I already gave a short description about the karst Chinese city Yangshou. I would like to give the complete details of the attractions found there and explore the beauty of the place.
Yangshuo a very scenic, small tourist town surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery. Yangshuo is near Guilin and like Guilin, it has incredible karst scenery and a parade of Chinese package tourists who can be spotted wearing baseball caps and following a tour leader who carries a flag.
Many travellers use Yangshuo as a base and spend their time exploring the karst scenery and rivers, or checking out caves and local temples. Renting a bike and taking off into the countryside, with or without a guide, is one popular strategy. There is also a whole community of rock climbers enjoying hills and caves.
Others just take it easy in the many cafes and bars. While this certainly isn't the whole story, the town is in some ways a break from the rest of China. For this reason, it is very popular with foreigners who work in China.
Stepping towards the detailed description of the major attractions lets start with the
Li River
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the Li River become one of China's top tourist destinations.The poetic and picturesque Li River originates in Mountain Cat at Xinan county in the northeast of Guilin. It winds and meanders its way for 170 kilometers, passing through Guilin, Yangshuo to the outlet of Gongchen river in Pingle county. Li River, according to its different scenes, may be divided into three sections:Guilin to Ox Gorge,Ox Gorge to Water-Dropping Village and Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo.
The trip starts from the dock south of Liberation Bridge in Guilin downtown area. Otherwise some agencies will transport tourist to by a one-hour bus ride to catch the cruise. The river trip is over eighty kilometers (52 miles) long and is estimated to take seven to eight hours. The eye-feasting landscape and country scenery will never disappoint you.
It is a Chinese tradition to divide the long trip into sections (just as the Three gorges along the Yangtze River) and give each peak an imaginative name. Although some take much of your imagination to see what it is like, listening to tour guide's legendary stories behind them is a delightful experience when you are appreciating the landscapes.The 83-km-long waterway from Guilin to Yangshuo is the masterpiece of Li River, decorated with rolling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves, leisurely boats and lined bamboos which is just like enjoying a melodious symphony.The River looks like a blue silk ribbon, and the mountains resemble emerald hairpins".
Along the river, the rolling peaks, steep cliffs, green hills and clear water constitute a fascinating hundred-mile pictures gallery. The crystal clear Li River is located amid precipitous peaks hung with waterfalls. Among poems singing the praise of its beauty are these tow lines: "He who travels in Guilin hills finds himself in a fairyland", and "He who sails along the Li River finds himself boating in a sweet dream."
The most beautiful scenes of Guilin scenery are found along the Li-River.The hills beyond hills with their reflections in the crystal water are like fairy land, the green bamboo greets you all the way along the river in the breeze; the water buffaloes eating grass casually; the ducks swimming along the river; the fisherman fishing or catnapping on the bamboo rafts with his cormorants resting peacefully next to him, it's God dotted landscape. "Serenity" is a word poet tried to describe, "story-book-mountains" is kids say about the hills. Chinese traditional paintings are what Chinese artists have being trying to depict the scenery for thousands of years. But the natural beauty of the Li-River is indeed beyond any descriptions, you have to be there to see with your own eyes and to feel with your own heart.
The Li River is famous for its beauty of four unique: verdant mountains, fragrant waters, mysterious grottoes, and exquisite rocks. Along the river, there are deep pools, dangerous shoals, murmuring springs, and roaring waterfalls. Going downstream in a tourist boat, one can enjoy spectacular views of crowded towering peaks along the riverbanks, waterfalls suspending over forests of rocks, and their crashing sprays upon jutting rocks. What one marvels at most is the Picture Cliff. It's endowed by nature's uncanny workmanship, with a smooth flat surface. Seen from a distant boat, due to the interplay of various shades of brilliant colors upon it, the surface looked as if painted with a picture of faintly discernible 9 houses. On the crest of the peak, poised a colossal "steed", rearing its head and neighing, while by its side two "Colts" were grazing. One can see " The Avant-garde Horse" on the summit of Yuwei Peak and "The Horse Falling Behind" on Mahuang Mountain.
The major sceneries to be enjoyed along the river are
Elephant Trunk Hill
Situated majestically on the western bank of Li River, the hill resembles an elephant sucking water from the river with its long trunk. It is supposed to be the landmark of Guilin landscape, which you can find on travel brochures or books. The most impressive is said to be the water reflection of a moon-like cave when the moonlight sprinkles over the river, hence the name 'Moon over the Water'.
