Water System in Guilin, Two Rivers & Four Lakes
Water System in Guilin, also known as “Two Rivers and Four Lakes”, consists of Li River, Peach Blossom River, Ronghu Lake (Banyan Lake), Shanhu Lake (Fir Lake), Guihu Lake (Osmanthus Lake) and Mulong Lake (Wooden Dragon Lake). This round-the-city waterway is 7.33km in length with an total water surface area of 385.9 thousand km². 
According to historical records, this circular water system was first existed in Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). At that time, Ronghu Lake, Shanhu Lake and Guihu Lake were linked together and numerous visitors had cruised on it. However, some ponds and waterways had been blocked because of the urbanization process. After over 1,000 days and nights’ hard work, this new Water System was open to navigation on June 2nd, 2002.
There are two kinds of ways to enjoy this splendid water system—cruising on sight-seeing ship and walking on foot either at daytime or in the evening. Water system includes three main scenic areas: Ronghu Lake & Shanhu Lake Scenic Area—perfectly displaying an artistic conception of “the city of Guilin is surrounding by picturesque scenery while the scenery can be seen everywhere in the city”; Guihu Lake Scenic Area—traditional and exotic pavilions standing harmonious with numerous colorful trees and flowers; Mulong Lake Scenic Area—highlighting the features of the natural landscape combing with historical cultures and architectures.
Water System in Guilin, a passionate and imaginative project, can be compared with the waterways of Venice, the Seine of Paris and the Amsterdam Canal. At present, it is one of the hottest attractions with high reputation in Guilin and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.
Tips:
1. How to get the docks
Zhiyintai Dock: No.2 and No.23 Buses, get off at Elephant Hill Stop.
Wenchang Bridge Dock: No.2, No.16 and No.23 Buses, get off at Wenchang Bridge Stop.
Six Horse Dock: No.10, No.11, No.14, No.18 and No.31 Buses
2. Duration of Visit
Daytime: 9:30am-6pm
Night: 7:30pm-9:30pm
