Situated in the northeastern corner of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the city of Guilin is famous the world overfor its green hills, clear waters, fantastic caves and spectacular rocks. It is one of China's well - known tourist scenic cities, claiming to have the "finest mountains and rivers under heaven".

Major Scenic Spots

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan):
This peak is located at the confluence of the Yangjiang River and the Lijiang. The entire hill looks like a drinking elephant with its long trunk and the body of the elephant is a big cave called Water Moon Cave (Shuiyuedong), below which is a deep pool that connects with the Lijiang and on which pleasure boats can cruise when water is abundant. Here the quality of the water is so good that the famed Guilin wines are made from it. The cave looks like a full moon floating on the surface of the water with the moonlight reflected on the waves. The so-called "elephant hill and water moon" are a famous sight in Guilin.

Reed Flute Cave (Ludiyan):
Located at the northwestern part of Guilin, Reed Flute Cave is the largest and perhaps the most spectacular of the karst caverns in the city. Hidden half way up a mountain, it received its name from the reed that grows near the entrance and makes excellent flutes. The cave is known as a "palace of natural art." Along its zigzag path are unusual stalactites and stalagmites which, under colored lighting, look like coral, agate, amber, or jade -- a wonderland of formations resembling orchards, gardens, or whatever else you care to imagine.

Yangshuo
Located at the lower reaches of the Lijiang River, Yangshuo is known for having the most beautiful scenery in Guilin. The biggest attraction is Green Lotus Hill (Bilianfeng), where a dozen peaks seeming to burst open like the petals of a lotus flower. Yangshuo is located at the center of the "green Hill." The scenery around Yangshuo -- the miles of river and mountains stretching from Rooster Comb Rock to Xingping -- is one of the most enchanting landscapes in China.