Pagoda Hill
A few minutes down from the Elephant Hill on the west bank is a small hill topped with a pagoda. The hexagonal pagoda is called Longevity Buddha Pagoda (Shoufo Ta) dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is said the second floor has stone Buddha figurines on display and the hill is compassed in Chuanshan Park. In autumn, the hill illuminated with red maples is very charming.
Pagoda Hill is located in the southern areas of Guilin on the western bank of The Li River and surrounded by Chuanshan Park. It was given name from the seven-story, hexagonal solid pagoda, which was built during the Tang Dynasty. The pagoda has called Longevity Buddha Pagoda (Shoufo Ta) since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Stone Buddha figurines are on display on the second floor. In autumn, the hill is very charming due to covered with red maples. Local people often come to here, because the hill is regarded as Worship Hill. It is highly reputed as its unique shape, though the hill is quite small. Many tourists come here to experience the unique reflection of the Hill in the Lijiang River and Xiaodong River.
Daxu Town
Perching on the northern bank of Li River, the ancient town keeps in its antique style from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). A flagging street, lined with old residences, shops and stalls, runs two kilometers along the river bank through the town. Some well-preserved residences hidden behind the street door may give you surprises you when you occasionally explore further into a shop. These are quarters for businessmen in the past times. Have a try on various dumping snacks on the stalls or peddle cars along the street. Some will surprise you with both its taste and cheap price. People in the town are very kind to tourists. Further to south, there is a single-arched bridge in the town named Longevity Bridge.The town is really a sight off-the-beaten track. Opposite the town on the other side of the river, a millstone-like rock with the running waters creates the scene of Grinding Grain.
Half-Side Ferry (Ban Bian Du)
Not very far from the Crown Cave on the western bank, a huge rock descends into the river and cuts off a footpath by the water edge. Villagers have to take a ferry to reach the other side and continue the way. So, this spot gets its name Half-Side Ferry (for usually ferry means to transport people by boat across a body of water and reach the opposite bank)
Down stream from Yangdi to Xingping, the river passes an endless procession of distinct peaks and bamboo groves and the stunning landscape. This part is the highlight of the cruise. Pinnacled peaks pop up and surprise visitors at each bend of the river. Water buffalos patrol on the fields; ducks paddle in the waters; peasants reap paddies in front of village houses; fishermen use the cormorants to catch the fish and return them to the boat and kids go home singing songs. All these create an idyllic and beautiful scene of the life removed from concrete cities.
A reputed attraction is Mural Hill, a 100-meter-high cliff face, which has been weathered and has stratified rock surface in various shades of colors. It is rumored that the colors present nine horses and a person who can identify them out is considered smart. Legendary stories are given to hill rocks and peaks and it is a delightful experience to appreciate the stunning landscape while listening to tour guide's interpretation of the stories behind it.
Cormorants are good sized birds who enjoy diving underwater in search of fish. Fishermen use the cormorants to catch the fish and return them to the boat. Usually fishermen seem to be more sun-tanned. The fisherman drive the birds into the water where they dive below the surface in search of fish. When the birds catch a fish they return to the boat and the fisherman removes the fish from their throat and places it in the basket. The secret is that the fisherman places a cord around the bird's neck to keep the bird from swallowing the fish.
Water Buffalo
You will see buffalos gazing along the river bank or patrolling on the fields. They seem to be indispensable friends of peasants, especially for kids.
Yellow Cloth Shoal
Boating downstream southward from the Mural Hill about 500 meters, peaks become steep and the river become wide and quiet. A huge yellow flagstone lying under the limpid waters can easily be seen. It is like a cloth piece and people called it Yellow Cloth Shoal. There are seven green peaks standing nearby. A legend goes that the seven peaks are fairy girls from the heaven who took baths in the river. Enthralled by the charming scene, they stayed here and become into the peaks. With verdant bamboos, the green peaks under the blue sky reflected on the quiet waters create a spectacular scene. Sometimes, people doubt they see boats floating on hill tops. Many Chinese paintings and poems present this charming scene and tourists run out of their films for it.
Xingping Village
Xingping, located by the Li River, is a time-honored ancient township. Dating back to the Three Kingdom Period, it boasts a long history of thousands of years.
The peaks here rise like so many needles, while the rivers are like ribbons. The Tablet Hill, Five-Finger Hill seem to be floating on the water. Xingping River meanders from east to west into the Li River. The reflection of the trees, bamboos and peaks present a watercolor painting.Downstream from Xingping are the Snail Hill, Carp Hill, Shuiluo Village and green mountains dotted with cottages, fields, trees and bamboo groves.
