Guilin

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) is one of the foremost landmarks in Guilin and has been a site of tourism since the Tang Dynasty. Although slightly outside the city centre itself, the natural limestone arch has been adopted as a symbol of Guilin, and is therefore a very popular site with visitors. The arch is said to look like a giant elephant head drinking from the river, hence the name. Water Moon Cave is a cave running between the trunk and legs of the elephant and at night, when the water is still, the cave and its reflection form the shape of a glowing moon.

In the city centre, Central Square is a good landmark to orientate yourself with on arrival. The evening light show and artificial waterfall is worth staying out for, which should take place at 8:30pm each evening.

For lovers of art and all things beautiful, Guilin Art Museum, is one of the largest in China. Housing many famous paintings from historical masters, the museum also sells work from contemporary artists and up-and-coming names.

Guilin Museum is a relatively compact attraction, but worth spending half a day exploring if you’re keen on local history. Just 23km from the city, Daxu Old Town is a living museum, founded over 1000 years ago and which has barely changed in that time. Take a walk through the past and see ancient workshops with bamboo waving and shoe-making.

In the heart of the city lies a small forbidden city called Jingjiang Prince’s City. It was once the secret home of princes, but today is a grandly walled city housing museums, exhibitions and temples. At ¥130 it’s a pricey day out, but worth it for the panoramic views of the city available from Solitary Beauty Peak.

While there may not be many galleries or exhibitions, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to natural attractions in beautiful Guilin. In Yangshuo you can take a leisurely ride on a bamboo raft along the Li River. Reed Flute Cave is a breath-taking sight, full of stalactites that are cleverly lit lending the appearance of a crystal castle.

The Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces in Longshen, 90km from the city, is a working crop plantation where you can see traditional Chinese agriculture and experience the genuine folk culture of the minority ethnic groups of Zhuang and Yao.

Kids will love letting off some steam at Seven Star Park. At just 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre, a good half day can be spent here enjoying the wide-open spaces and small zoo area. The zoo houses over 100 species of animals, including the famous giant pandas, golden monkeys and red-crowned cranes. Admission fee is ¥99 per person (under 6 years or under 4 feet children go free).

The Merryland Resort is a theme park, resort and holiday village. With six sections including Happy China Town, Dream Global City and Pirate Village, there’s tonnes to do that will keep the kids entertained. Prices are ¥150 for adults and ¥75 for children between 3.9 and 4.9 feet tall.

Shopping in Guilin has grown as tourism has increased and you can find local specialities, souvenirs, paintings and calligraphy aplenty. Guilin International Tourism Commodity Wholesale City is a massive wholesale market with traditional Chinese arts and crafts.

Zhengyang Buxing Street is a pedestrianised precinct full of shopping, entertainment and restaurants. Sparkling with light and a busy atmosphere, this street is known as “the first street in Western China.”

Moon Hill is a hill with a natural arch through it a few kilometers outside Yangshuo in southern China's Guangxi autonomous region. It is so named for a wide, semicircular hole through the hill, all that remains of what was once a limestone cave formed in the phreatic zone. Like most formations in the region, it is karst. It is also a popular tourist attraction.

It takes roughly 20 minutes to climb (about 800 steps) to the arch, or considerably longer for those who mean to reach the hill's summit. Access is not free and visitors must pay an entrance fee to be allowed to climb the hill. Souvenirs and refreshment vendors often follow climbers up and down the path.