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| Kuoni Travel — China 2008 |
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 | Guilin, Yangshuo, Yunnan Province and Macau (9 pages) |
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A scenery so stunning and magical, it is arguably the most beautiful area of China.
guilin & yangshuo
With a stunning setting against a dramatic mountain backdrop alongside the banks of the picturesque Li River, verdant Guilin and charming Yangshuo offer mesmeric scenery, a relaxed pace of life and unforgettable memories.
INFORMATION Population: 830,000 (Guilin) Airport: Guilin Liangjiang Time Difference: GMT +8 Transport: The best way to get around Guilin is either by taxi or bicycle. In Yangshuo three wheeled motor vehicles or bicycles are popular. Geography: Lying in the basin surrounded by the Yuecheng Range, Ocean Hill, Jiaqiao Range and Tianping Hill, the topography is dominated by stunning limestone karts. Weather: Year round the weather can get humid and is prone to occasional outbreaks of rain, particularly April to August. Temperatures reach 28°C in the summer and 9°C in January. Banks: The Bank of China in both Guilin and Yangshuo changes cash and travellers cheques, as do most hotels. Guilin also has an ATM. Souvenirs: Guilin offers a selection of woodcarvings, however the painted fans in Yangshuo are particularly attractive. GUILIN CITY MAP
Huanb ai Lu
Wave Subduing Hill Solitary Beauty Peak
Sa nd uo
Fubo Park
gN an lu
Lu
Ro ng hu B
Jiefa ng L u
Ronghu Lake Guilin Bravo
Xi i ny Lu
eil u
Fir Lake
gs ha n Lu
on Zh
Elephant Trunk Hill
Guilin Station
Shanghai Lu
see & do
We recommend a minimum of two nights in Guilin or one night each in Guilin and Yangshuo to fully enjoy the outstanding beauty of this verdant area. LIMESTONE KARSTS The breathtaking section of the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo has long held an alluring attraction to visitors over the years due the mesmerising scenery provided by the dramatic limestone ridges, known as `karsts', that dominate the area. Similar to the scenery of Halong Bay in Vietnam, they were formed by geological disruptions millions of years ago and over time have been shaped by nature to form the breathtaking landscape we enjoy today. YANGSHUO RIVER EXCURSIONS While tempting to while away a day or two in the scenic village of Yangshuo, we recommend taking time to discover one or more of the many villages that are close by, perhaps even extending your stay to do so. Cruise down the river to the traditional stone houses and cobbled streets of charming Fuli, or join one of the organised boat trips to Yangdi and Xingping. The surrounding scenery is aweinspiring and well worth the effort. DINING OUT IN YANGSHUO The central West Street and nearby lanes bustle with a tantalising variety of little restaurants and cafés serving an eclectic fusion of western and Chinese dishes. At its southern end a daily night market opens up with outdoor stalls serving an exotic mix of local specialities. For a less commercial experience, head for the Farmer's Trading Market. Open all day, this is the best place to try the famous Yangshuo Pijiuyu dish, a freshly caught fish from the Li River cooked with tomato, ginger, chillies and beer. THE RICE TERRACES OF LONGSHENG For a memorable off-the-beaten-track tour to see stunning mountain scenery with a one night stay in a remote village (see p94).
1 2 3 4 1 Tibet Hotel, Chengdu 2 Sofitel Wanda, Chengdu 3 Lhasa Hotel, Tibet 4 Reed Flute Cave 5 Cormorant fisherman on the Li River
Li
Ri
ve r
Sheraton
Bin jia n
Banyan Lake
The modern town of Guilin is an oasis of colour with lush gardens, colourful flowerbeds and osmnathus trees lining the streets. However the attraction of Guilin is really the stunning scenery that envelops it. Famous for its majestic limestone karsts and crystal clear waters, the natural beauty found along the Li River make it an essential part of any visit to China. Do nothing more than relax on a scenic cruise, absorb the captivating scenery and enjoy life at a leisurely pace. Downstream, Yangshuo is a homely haven nestled within the most beautiful karst scenery to be found along the river. A relaxed pace of life awaits and the flat landscape of verdant rice fields and trickling streams invite a genteel afternoon of exploration by bicycle.
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call 01306 740500 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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