Guilin has long been revered for its natural beauty. Indeed, the ancient Chinese saying, “Guilin shanshui jia tian xia,” asserts that “Guilin’s mountains and waters are the most beautiful on earth.” Set along the artist-favored Li (or Lijiang) River, this picturesque city – located in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang region in southern China – is graced by a spectacular landscape made up of mystical rock formations and caves.
An absolute must for any visitor, cruising the Lijang River takes you past surreal limestone croppings such as Diecal Hill, composed of layered rock formations that resemble folded brocade. And Elephant Trunk Hill, shaped like an elephant drinking from the river, stands as the very symbol of Guilin.
Another must-do: Exploring fascinating caves like Reed Flute and Seven Star. The latter is located in Seven Star Park, noted for its stunning mountains, clear waters, marvelous stone forest, serene valleys, abundant wildlife and valued cultural relics. Outside the city you’ll find the Longi terraced rice fields, dramatically ribboned through the hillsides of Longsheng.
One of the most popular times to visit Guilin is during the Peach Blossom Festival when, each March, the Peach Blossom River (a Li tributary) is abloom with pink petals. You can taste peach wine and local delicacies – including Guilin’s famous rice noodles – as well as watch folkloric performances by members of the Zhuang and Yao tribes.
For a memorable introduction to these indigenous peoples, be sure to attend Impression of the Third Sister Liu. Created by renowned Chinese film director Zhang Yimou and set along the Li River in the world’s largest natural theater, this grand musical show features more than 600 local fishermen dressed in traditional ethnic clothing, who tell the legend of Liu Sanjie through folk songs. You also can gain insight into the culture during year-round events such as the Lijiang River Autumn Moon Lantern Party and the Longsheng Red Clothes Festival (mid-April), when locals take part in firecracker-snatching activities and Yao women compete for longest hair honors.
In the center of the Shaanxi province, the area outside of ancient Xi’an revealed its own wonders. In 1974, while digging for a well, local farmers uncovered what is considered the most significant archaeological find of the 20th-century. There stood an underground army of some 7,000 life-size figures, ready to defend Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterworld.
Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors truly must be seen to be fully appreciated. They span some 175,000 square feet in perfect battle formation. Each exquisitely sculpted soldier is individually fashioned with distinct facial features and hands. It’s estimated that it took some 700,000 workers to create the life-size warriors, chariots and horses. Special access may be obtained to photograph and view the amazing sculptures at eye level. The annual Xi’an Terracotta Warriors and Horses and Pomegranate Festival (mid-September) not only celebrates these archaeological marvels, but also the mouthwatering red fruit that grows in this region.
Yet these 2,200-year-old subterranean sentinels are just some of Xi’an’s many attractions. It is, after all, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, capital of 13 dynasties and starting point of the ancient Silk Road. In fact, Xi’an witnessed the most prosperous period in the history of feudal China. You’ll find some 1,100 years of Xi’an’s glory showcased at the Shaanxi History Museum. More than 2,700 works of art, ranging from tomb wall paintings to tiny ceramic figurines, are on display in this 645,000-square-foot building, designed to recreate a grand Tang-dynasty structure.
The city’s ancient wall is one of the best preserved in China; rent a bike and ride alongside it. Take in a performance at the Shaanxi Song and Dance Theater; view paper-cuttings, calligraphy and other artworks; and sample local specialties such as Xi’an gourd chicken or mutton soup with pancake slices. You can walk among worshippers at the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, or soak in the imperial Huaqing Hot Spring, noted for its scenic beauty – and a romantic love story between Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine.
