China Travel Forum

[Gordon]

Hi, I'm currently planning a trip around some places of China.

I was wondering what people thought of Guilin, I've heard about how beautiful Guanxi province is and Guilin in particular, but also that it's very polluted and an expensive tourist place.

Does anyone know of anywhere in the area that's the same beautiful but perhaps less famous? Should I go to both Guilin and Yangshuo?

I'd appreciate any help.

[Colin]

Guilin is certainly overvalued. It is better to go to Yangshuo - it is much smaller but there are also many tourists. Buses leave from the right side of the train station.
You can rent a bike for 10 yuan a day (maybe more in peak season) and take a ride through the beuatiful countryside. Explore the Karst Mountains by yourself, small villages little branches of the Li River.
I took a bamboo raft to float down the Jinbao - everything quiet, no "Hellooooo!" shouting....The same with big Li River cruises, you can choose between big ships and small boats for only 6 people. I prefered the last one.

Another nice thing are the small mountain villages of minority tribes in the area of Longshen. One hour from Yangshuo, half an hour from Guilin as far as I remember. People keep their cultural roots alive despite tourism. Only houses in their traditional wood style and people dress in their red Yao style. The rice terraces are amazing.
Give it a try, it is worth it.