Guilin is reputed as being one of the world’s most beautiful places with its landscapes, clean rivers, idyllic countryside, majestic rice terraces, and ethnic minorities. It is in South China’s Guangxi Region, close to Hong Kong and Guangzhou to the southeast, and now only 6.5 hours ride from Chengdu by train.The city is particularly scenic, set amongst karst hills such as Folded Brocade Hill, Fubo Hill, and Solitary Beauty Peak. The views from these hills are marvelous, with lush hills dotting and surrounding the city, and two green rivers — the Li and ‘Peach Blossom’ — running through.
The four lakes in the city center are joined together and with the Li and Peach Blossom rivers. On banks of these rivers and lakes are verdant bamboo and trees. Boats cruise “the Two Rivers and Four Lakes” day and night. The scenery is especially charming at night when the lakes’ features are glowing with colorful lights. Guilin means ‘Sweet Osmanthus Forest’, named after its many fragrant sweet osmanthus trees. Each year in October, when the osmanthus blooms, the city is filled with their sweet scent.