The cruise form Yangshuo to Xingping is a "must do" for many adventurous travelers who want to see the mountains and Li River from another vantage point. The fascinating shapes and coloration of the Limestone Mountains sometimes tell a story. River men eagerly point out such sights as "Nine Horses Painted Cliff", "Monk and Nun's Peak", and "Snail Hill". With bikes loaded onto small riverboats, energetic tourists travel up, enjoy the serenity of the magnificent hills surrounding the town, and then bike back by way of winding country roads.Rows of houses in the village were built with green bricks and black roof, with typical household characteristics of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The houses have a history of nearly 500years but are still well kept.
Natural scenery in the area is eye-catching. A variety of mountains including Liyu (carp), Jinwa (golden tile), Yuanbao and Jiandao (sword and blade) stand aside as if they are bodyguards protecting this small village.Behind the village is a precipitously hilly site called Tianshui Stockade. Despite its strategic place in military history, it covers an area of only three acres. Surrounded by cliffs, the area can only be traversed by walking though a narrow path.
Lotus Cave
Lotus Cave, located three kilometers (1.9 miles) northeast of Xingping Town in Yangshuo, is praised profusely for its stunning Karst cave landscape, especially the 108 cave lotuses, a remarkable spectacle highly recommended by travelers from home and abroad.
The Karst cave is over 600 meters (656 yards) long, 38 meters (125 feet) high at its highest and 25 meters (27 yards) across at its widest. It is bottle-like, with the mouth of the cave as its narrowest part.
At the entrance, a cluster of stalactites hanging upside down in the shape of lotus petals is rather conspicuous. This is the famous sight called 'the Lotus Petals Suspended Upside Down'. Anyone who notices the lotus blossom will be fascinated by this masterpiece of nature.
The lotus pond's broad, smooth surface is interspersed with 108 stone plates. Because of their resemblance to lotus leaves, these plates are called cave lotuses. The diameters of the plates range from 20 or 30 centimeters (8 or 12 inches) to one and a half meters (59 inches). It is somewhat even more miraculous that there are several cave pearls in each plate, just like lotus seeds that appear strikingly true to life. In the spring and summer, water collects in the cave, and the cave lotuses float on the pond. The impressive scene makes this geological marvel too wonderful for words.
Shutong Hill
Shutong Hill stands prominently at the junction of the Tianjia River and the Li River. It runs nearly 2 kilometers (about 1.24 miles) away from Yangshuo County. A rock of 10 meters (about 32.8 feet) high stretches out in a slot on the north hillside. The rock takes the shape of a bow-backed schoolboy reading a book attentively - just as the legend suggests. On the south of Shutong Hill stands majestic Chanticleer Hill, like a rooster heralding in the dawn. The Shutong Hill and the Chanticleer Hill compose a picture of 'studying in dawn'. Zhuobi Peak, like an upside-down brush sits on the eastside of Shutong Hill. These peaks are mirrored in the still water of the Li River, like a colorful landscape painting. Looking around, Tianjia Bay, studded with hamlets and bamboos, lies to the west of Shutong Hill. Along these mountains and Li River are old buildings and bridges.Guilin's scenery is often noted as the most beautiful of the world. Yangshuo's scenery is, arguably, superior to that of Guilin.
Yangdi Town
Yangdi Town is located among an array of rolling hills. It is home to many famous scenic spots including the Gong-Drum shoal (Luogutan), White Tiger Hill (Baihushan) and the Yangdi Water-fall.
Down stream from Yangdi to Xingping, the river passes an endless procession of distinct peaks, bamboo groves and the stunning landscape. This part is the highlight of the Li River cruise. Pinnacled peaks pop up and surprise visitors at each bend of the river. Water buffalos patrol on the fields. Ducks paddle in the waters while peasants reap paddies in front of village houses. Fishermen use the cormorants to catch the fish and return them to the boat and kids go home singing songs. All these create an idyllic and beautiful scene of the life removed from concrete cities.
In the southeast of Yangdi County lies a village where the reflections of the rolling hills are like waves, so it is called Langshi Village. The local people live mostly by fishing. One of their methods of fishing is to train cormorants to catch fish.
Fuli Town
Fuli is A quiet town, 8 kilometers (5miles) east of Yangshuo County. It takes 20 minutes to drive from Yangshuo, Fuli has a history of 800 years. Here you can find nice small factories making painted paper fans. The barber shop, a small local Chinese pharmacy all have some special stories to tell. You can also get there by a bike (around 40min).
