Attraction & Sightseeing In Guilin
 River
tours between Guilin and Yangshuo are an extremely popular way to see
the natural scenery along the river, which is some of the best in
China. However, the tours can be on the expensive side with a one way
ride to Yangshuo costing about RMB360 and some trips costing as much
as RMB500 (but including a bus ride back to Guilin). These prices also
include lunch on the boat.
Tickets
can be booked through many hotels or bought at the ticket office on
Binjiang Road near the Lijiang River and south of Fir Lake. The boats
leave in the early morning at about 8 or 8:30 am and hotel shuttles to
the dock typically leave at 7:30am.
As
the best sections of natural scenery are near Yangshuo, if you plan to
spend a lot of time in Yangshuo, then you may wish to skip the Guilin
Lijiang River tour and take one of the minibuses that leave Guilin
South Railway station, where trains from Beijing
and Shanghai (and all destinations north) arrive. The bus should cost
you RMB5 and this is the most convenient way to reach Yangshuo.
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 The
Ling Canal (Ling Qu) in Xing'an County, has an interesting and
ancient history. Construction of the canal was begun by the first
Emperor of China with the aim of supplying his troops and uniting the
empire.
The
canal is a masterpiece of China's ancient irrigation methods and is one
of the oldest canals in the world. The area makes for a nice day trip if
you like hiking or visiting ancient Chinese ruins.
How
to get there: The market town of Xing'an, the seat of Xing'an
County, is about 70 kilometers north of Guilin and reachable by a two
hour bus that departs from the long distance bus station daily at 11:30
am. Xing'an can also be reached by train from Guilin as well as by
minibuses that leave from the Guilin Railway Station.
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 About
an hour bicycle ride southeast of Yangshuo, is Moon Hill (Yueliang
Shan). The fantastic views from the top have made this hill one of
Yangshuo's best attractions! Moon Hill has a natural round cave at the
peak and from a distance, the cave (a hole in the peak) resembles the
moon, hence the name.
Moon
Hill Village can also be seen from Moon Hill's peak. Local
villagers will offer guided tours of Moon Hill and the surrounding
peaks, caves (see below) and villages for relatively reasonable prices
(RMB50-100 for one day). They are quite friendly and may even offer you
lunch at their home as part of the tour.
Between
the village and Moon Hill, stands a Banyan tree
that according to legend, was planted in the Jin Dynasty, about 1,500
years ago. While impressive and very old, up close you will find it is
just an old tree and not particularly inspiring!
On
the way to or back from Moon Hill, it is great fun to explore the nearby
caves. The Black Buddha New Water Caves
and the Black Dragon Caves are lots
of fun for those who love a little adventure. The Black Dragon Caves
tour is partly by boat and requires some wading. This expedition takes
you through some great underground swimming holes so go prepared to get
wet and dirty! The caves are only open in
the summer and tours cost as much as RMB100, but you can
bargain (especially when part of a larger group) and it is very much
worth it.
How
to get there: By bicycle, take the main road leaving Yangshuo
and take a right heading south. Travel for less than an hour (10
kilometers one way) and you'll see Moon Hill on your right. Moon Hill is
also reachable by car or mini-bus from Yangshuo via the highway.
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 Reed
Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) contains some of the most extraordinary
underground scenery in all of China.
The
natural rock formations in the cave make up several scenes including
"Primitive Forest", "Crystal Palace", and
"Flower and Fruit Mountain". While the multi-colored lighting
may be annoying, the caves are really quite impressive.
You
can either follow one of the tours that go through the cave every 20
minutes, or take your time rejoining a tour later on.
Reed
Flute Cave is located on the northwest outskirts of Guilin, 5 kilometers
away from the downtown area. Tickets into the cave cost RMB45 and it is
well worth it.
How
to get there: Take Bus No. 3 from the Railway Station to the
cave.
Open: 8:30am to 11am and 12:30 to 3:30pm daily.
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Sightseeing
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