Situated in China's Guangxi Region, Guilin is a scenic town and one of the best-known tourist destinations in China. There are many scenic places within short traveling distance of Guilin. These include Longsheng with its famous Longji rice terraces; The Li jiang river, a scene of which is printed on the back of ?20 bank notes; Yangshuo, a small city downstream form Guilin; and much more. This makes Guilin an excellent base for exploring the northern end of Guangxi region. Guilin is a beautiful city. The town center is surrounded by two rivers and four lakes and studded with shear sided karst mountains. Outside the city center, the buildings are less well kept. The main industry in the city is tourism.
Guilin itself is like most other medium size Chinese cities, other than that it has a large number of western-style hotels, tourists and is relatively free of air pollution. Many Chinese domestic tourists also flock to this area. What makes it special is its proximity to many picturesque limestone mountains and formations. Guangxi and Guilin are home to 12 different ethnic minorities besides the Han Chinese. Guangxi is an autonomous region for the Zhuang ethnic group, rather than a province. Li River Cruise The river takes a big turn at Xingping and endowed with beautiful and poetic scenery. It has been reproduced in many Chinese landscape paintings. Even the newly-issued 20 RMB note has the scenery on its back. A photographer once said: 'Shots from any perspective for this place turn to be impressive and stunning'. A 'village' on the river bank is worthy a visit. Chinese call it a 'village' because of the fact that nowadays it is inhabited by villagers. Actually, it is an age-old castle complex survived from over 500 years ago. Although some courtyard buildings have weathered through ages, the simple but elegant flying-eaves, roofs with colorful paintings, lattice windows and unique timber structures present the folk residence from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The villagers have the same surname of Zhao, so it is rumored that they are descendents of the imperial family in the Song Dynasty. Both Dr. Sun Yet-sun, the pioneer of China's democratic revolution and US president Colinton paid a visit to the village on their visits to Li River. Ox Gorge About 30 km (18.6 miles) far from Guilin City, Ox Gorge lies south of Millstone Hill. It's a long and narrow gorge with most of its surrounding mountains shaped like oxen, hence the name Ox Gorge. What's more, there are many other mountains looking like lions, tigers, horses and embroidery balls. The waters of the Li River are cut into two at Ox Gorge and the sand beach in the river is divided into three parts. In ancient times, the grand view formed by the water that slapped against the sheer cliff was highly regarded by the famous traveler Xu Xiake of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Having been dredged and reconstructed several times, the left branch was set as the present-day mainstream of the river. There are nine stones in the river formed from nine oxen according to the legend. The scene is named Nine Oxen Playing with Water. The open river area, the elegant peaks and the absurd stones really differ from the scenery you see in other spots along the river. At the end of the sand beach, there is a deep pool called Chenxiang Pool, situated under the cliff of the Stone Hill. It is one of the three deep pools in Li River. Many dragon-like stalactites are suspended from the cliff over the pool. This scene is the noted Dragons Playing with Water. Ox Gorge is the boundary between the first and second section of Li River Cruise. Nightlife in Guilin Highlights Nightlife in Guilin is as attractive as its natural beauty. From modern nightclubs, romantic night cruise to folk customs center on the Li River, travelers can enjoy or relax themselves thoroughly. The Li River Yinzuo Ferry is located at No.2 Dock, Binjiang Road on the west bank of Li River. This luxury ferry integrates ballroom, bar and Karaoke together. Travelers can admire the fantastic scenery on both banks and enjoy the modern entertainment. Li River Ethnic Night is made up of Li River Night Cruise and Dancing in the Water Pavilion. The water pavilion is located at No.2 Dock, Binjiang Road on the west bank of Li River, next to the Li River Yinzuo Ferry. Travelers can watch the ethnic performance and then enjoy a cruise along the Li River. Li River Folk Customs Center is located where Li River meets the Xiaodong River. Travelers will appreciate the ethnic customs, arts, cuisines and architecture. Enjoying the singing, dancing performance and ethnic costume show as well, travelers are sure to find tasting the ethnic delicacies a memorable experience.