Fuli is a town with two faces. On one side is the new town which is next to the main road that leads to Guangdong province. On the other side is the old town which is on the bank of the Li River. The old town still has all of its old houses which you can peek into and see the simple lives of the local people. Wandering around the town you will see all the traditional new years decorations which remain in place for the entire year. A walk around this old town is a very memorable experience. Fuli also has markets on any day of the month that ends in 1,4 or 7. Warning - Fuli market attracts a number of pick pockets. Just take your essentials there with you.
Three huge rocks in the bank of the river known as Rocks of Three Girls (Three Sisters). this named after three gfirld who are belived to become immortal. After you walk up the steps, you will come to Kuixing Tower, which is another gate to Fuli Village. The Tower offers you a bird's-eye view of the river and mountains.Fuli is also great for purchasing scroll paintings and Chinese fans. The fans are made here and you can observe how they are made.
Fengyu Cave
Fengyu Cave is situated in Lipu county, some 95km away from guilin. The cave got its name from a kind of Fengyu fish (blind fish) growing in the subterranean in the cave. The cave zigzags its way up and down through nine mountains totaling 5.3 km. With a variety of multi-colored stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillar, screens and flowers, the cave is reputed as one of the best caves in the world.
Silver Cave
The silver Cave, located 85 km south of Guilin, 25 km from Yangshuo county, is a splendid limestone cave. It runs through 12 mountains and a roundabout tour covers approximately 2 km.
The cave is deep and irregular, with a great number of stalactites of thousand charms, which, in lights glint like silver, hence the name of the cave. These majestic, diamond-like stalactites decorate the cave and make it into a dazzling place. The cave can be divided into three sections: upper cave, lobby and the lower cave, with dozens of distinctive scenery.
The surrounding mountains, pointed jade-like hills, scattering peach trees and flaming wide flowers make the silver cave resort appear to be a huge natural pot. A visit here is often escorted by the fragrance from the flowers and the mellow fruits.Officially opened to the tourists in 1999, it is now a soaring attraction in Guilin.
Crown Cave
Crown Cave, located in Caoping Village, in southern suburbs of Guilin Grassland Town, 29km south of Guilin city, which is one of the most famous tourist spots along Li River. The cave was given name as it resembles a crown. For hundreds of years, crown cave stand on the bank of the Li River, has attracted numerous poets, scholars and other people. The landscape around the cave is excellent and the inside world of the cave is beautiful and unique.
Crown cave has a splendid gate facing Li River and the cave stream enters into Li River. The cave is divided into four caves; they are connecting with each other. From the layout of cave, it appears spacious and brightly, because there are stalagmite and stalactite covered in the top of the outer cave. From the outside one can have a full view of the hanging stalactite, with purple mist which makes a poetic charm in this cave.
The cave lasts for 12km, and only 3km nearest the river has been explored to any large extent. Due to the perennial obturation, the cave was well protected. Inside the cave, stalagmites stand here and there, grotesque and imposing, leading people into a fairyland. The deepest spot is over 10 meters. Equipped with automatic light and sound control guide system, the cave now seems more enchanting than ever. In addition, modern equipments including an elevator, small train, yachts and sightseeing roller coaster offer convenience to tourists.
Impression Liusanjie Show
This is a performance like you have never seen or experienced before.An area of 2 kms along Lijiang River and 12 peaks as stage setting, tighter with boundless sky, compose the Shanshui Theatre with mountains and rivers the largest natural theatre in the world. In this masterpiece of the creator, a brand-new performance on the natural stage setting of Guilin scenery is produced.
Unlike the traditional artificial stage performance, the performance on the natural stage is a great work of man and god. No one knows how long this picturesque scenery has been waiting in rain and mists. Is its graceful image made for us? Peaks appearing indistinctly, the reflection of mountains in the water, misty rain and the sound of charming in the bamboo forest, are all ready to join in the performance as interludes. Suddenly this makes us learn the miraculous charm of this performance: we only do half of the work while the other half is done by the creator whose improvisation makes each scene fresh to us.
In the past 5 years, they made numerous modifications to the plan of the performance, and now they are approaching its perfection. Here, all efforts of man are to make themselves a part of nature and become its spirit. It's green and it's peaceful. It's a baptism of nature and it's a return of human nature.
The performance named Folk Song Festival of Liu Sanjie (the Third Sisters of Liu)-Beautiful Lijiang River is held in the Natural Theatre, Yangshuo., China.
Located at the joining point of Lijiang River and Tianjia River, the theatre faces the widely-known Scholar's Page Hill across the river. Its auditorium looks like a green terrace with a panorama vision. Sitting there, the audience can natural scenery within an area of 2 kms along the river and the performance. Lighting and stereo sets are designed by cover means in order to intergrate with the nature. There are 2200 seats for the audience, of which 2000 are for the ordinary people, 180 for VIPs and 20 for presidents.
