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Seasonal Beauty of Guilin

Updated: 2014-10-13 19:03

Visiting the unique stalagmite water caves in Guilin is another must-do in Summer. The Crown Cave is a 12 km deep cave system, which tops other water caves as it named. A Crown Cave tour consists of taking a sightseeing elevator down the 36 meters cave hall, followed with walking tour, railway tour, and an underground river boating tour. Mud bath is a popular activity in the water caves nearby Yangshuo.

Village near Yangshuo, Summer

Trekking into the mountains in Summer is a refreshing tour. You will see limpid hill streams and waterfalls and lovely vegetation in close distance. It is an excellent way to return to the nature. One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area is the Gudong Waterfall 26 km east to Guilin city.

Fall (September - November)

Visiting Guilin during Autumn, the first thing you notice upon arrival in the area maybe the fragrance of Sweet Osmanthus Flowers in the air. Sweet Osmanthus trees are planted almost everywhere in and outside the city. Guilin in Chinese means "the Sweet Osmenthus forest".

Guilin and Li River in Autumn

Guilin's Autumn season is most spectacular in colors particularly in the mountain villages outside the city. The view is absolutely breathtaking, if you stand on one of the summits of Longsheng looking at the magnificent terraced rice fields in golden fall color extending to the end of the horizon. It is where people call it "Longji", which means "the dragon's backbone".

Fall is another good time to travel the villages of Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng. Visiting traditional wooden farm houses in the Yao and Zhuang minority villages, watching Yao women showing off their super long hairs. Biking or hiking to some of the ancient farming and fishing villages to discover their unique culture and traditions.

Golden fall color of Longji Rice Terraces

Generally speaking, the weather and temperature of Guilin in Autumn is most comfortable for traveling. There are many things to do, and the night activities are most abundant. Impression Sanjie Liu night show in Yangshuo, directed by Yimou Zhuang who is the director of the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony, is among the most recommendable ones. With 600 plus actors performed on a natural stage formed by the Li River and mountain backdrops, it is a sensational outdoor night show rarely to be found elsewhere in the world.