About Guilin, Longsheng, Yangshuo, and Li River
Explore Guangxi’s green countryside and distinctive limestone peaks. Around Guilin and Yangshuo, cycling routes offer a close view of villages, fields, and rivers. The region also provides opportunities for walking and rock climbing among its karst formations.
Guangxi is a melting pot of minority groups, and hiking from village to village around the Zhuang, Dong, and Yao areas of the northeast makes trips to the Soaring Dragon's Backbone Rice Terrace and the sublime Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge even more rewarding. It also opens up the possibility of staying with locals in traditional wooden houses.
If all that sounds too energetic, it's easy to slow things down with a simple stroll around an ancient village, while an aimless wander along the 19th-century streets of Beihai's old town is a highlight of a trip to the far south.
Longsheng Rice Terrace
The Longji Terraced Rice Fields are located 23 kilometers (14 miles) from Longsheng city. They are the most famous rice terraces in China. People started working on this particular terrain from the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368). Today, the fields cover an area of over 66 square kilometers (16,300 acres) and at its highest point is 1100 meters high (3600 feet).
Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Terraced Rice Fields received their name because the rice terraces resemble a dragon's scales, while the summit of the mountain range looks like the backbone of the dragon. Visitors standing on the top of the mountain can see the dragon's spine twisting off into the distance. In the early morning, when the weather is good, the sunrise on the summit of Longji Rice Terraces is magnificent.
The terraced rice fields make Longji a paradise for photographers and people interested in China's minority cultures. In the morning, many visitors like to get up early to watch the sunrise above the terraced peaks. During the day time, it is lovely to see minority women working in the fields in all of their colorful costumes.
Li River
The Li River winds between limestone hills, rice fields, and bamboo groves. Explore by boat or from riverside paths to appreciate the clear water and changing views of Guilin’s celebrated karst landscape.
Famed as "Guilin scenery is the best under heaven", people are stunned by its unsurpassed beauty. Li River is the soul of Guilin. Cruise on the two rivers and four lakes in Guilin, or boat on a bamboo raft in Yangshuo, and you may experience the lifestyle of a fairy. Cruising on the Li River has four different waterways.
Yangshuo
Near Guilin, Yangshuo is known for its limestone peaks and picturesque rivers. Many visitors arrive by cruising down the Li River. The town offers restaurants, shops, guesthouses, and bars, while the surrounding countryside provides opportunities for cycling, walking, and exploring riverside villages.
Cycle through the countryside around Yangshuo, passing limestone peaks, rice fields, and farming villages. Local roads offer changing views of the region’s rural landscape. Bicycles are available to rent in town, and guided rides help you explore routes suited to your interests.
Guilin
Guilin city is more than just a gateway to the surrounding scenic areas. With countless limestone peaks and the Li River running across the downtown, Guilin city is like a natural wonderland of karst topography. Its natural skyline is rarely to be seen in other cities in the world. Elephant Trunk Hill and Camel Hill shape vividly like real animals as they are named. Solitary Beauty Peak, Fubo Hill, and Reed flute Cave are also famed for their unique beauty. When night falls, it is the time to relax in the bars on the Pedestrian Street. Guilin is where you would always wish to come back.