Sanjie Liu Above-water Park
Sanjie Liu Above-water Park, named after the well-known movie Liu Sanjie (Third Sister Liu) is actually a river reach from Yangshuo County to Puyi Village. Located along the lower part of Li River , the park is 12 miles long and covers an area of 15 square miles on the adjacent riverbanks.
The park offers spectacular natural sceneries as beautiful as any of the other tourist attractions of Guilin. You can see green mountains, limpid river waters, lush bamboo groves and peaceful fields and gardens. Opportunities for cultural experiences are plentiful. For example, you can listen to singing in the antiphonal style by 'Liu Sanjie', watch the special performance of fish catching, and enjoy the ethnic dancing and marriage customs of the Zhuang ethnic minority.
Natural landscapes in Sanjie Liu Above-water Park are plentiful and some of the areas are named based on their various shapes while others are named for some ancient stories. 'Dragons Welcoming Guests', 'Shutong Hill', 'Hill of Thumb', 'Hill of a Lion', 'Hill of Zhuangyuan' (winner of the national examination in ancient times), 'Hill of Tiger's Head', 'Hill of the Eight Immortals' are all worth a visit.
Yuzi Sculpture Park or Yuzi Paradise
Guilin Yuzi Sculpture Park, founded by Taiwanese entrepreneur Mr. Rhy-Chang Tsao in 1996, is a large-scale international park of land art projects mainly engaged in cavern art and contemporary sculpture. It is located in the unique and unspoiled natural surroundings of Guilin. With the joined efforts of global eminent artists, it is to be built as a living museum and leave a fine cultural heritage for future generations. It is a world heritage in progress shared and possessed by the world.
To reach this ultimate goal, the construction of the park is to protect nature and create new culture by displaying contemporary art in various languages and styles. With the perfect combination of sheer natural beauty and peerless art glamour, Guilin Yuzi Sculpture Park is to be a fairyland for all the people to experience the eternal power of art and culture.
The overall construction of Guilin Yuzi Sculpture Park is predicted to be 30 years and divided into 2 phases. The first phase is programmed as a 10-year project based on the existed geographical features. It takes the International Sculpture Park as the main body, surrounded by living & working area, art village, art salon, teaching & demonstrating are, open air theater and spiritual center. The first phase started in 1999 and the living & working area will be completed and open at the beginning of 2003. It covers a land area over 1 acre with construction items including Smile Plaza, Founder Memorial, Art Canteen, Holiday Center, Creation Center, Administration Building, Sundance Lakes, Cafe Forest, Water of Fantasy, Land Art Labyrinth, Lake of Regrets, World Flower Corridor and etc..
The second phase will focus on the cavern art project, which is the most distinguishing feature in Guilin Yuzi Sculpture Park. Guilin is famous for its picturesque scenery of clean water, beautiful mountains and caverns and rocks. Guilin Yuzi Sculpture Park wishes to endow the unique natural landscape with cultural elements by art creation, so as to establish an immortal cultural and historical heritage for the world. The cavern art project is scheduled as three parts: historical caves, art caves and cavern art museum. The historical caves will be built in the mountains and extending for 1,500 meters. In the caves there will be permanent wall decorations and relives, with the main theme of contemporary cultural and civilization. In the art caves eminent artists of individuality and originality will be invited to perform thematic creation. The cavern art museum takes advantage of natural cave structure instead of traditional artificial architecture structure. Though hidden in the grotesque Guilin mountains, it will be functioning as the most well-equipped modern art museum for art collection and display. This project will present the diversity and general trend of contemporary art and pass down to the later generations by the everlasting caves. This great and arduous project is to be completed in 20 years.
Observed from either the construction process or the objectives, Guilin Yuzi Sculpture Park is different from any other tourism development projects. The project of the park itself is a super large-scale art piece, therefore all people involved proceed their work with great caution and responsibility so as to display a perfect production to be shared with the world, no matter in the planning or on-going construction.
Assembling Dragon Cave
It is widely believed that Guilin boasts the most beautiful scenery in China, and Yangshuo scenery is the most beautiful of Guilin. Assembling Dragon (Julong) Cave is a pearl inlaid in Yangshuo scenery characterized by pretty rocks, strange caves and clear waters.
Located six kilometers (3.7 miles) south of Yangshuo County, Assembling Dragon Cave is at the foot of Ma Hill (Horse Hill) between Moon Hill and Big Banyan, comprising Black Cave and Water Cave. The cave gets its name from the surrounding peaks, like circling dragons, and the numerous stalactites with shapes suggesting images of dragons in diversified postures.
