the unusual hills, caves, and stone forests which are so distinctive of Guilin.

Guilin's two major lakes, Banyan Lake (Rong Hu) and Cedar Lake (Shan Hu) offer scenic boat trips to view the hills, along with pagodas, bridges and centuries-old banyan trees. They are connected via waterway to other lakes in Guilin as well. Another popular boat tour goes along the Li River to the town of Yangshuo.

Guilin is a tourist-oriented city, with all the amenities you'd expect from one, including comprehensive public transport, local and western restaurants, and overpriced souvenirs. The city is popular with local tourists as well, in part because of the clean air.



Attractions

Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill © Bernt Rostad

Elephant Trunk Hill

This hill, on the banks of the Li River, has a large natural arch cut into it that is said to resemble an elephant drinking water. The opening of the arch is called Water Moon Cave because the reflection of the moon at night appears as though it is both in and out of the water. Often used as a symbol of the city, the arch is a popular photo spot in Guilin. At the top of the hill is a two-story pagoda built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), meant to resemble a vase on the elephant's back when viewed from afar. Trees planted by the city block the view of the arch from across the river, so the only way to get to it is through Elephant Trunk Hill.

Transport: Take sightseeing bus 1 to Xiangshan Park.; Opening time: 8:30am-4:40pm; Admission: ¥40


Reed Flute Cave
Reed Flute Cave © BenBerklund/Carolyn Cook

Reed Flute Cave

This limestone cave, about 3 miles (5km) outside of Guilin, has impressive rock formations that resemble everything from lions and monkeys to the skyline of Guilin itself. Guides will take you on an hour-long tour through the cave and point out various formations, and inscriptions on the wall that date back to the Tang dynasty. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside the cave, and be prepared to wait for more people if you are in a group of less than 20.

Transport: Bus 3; Opening time: 8am to 5:30pm; Admission: ¥90

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