The irresistible charms of Guilin in the four seasons prove its fame as "the most scenic place under heaven". Lively in blooming Spring flowers, gorgeous in Summer with flourishing vegetation, elegant in the rich Fall colors, and mysterious in Winter mist. Guilin is a fascinating tourist destination all year round.
Unlike any other cities in the world, the picturesque Karst limestone peaks in Guilin shape the city's skyline, which makes Guilin city more like a huge public park instead of the normal impression of cities – concrete gurgles. Even more enchanting is Guilin's countryside. The great Tang Dynasty poet Han Yu (768-824) vividly described the landscape of Guilin as "the river winds like a green silk ribbon, while the hills are like jade hairpins".
Spring (Match - May)
Guilin in Spring is a sea of flowers. You will instantly be inspired by the lovely flowers of different kinds and the beautiful vivid nature. Typical Spring flowers in Guilin are Cole Flowers, Rhododendrons, Peach Blossoms, Yulan Magnolias, Cherry Blossoms, Daisies, Camellias etc. They can be seen both in the city (typically along the Two Rivers Four Lakes Area and in the public parks) and the countryside.
The most awe-inspiring view of Spring flowers in the region must be the Cole Flowers in the villages nearby Guilin and Yangshuo. The yellow and white Cole Flowers cover the lush green land from the riverside to the feet of variously shaped limestone hills.
Another wonderful place in Spring is the Yao Mountain at the skirt of the Guilin city. Rhododendron flowers spread over the whole mountain area. Climbing up or taking a cable car to the summit of the Mt. Yao, you will be amazed by the spectacular bird-eye view of the Guilin city and the surrounding landscape.
Besides flowers, discovering the amazing farming scenes is a must-do in Spring during the irrigation time of the rice terraces in Longsheng. Every year between the end of April and the beginning of May, the terraced rice fields are filled with water, transforming the whole mountain area into a dream-like world.
Summer (June - August)
Guilin in Summer is gorgeous for flourishing vegetation and luxuriantly green hills. Travel to Guilin during summer season, you will see the bluest sky and the most beautiful green color of Guilin in a year. As an area surrounded by limpid rivers and lakes, there are a lot of exiting things to do in Guilin during Summer and many of them are associated with water.
Guilin is abundant with water during Summer. It is the best time for Boating, Bamboo Rafting, Kayaking, Drifting in the picturesque Li River and its tributaries. The best scenery of Guilin comes after summer showers, when the verdant hills are shiny like jade hairpins with clear reflections in the mirror-like Li River. If you are lucky to see the rainbow, you will wonder you are in a paradise.