This is the only Karst cave in Yangshuo which can be admired both by land and by boat. The cave is over 1,000 meters (1,094 yards) long, 25 meters (82 feet) high at its highest point and 30 meters (33 yards) across at its widest with a quarter of the sightseeing route navigable by boat. Next to the watercourse there is a plank road equipped with guardrails. Visitors can watch the inner sights on foot or by boat as they like.
The scenery in the cave is an extraordinary masterpiece of nature without any artificial management. In the cave, the spectacular Karst scenery is too amazing to miss. There are too many astonishing sights such as stalagmites, stalactites, stone pillars, waterfalls, and underground rivers for visitors to take in. The pool in the cave is the seemingly bottomless Wudi Pool. Floating along the underground river in the pool, visitors can row their boats through the cave and come out from the back while experiencing a drop height of several meters.
There are many enthralling waters and mountains gathered around the cave, as well as many pavilions, terraces, and towers built in the style of local minorities' architecture.The Assembling Dragon Cave's natural beauty accompanied with its cultural displays has made it the most distinctive scenic spot in Guilin, and attracts millions of international visitors.
Longmen Water CaveMud Bathe in Longmen Water CaveLongmen Water Cave was a recently opened sights, in Longmen vilige, 3km from Moon Hill. It is the largest and one of the most exciting natural caves to explore in Yangshuo. The whole cave is about 3km long and runs through 3 mountains. The water in the cave is 0.5m deep and has a gentle flow which is clean and safe.
Used as refuge by the local villagers from the invading Japanese army during WW II , the cave draws its name from a tiny stalagmite resembling the Maitreya, located a short distance inside the cave. It's easy to see why the locals thought the cave secure from the Japanese and why portions are still off-limits to visitors. The cave is full of narrow, maze-like, and sometimes dangerous passages. Be warned, even in the areas open to the public there have been injuries during the cave's 10 years as a tourist attraction. A guide and a flashlight are necessary, and it is necessary to crawl through muddy holes, climb up and down stalagmites, and sidle in between stalactiteswith the aid of ropes and ladders. The cave is the most extensive, unaltered subterranean micro cosmos in the area. Complete with stalactite ¡°drums¡± and an underground waterfall pool , you can bathe and swim. Bring your swimsuit and towel.
There are two tours to choose from to visit Buddha Water Cave.
a. One and a half hour tour where you will see various stalactites, stalagmites, fossils and fish and bats. Take a boat or swim and enjoy a shower under the waterfall.
b. 2-3 hours tour, visit the whole cave. The trip uses flashlight. It's an excellent place for river walking. Be prepared for a wet and MUDDY experience. A great experience for the more adventurous traveler.Without colored lights.
Green Lotus Peak
Besides the lovely pink and white lotus blooms seen throughout China, there is also a green lotus flower. Legend has it that the Green Lotus Fairy used to live in Heaven but often felt caged in. One day she met with Chang Er, a Chinese fairy living on the moon, and asked her for help. Chang Er showed her sympathy for the Green Lotus Fairy. She turned the fairy into a piece of paper and took her out of the heavenly palace secretly to the Li River. One day, Nanji Xianweng (God of Longevity) traveled here and discovered the green lotus. He planned to take it to the heavenly pool. The green lotus was very sad because she fell in love with the carp in the river. And she asked the carp to blot up the water of the Li River so as to stay forever with the carp. As a result, she was turned into a stone hill, which is now the present-day Green Lotus Peak, by the annoyed Nanji Xianweng. The annoyed Nanji Xianweng also changed the carp into what is known today as the Carp Shoal.
Green Lotus Peak (Bilian Peak), whose original name was Jian (mirror) Shan, is on the west bank of Li River, southeast of Yangshuo County. A landmark of the county, the peak resembles a budding lotus bloom in contrast to the other peaks found in the area.Found near the peak are many pavilions, moya (stone characters/statues carved on cliffs) and steles. Most impressive and famous of all is the Chinese character 'dai' written in cursive script. In Chinese, the words 'area' and 'generation' are both pronounced 'dai'. Therefore, the 'dai' on the cliff has a dual meaning, both referring to the beautiful scenic area and indicating the young generation.
One can appreciate the natural landscape of the peak at Yingjiang Pavilion which provides eight windows for views of the mountain. Beyond the top of the hill, a striking scene composed of numerous peaks, rosy clouds, villages, the Li River and Yangshuo Country beckons the visitor. A sunrise view framed in light fog would be a memorable experience.
