Guilin in Brief
East or west, Guilin scenery is the best. As one of China's well-known tourist scenic cities, Guilin is also a historic and cultural city with a history of over 2,000 years. Situated in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Guilin covers an area of 27,800 square kilometers (10,734 square miles) with a population of 5 millions.
The stunning unique landscape in Guilin is just like a poem "The rivers are blue satin ribbons, the hills ornaments of green jade, secluded are the caves deep and dewy, everywhere a glorious gorgeous sight.", which is shorten as "verdant hills, crystal and clear water, pretty rocks and grotesque caves". Of the hills and caves of Guilin, the most famous are Elephant Trunk Hill, Wave-Subduing Hill, Folded Brocade Hill, Reed Flute Cave and Seven-Star Cave. Amazing Li River Cruise is the highlight in Guilin that attracts thousands of tourists from home and abroad. Each of these places and many more besides, such as Seven-Star Park, Crown Cave and Four Lakes will make your Guilin journey unique and unforgettable.
As an important cultural city, Guilin has a history encompassing more than 2,000 years. Ling Canal, connecting Yangtze River System and Pearl River System, dug in 214 B.C., located in the Xing'an County of Guilin, is one of the oldest manmade canals in the world. Guilin has been the center of politics, economy and culture of Guangxi since the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). It is considered that the Solitary Beauty Peak is one of the oldest places of interest in Guilin since the far off days of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). Tomb of Prince Jingjiang is another historic attraction built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Many ethnic minorities, including Zhuang, Miao, Hui, Yao, Mulao, Dong and Maonan enrich the cultural life of Guilin. Each minority retains its own unique customs and festivals. Visitors can get in touch with these ethnic pageants at the Li River Folk Customs Center.
Guilin is a well-developed tourist city with well-equipped hotels, convenient transportation and professional tour guides. You can arrive in Guilin by air, by train or by bus and rent a bike or take free buses to get around. From luxury hotels to budget hostels, from time-honored restaurants to authentic local snacks, it is no doubt that your need will be met beyond your expectations.
