By Adele Chan
In two days time, I’ll be heading to Guilin. And as I begin to write this guide, I’m also preparing a packing list to counter the summer weather that the weather app tells me, “it currently feels like 39°C”.
The end of May and beginning of June is also rainy season, but when the rain showers clear, the mountains are said to appear wrapped in a soft, ethereal mist — and that’s exactly what I’m hoping to see.
I’ve packed in a Stanley Clutch Water Bottle that can keep water cool for the entire day, Dyson’s new handheld fan (that keeps getting sold out, but I hear it’s now back in stock), the Sony Reon Pocket Pro Plus, which acts as a wearable aircon on your back and a Davek umbrella (the smallest one) that blocks UV and is incredibly light and compact.
GETTING TO GUILIN
If you’re travelling from Singapore, fly to Shanghai (approximately 5h 30m) and then get on an affordable and fast domestic flight (approximately 2h 30m) on Juneyao to Guilin.
Within Guilin city itself, prepare to be on the road often as you get from one attraction to another. It’s a good time to whip out the camera and take some street shots, listen to music, or engage in conversation with the driver to discover more about the town.
RECOMMENDED STAY
To get the most out of your visit, choose a hotel that’s centrally located and of course, comfortable. I stayed at Ronghu Hotel, that is situated at a prime spot right on the banks of Rong Lake, has rich traditional Chinese aesthetics, and all the modern comforts of a 4-star hotel.
Guest experiences on Trip.com rate this property as “Very Good”, with a 9.3/10 score.
WHAT TO SEE
DAY 1:
This magnificent cave is an underground world of stalactites and stalagmites, which are illuminated by multi-coloured lights reflecting off subterranean lakes. Be sure to wear covered shoes that have good grip, as there are many steps to climb up and down within the cave, and some of them are wet and slippery.
Elephant Trunk Hill
This hill is one of the many symbols of the city of Guilin. Its name is derived from the mountain resembling an elephant drinking water. Here you will find lots of tourists and also local photographers hoping to sell you pictures of yourself in traditional outfits that you can rent. It’s a fun activity to do with your group of girlfriends. Great for memories and of course Instagram.
Solitary Beauty Peak & Jingjiang Princes’ Palace
During the Ming Dynasty, this landmark was the royal residence of princes. Today, it is the cultural heart of Guilin. And when you climb the “Solitary Beauty Peak”, you’ll see the famous panoramic view of the city’s urban skyline set against limestone peaks.
Lunch at Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
This famous 5-star property is located at North Shanhu Road in the city center of Guilin. It is renowned for its Guinness World Record-breaking 45-metre artificial waterfall cascading down its facade.
Day 2:
In the rainy summer months, the famous Longji Rice Terraces are spectacular. The rice stalks aren’t too tall, and the paddies are filled with water, essentially becoming a giant mirror that reflects the blue sky, clouds and mountains.
This marvel of ancient agricultural engineering dates back over 600 years, and from afar, you can see the terraces wind from the riverside up to the mountain peak, resembling dragon scales. The view is magnificent.
We took a shuttle bus up to the top of the terraces, and slowly descended down the stairs that wind through the rice paddies. Again, this activity calls for good, comfortable shoes and focused attention so you don’t slip and fall.
Long-hair Village Show
There’s a small little town near the Longji Rice Terraces, and it’s home to the Red Yao people. This village holds a Guinness World Record for the “World’s Longest Hair Village.” This show is a unique performance that showcases their unique hair-combing rituals and ethnic dances.
DAY 3:
The Li River in Guilin is so beautiful, that it has inspired centuries of Chinese ink paintings. It has been said that Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven, and you have to see it for yourself; the crystal clear waters and peaks on every side are an incredible display of nature.
The cruise will also travel along what’s known as the “Yellow Cloth Reflection”, and this exact scenery can be seen on the back of the 20 RMB note.
Featured under Trip.Best, this is a highly-rated attraction and a must-see in Guilin.
Other key activities and sites to see in Guilin include Ruyi Peak. To get there, you’ll need to travel to Yangshuo and take the cable car up to the modern “aerial” park. This glass skywalk and bridge offers a 360-degree view of Yangshuo’s “peak forest”.
Also, get tickets for Impression Sanjie Liu; an evening show in the world’s largest natural theatre. Featuring over 600 local performers, and directed by Zhang Yimou, the show is set on the Li River while the 12 mist-shrouded mountains act as its backdrop.
This trip was sponsored by Trip.com and included a grand Gala Celebration Dinner where Jackie Chan was the celebrity guest of honour. See more pictures and videos on our Instagram @nylonsg.