Yangshuo Cultural Relic Landscape Garden
In the southeast of Yangshuo County, there lies the Yangshuo Cultural Relic Landscape Garden. This garden is famous for the many intriguing inscriptions, pavilions and natural beauty. It is also endowed with some of spectacular water scenery for which the Li River is so popular. The garden has three famous cultural relics, Jingguan Path (Scenery Path), Jian Shan Temple and Ying Jiang Pavilion, which attract tourists from around the world.
Upon entering the garden and walking in a southerly direction, the visitor may follow the marble paved Jingguan Path (Scenery Path). On the cliff alongside the Scenery Path, there are over 20 inscriptions that were created during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911). Most of these are masterpieces of outstanding scholars or poets who are highly regarded for their excellence in the arts of calligraphy and literature.
Gaotian Village
As an fabulous scenic spot in Yangshuo,Gaotian village boasts fantastic peaks, grotesque caverns and beautiful rural scenery. Famous attractions include the Ancient Ferry, Tunnel Crag (Chuanyan) and Moon Hill (Yueliangshan).
The ancient ferry is located at the bank of Jinbao River, a tributary of the Lijiang River. Beside the ferry stands a old banyan tree looking like a large umbrella. A legend goes that it was planted in the Jin Dynasty, about 1,500 years ago.
About one kilometer from the big banyan tree is a hill whose peaks tower towards the sky in such a manner as if it has reached the clouds.
The Moon hill has a cave with a diameter of 11 m, looking just like a full moon, hence the name. Viewed from different angles, the cave takes different shapes, just as the moon chances shape with time, and this is one of the major charms of Yangshuo. The fantastic views from the top have made this hill one of Yangshuo's best attractions.
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.
Big Banyan
Six kilometers (about 3.7 miles) away from the County of Yangshuo, you will find a prominent and towering tree: the Big Banyan Tree. It has survived wind and rain over centuries since it was planted during the Sui Dynasty (581-618). It is also famous because the Chinese film 'The Third Sister Liu' was partly shot here. Thus a beautiful love story adds to the magic of this centuries-old tree.
This tree, measuring 7 meters (about 23 feet) in width and 17 meters (about 55.8 feet) in height has experienced extensive growth over the years. Although its stem is very old and its roots twist, its branches and leaves stretch out so lushly that the sunshine hardly penetrates its shadow. Sitting in its shadow on even the hottest day of the summer, you barely break out in a sweat. It is under this tree that The Third Sister Liu declared her admiration to her lover The A'niu.
To the south of the Big Banyan Tree is Moon Hill. A village under the hill offers you a chance to experience true village life free from metropolitan stresses and troubles. Under a mysterious layer of haze you will find tranquil scenery comprised of leveled rice terraces, crystal brooks.
This sightseeing spot should definitely be incorporated into your travel plan.
Butterfly Spring Park
Butterfly Spring Park is located in the best traveling place of Moon Hill Scenic Area in Yangshuo, occupying an area of 36,000 square meters (8.9 acres). It is named after a butterfly-like stalactite found in a grotto of this beautiful park. As a locale which brings together both a unique landscape and a rural setting, it is a typical representative of ecotourism sites in Yangshuo.
At the entrance to the Butterfly Spring Park there is a huge Monarch Butterfly model mounted on a cliff beside the gate. The model has an area over 280 square meters (0.07 acres). It looks so vivid that people may think the butterfly is waving its wings to welcome visitors. He Jingzhi, a famous poet in China, visited here and was so astonished by the huge butterfly model that he wrote an inscription titled the No.1 Butterfly under the Heaven to praise it.
In the park's 400-meter-long Butterfly Grotto, spring water oozes from the sandy layer in the rock every day and forms a pool. This is the Butterfly Spring. The grotto holds many stalactites with varieties of shapes, such as fruits, mountains, divinities and the moon. Amongst them, there are some which look like butterflies and are absolutely lifelike.
Except for the spring and the grotto, Die Yuan (a garden for viewing butterflies) is also a well-marked sight in the park. It is the largest area for viewing the living butterflies in China with millions of butterflies living here and getting along with people harmoniously. Visitors can see the colorful butterflies flying leisurely among the bushes. In the Butterfly Exhibition Hall of the park, there are over ten thousand models of about 300 butterfly varieties with unique styles on display. Visitors can also see some valuable butterflies here, such as the nymphalid and papilio. The papilio is the most beautiful one and is commonly called the queen of butterflies.
