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The area around Guilin is famous for the karst landscape (limestone hill formations jutting up from an otherwise level ground and the subject of countless traditional Chinese paintings). This area is also riddled with caves used extensively by locals to hide when the Japanese invaded during World War II. After a day to get acclimated and tour of the city, we will head out into the countryside for some fresh air and head north to Longsheng. Longsheng is located in an area that is known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces where entire mountain sides have been transformed into wedding-cake like sculptures. There are also some hot springs to relax in. The next stop at Sanjiang brings us into to one of China’s many minority areas where the Dong people live. The distinctive Wind and Rain Bridges as well as the Drum Towers offer are unique architectural features that clearly identify each village. As we will cycle along the road will pass bamboo waterwheels working to irrigate the rice fields. Next we will travel by vehicle to Yangshou which will provide an opportunity to explore the karst landscape including Moon Hill, visit Confucian and Buddhist temples, various surrounding villages (possibly during market day), see the Dragon Bridges and watch the cormorant bird fishing at night with its owner. |
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