Guilin prides in itself as “the scenery that tops the world,” as the Chinese saying goes. The city offers a few options for tourists that want to enjoy an up-close encounter with Guilin’s unique natural scenery. Situated between the Lijiang River on the east and Taohua River on the southwest, the heart of Guilin City is wedged amongst the Ronghu Lake, Shanhu Lake, Guihu Lake and Longhu Lake, with its signature karst peaks as the backdrop to the cityscape.

Two Rivers and Four Lakes and the Twin Towers

The Shanhu and Ronghu Lakes were artificial lakes with a history dated to the early Tang dynasty (621 A.D.), when the military strategist Li Jing had scored military advantage in the southern China area, including this part of now-Guangxi Province. In establishing the ancient South Gate (Gunanmen) in Guilin, Li Jing also constructed moats for the ancient fortification. The moats fell into disuse during their long history. They eventually became the lake area that is today.

Standing in the Shanhu Lake are two beautiful towers, the Sun Tower and the Moon Tower, that are lit up at night. The Sun Tower glimmers in gold, while the Moon Tower glistens in silver. To visit these twin towers, head on over to the Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park. You may take the elevator up the Sun Tower to see aerial views of Guilin City.

The Sun Tower is known to be the world’s first bronze tower, once also the tallest, at 41 meters high and 9 stories strong. The Moon Tower is glazed, of 35 meters high and 7 stories. Both of them are pagodas that have religious significance. Together they are China’s first cultural venue combining Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in its characterization.

They were rebuilt in 2001 on the bases of former Tang dynasty era Buddhist pagodas. Both towers give home also to Tang dynasty Buddhist relics, now on display at the towers and the museum in the park. Finally, these two towers are linked up by an underwater pathway located 18 meters below the water surface. As a relatively recent construction, the twin towers are meant to give Guilin City a renewed image and a significant boost to tourism.

A cruise tour on the scenic waters of Guilin takes one through wide open waterfront views, and you will come across the hallmark karst peaks of Guilin. That includes Youma Shan, Laoren Shan, Diecai Shan, Baoji Shan and more. Furthermore, there will be innumerable bridges, beneath which the boat passes as it proceeds through this scenic water system.

Hiking is possible at a number of Guilin karst peaks. Please inquire locally for relevant information.

The Cloud Restaurant

I did not want to spend more than 200 RMB on a cruise tour to see the two rivers and four lakes area. The main reason being that we were quite tired from the days’ travelling already.  The enjoyment of a 1.5 hour boat ride, of which there are a few to do in Yangshuo and Xingping as well, would be diminished.

But it doesn’t do justice to a trip to Guilin if we hadn’t seen its proudest scenery. I figured then that I could visit a restaurant with views for our last dinner in Guilin. I found the Cloud Restaurant.

The Cloud Restaurant, in Chinese Yuanduan, is located at the Lijiang Poyin Hotel. I chose it because of the views that it offers. The restaurant overlooks the Shanhu Lake, and the Sun and Moon towers are clearly in sight. They were very beautiful that evening.

What came as a super pleasant surprise was how good the food was. The restaurant serves a “new” kind of Chinese food, with creative presentation and wonderful flavors, but certainly not compromising on the traditional strengths of Chinese cuisine. You may dine by the lake views as al fresco dining is available at the balcony.

We spent an exceedingly pleasant evening with good food and wonderful scenery. Having snapped quite a few photographs of the two towers, we went back to the hotel satisfied.

For those who want to enjoy the night views of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, I highly recommend the Cloud Restaurant—whether you do the city cruise tour or not.

The Elephant Trunk Hill

The Elephant Trunk Hill is namely the best known hallmark of Guilin’s scenery. The rocky hill acquired its name from the elephant trunk-shaped formation. The imagery is one of an elephant drinking water.

The touring of the Elephant Trunk Hill is quite simple. Enter the Elephant Trunk Hill Park and follow signs to the viewing area. But be sure that there are many tourists that will fight for the prime spot for photograph. I went as early as 8:30 am and there was a short line, particularly when tourist groups tried to take group photos.

Do also note that you may explore the area directly beneath the elephant’s trunk as well, and you may also do a short walk up on the rocky karst formation to see some of the cultural venues there, mostly of religious nature.

Photo: Minggui Mifen (Rice Noodles) is a very popular local shop for Guilin’s famous food, Guilin Rice Noodles, recommended by the locals.

Sources

Baidu baike on Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park.

Baidu baike on Guilin’s Five-Star Scenic Area Two Rivers and Four Lakes and Its History.