In the Butterfly Spring Park, there are many other points of interest, such as the Waterfalls on Butterfly Hill, the Butterfly Bridge, the Honeybee Garden and the unique Original Hanging Bridge of Yangshuo. In the Honeybee Garden, visitors can taste wild honey for free.
Moon hill
Named for the crescent shaped cave running through the moon, Moon Hill is one of the highlights in Yangshuo, eight kilometers (five miles) south of the town of Yangshuo. It is so named for a semi-circular hole that goes through the hill. The surrounding rural scenery is also very charming.
The hill has elevation of 380 meters; 230 meters in height and 410 meters in length. There are over 800 marble stairs direct to the cave. The stairs were completed in 1981, giving easy access to those who want to see the sights from the cave in depth. The cave is about 50 meters in height and width and is shaped like an archway. A series of caves have been opened up not far from Moon Hill: the Black Buddha Cave, New Water Caves and Dragon Cave. If you go to Moon Hill, you will undoubtedly be interested in these caves. When you admire the moon sights, based on your different places, you can see different shapes, sometimes full moon, sometimes half-moon and sometimes crescent, forming a marvelous spectacle in Yangshuo. Even you can think about other things. When you look around from the hill, you will get the whole view of the surrounding area, the mountains, rivers, fields and peasant houses, all of which make it quite wonderful.
Moon hill is usually part of day's sightseeing. You can ride a bicycle through smaller villages to get to Moon hill. There are many routes that you cam take to get to Moon Hill. Except a concrete tourist path, Moon Hill has several rock climbing routes, the first of which was climbed by Todd Skinner in the 1990s. Some people often like to use ropes to climb moon hill in order to keep a healthy and to take a risk adventure experience.
With 14 rock-climbing routes on the northwest side, Moon Hill offers sufficient challenge to both amateur and professional climbers.The region around Moon Hill is endowed with beautiful sight. Many mountain rocks are in particular shapes which bring visitors infinite reverie. Local people call this picturesque scenic sight 'Ten-li Gallery'. The beautiful land attracted the former US President Carter to have a visit. Having heard the interesting scenery along the 'Ten-li Gallery', he hired a bicycle to roam the land instead of taking a car.
The area is included in an official plan for tourism development. In 1995, the local government built a bicycle path for visitors to freely enjoy the natural scenery along the path. The major scenic sights along the path are given vivid names according to their shapes, such as the Flaming Mountain, Heavenly Horse Galloping in the Sky, Golden Cat Comes Out of the Hole, the Emperor Qin Shihuang Goes to the Front and the Beauty Makes Up.
Gudong Waterfall
Gudong Waterfall Groups is the only one waterfall group formed by underground water (spring) in China and it also locates in a forestry scenic Area. A group of wonderful waterfalls splash down the high mountains in Gudong village. It is a lush and ideal place for the good of your eyesight and breath.
Gudong Forestry Scenic area
The forest area covers about 1000 acres and features primitive forest areas. The ancient trees grow extremely high. Red maple is attractive. It is the closest waterfall to the city and also a good place for mountain climbers and hikers.
Yulong River
Yulong River is the biggest branch of the Li River in YangShuo County. The clear water runs smoothly past fields,farmhouses, trees and mountains. Traveling by bamboo raft you will be surrounded by the crystal water and feel relaxed and happy in the arms of the green mountains. Looking from the mountaintops, you can see a vivid panorama of the landscape with the green crystal water flowing through the colorful valley below.
Passengers are entranced with the harmonious picture of women washing clothes beside the river,ducks swimming on the river,bamboo rafts moving under the old bridge,and farmers working in the fields.Yulong has a different kind of beauty than the Li River. Along the Yulong River you can find Fuli Bridge, Guiyi Original Site, Ancient Village, Xiangui Bridge, the Zhus'Camp,Chuan Cave, Rhinoceros Deep Pool, Zhaoyang Camp, Seven Stars and other scenic spots.
Most tourist traffic on this river is on small bamboo rafts. The going price for a trip on these rafts is about 150 Yuan per raft.Swimming is also a popular activity on this river. There are several swimming holes on the river. Swimming here is safer than on the Li River as there is a smaller current and it is not as deep.The excellent composition of water, ancient bridges and mountains along this waterway is one of the favorite choices of photographers and artists coming to the area. For those who are looking for a fabulous hike and bike tour, cycle to Baisha's Yulong Bridge through the trails along the Yulong River, and stay on bamboo raft down river to Gao Tian. You'll pass six unforgettable ancient bridges during the 5-hour walk, or 3 hour cycling.
Sources
wikitravel.org
www.travelchinaguide.com
www.guilin4seasons.com
www.china-tour.cn
www.chinahighlights.com
