Guilin - Best Under Heaven By Chen Jun, Congress Director ISPRS Council 2004 - 2008 Guilin is located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region southwestern China, with a history of more than 2,000 years. The city proper covers 565 square kilometers. Over 600,000 people live in the city. Guilin is hailed by many as the most beautiful place in China and is one of the must-see destinations for most foreign tourists. According to a popular Chinese saying, "Guilin's scenery bests all others in the world." Its shapely-rising limestone towers and crystal-clear waters are often portrayed in Chinese artworks. Adding to its natural beauty are many fascinating caves. Lijiang River
Elephant Trunk Hill It is so named because of its resemblance to an elephant's sipping water from the Lijiang River with its trunk. The hill is on the western bank of the Lijiang River, 55 meters above the water, 108 meters in length and 100 meters in width. The cave between the "trunk" and the "body" is called "Moon-over-Water Cave". The sight is very representative of the landscape around Guilin. During sunset, the view is more attractive. Here is a legend about the hill. The Emperor of Heaven set out to conquer the Earth with his elephant. The elephant worked so hard to provide transport and finally got ill seriously. Some farmers saved his life. The elephant was very grateful and decided to stay on earth and help the farmers. The Emperor of Heaven was so angry. He thrust his sword into the elephant and turned the elephant into the rocky hill. A pagoda erected on top of the hill stands for the hilt of the sword. Reed Flute Cave
Fubo Hill
Yangshuo
Guilin is also a good place for understanding many ethnic minorities of China. There are Zhuang, Yao, Hui, Miao, Mulao, Maonan and Dong etc.. Each minority has its own unique customs and festivals. In the picturesque surroundings, being with local people from different ethnic groups will be an exciting experience. |
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