Are you a lover of nature and ready for everything nature can offer? If yes, Guilin, China is the perfect place to make this dream come true. Guilin is a city in southern China known for its dramatic landscape of limestone karst hills capturing the beauty and uniqueness of nature.
When To Go (September-November): The best time to hit up Guìlín is in the Fall, from September to November. The temperatures begin to drop, and it’s less rainy than the rest of the year. However, you will want to avoid planning your trip around the National Day of the People’s Republic of China (Oct. 1-3). This public holiday means lots of tourists flooding into Guìlín for a vacation.
Discoveries – Nature’s Disco: Nature is pretty neat. But what can’t be improved by glowing disco lights? That’s what awaits at Reed Flute Cave. Over centuries, water erosion created spiraling columns of stalactites and stalagmites. Today, the cave is lit by dozens of multi-colored lights, turning the dark space into a neon wonderland.
Just Around the River Bend: Snaking its way through Guìlín is the Li River. You won’t want to miss exploring the natural beauty of the region through an iconic river cruise. Catch a ride on a traditional bamboo raft, and spend the day discovering breathtaking scenery.
Steamed Rice Anyone? About 2 hours from Guìlín are the Longsheng (Longji) Rice Terraces. The layered fields are visually stunning, and were named Dragon’s Backbone for their resemblance to a dragon’s scales. It’s a bit of a drive from Guìlín but, I mean, come on….look at that view!
Rock Out: Just down the river from Guìlín is the town of Yangshuo, an area that is known around the world for its incredible rock climbing. There’s something for everyone, from easy beginner routes to more difficult routes made famous by climbers like Chris Sharma. Grab your climbing gear and head over for a fun time!
Beer Fish: No, this is not what happens when you dunk fish in Bud Light. Beer fish is a local specialty in Guìlín. Fish from the Li River are fried and then braised with local beer to make a crispy delicacy that is spicy and delicious.
Live Like an Emperor: Set in a botanic garden away from the bustling city, the Guilinyi Royal Palace (aka Guìlín Hotel) is a serene and luxurious retreat. With traditional Chinese design and modern amenities, this hotel brings together the best parts of the region.
Travel Guide: Sure, you can fly straight in and out of Guìlín’s international airport, but where’s the adventure in that? Instead, to get to and from the city, hop on one of China’s high-speed trains that runs from Nanning and Beijing into Guìlín. Hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Photo Credit: Getty
