The Li River meanders through Guilin from north to south. Most of Guilin lies on the western bank of the Li River.
Guilin is regarded in China as the countries most picturesque city. Two crystal-clear rivers meander through the city, which is encircled by mountains with unusual & bizarre rock formations and caves.
Two crustal movements of the earth took place about 200 and 180 million years ago thrusting the limestone sediments out of the sea from its bottom more than 200 meters below the surface to form a large expanse of land. The karst formation became the hills and rocks with unusual shapes through many years of erosion by the wind and rain. There are many complete karst (Limestone sites), which are of high scientific value and tourist value.
Karst caves and stone forests are a feature the natural environment of Guilin . The altitude is 140-160 meters. Guilin is in subtropical and monsoon zone with warm and moist climate. All this makes Guilin a unique natural experience for the visitor.
Guilin is named after the fragrance of osmanthus tree and saw its first inhabitants in Qin Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. Guilin prospered and flourished in Tang, Song, Ming and Qing under patronage from succeeding Emperors.
Guilin 's reputation as one of the worlds most a beautiful places has become established over hundreds of years and ranks second on China list of the 10 best tourist destinations.
General Information
Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Renminbi ('People's Money') (Y)
Language – Cantonese & Mandarin
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT plus eight hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 86