As a centre for tourism, Guilin boasts magnificent natural beauty and many precious cultural relics. The colorful ethnic background lends a touch of mystery that enhances its fame. Why delay - come and enjoy this huge natural theme park!

Li River symbolizes the area, as this picturesque river is a major component of Guilin scenery. As it sparkles in the sunlight the river meanders through lush mountains like a liquid jade belt. To really appreciate the scenery a cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is a must and your voyage of discovery can be divided roughly into three sections:

The first of these is from downtown Guilin where you board the cruiser to Huangniu Xia (valley). As soon as you leave the landing stage you will begin to enjoy the natural wonder and local customs.

Upon reaching Huangniu Xia (valley) the cruise enters upon the second section. This part is the very essence of Li River. The gorgeous mountains and the crystal water together with the romantic legends are certain to impress you.

Shuiluo Village marks the beginning of the third and final section that ends at Yangshuo. Along this stretch of the river you pass through pastoral scenes unchanged for generations as the banks are lined with quaint fishing villages, farmland and bamboo groves. Here you will see water buffalo, ducks swimming in line and the small boats used by fishermen when they ply the river with cormorants to catch fish from its abundant stocks. This quiet rural beauty, a stunning contrast to the hustle and bustle of the modern city streets, is a joy to behold.

There are havens of peace within the city such as Diecai Hill (Folded Brocade Hill), also named Gui Hill. This hill is easy to climb, making it popular with visitors. While stepping into the Nayun Pavilion on Mingyue Peak, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the whole city. Should you be fascinated by calligraphy, then your appetite will be stated by the stone inscriptions created by celebrities.

It is said that a city without water is without nimbus. Guilin is richly endowed with Double Rivers and Four Lakes, little wonder that it is such an attractive city. The double rivers are Li River and Taohua (Peach Blossom) River while the four lakes are namely, Mulong (Wooden Dragon) Lake, Gui (sweet Scented Osmanthus) Lake, Rong (banyan) Lake and Shan (fir) Lake. Flowers, grasses, themed gardens, bridges, pavilions, towers and halls have been set skillfully to enhance and compliment the natural scenery. If water is the eye of a city then bridge must be eyebrow. There are nineteen bridges connecting the Double Rivers and Four Lakes. These nineteen bridges are styled after famous bridges at home and abroad, like Zhaozhou Bridge, Alexander Bridge over the Seine in Paris, etc.

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Hill) Located at the confluence of the Taohua (Peach Blossom) River and the Li River, this Hill is too famous to be missed. The Moon-over-Water Cave and the Moon-through-Hill Cave make up the unique Li River Twin Moons, with one moon over the water and the other in the sky.

Fubo Hill (Wave-subduing Hill) is famous for its six beauties: hills, water, caves, stones, courts, and cultural relics.

Reed Flute Cave is 5 km (3miles) from downtown in northwest suburb of Guilin. Here the scenery is focused on caves, and their rural setting. Within the cave there are enchanting stalagmites, stone pillars, stele, stone curtains and stone flowers. This wonderland is referred to as Nature's Museum of Art. From as early as the Tang Dynasty, this cave has attracted tourists many of whom have left murals, of which seventy-seven are well preserved.

Solitary Beauty Peak is also known as Sky-Supporting Pillar in the South. Dushu (Study) Rock on the east of the hill was where Yan Yanyuan, the litterateur of South Dynasty (420-589), had studied. This is the oldest place of interest in Guilin.

Seven-Star Park is located on the bank of Li River, crossed by Xiaodong River. The park got its name owing to seven peaks looking like Charles' Wain. This is the largest and most popular park in Guilin with the longest history. Hills, rivers, caves and stones are highlights of this park. Seven -Star Cave is a must see. Due to diastrophism, rocks crystallized and formed into stalagmites, stone pillars, stele and stone curtains. This is the most famous of the scenery in Guilin.

Tombs of Prince Jingjiang is a state cultural relic. On the southwest of Yao Hill in east suburb of Guilin, these tombs are well preserved and date from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Xishan Park is the second largest park in Guilin, which is comprised of Xi Hill and Yin Hill. This used to be a shrine of Buddhism and one of the five Buddha Temples in the south. Guilin Museum is also located in the park.

Yu Hill Park is the cradle of Guilin history. Legend has it that one of the ancestor of Chinese nationality, Shun (Yu) visited here and Qin (B.C.220-B.C.206) people set up temple to memorize him. In the past 2000 years, numerous people came here to offer up sacrifices; hence this park has a strong influence of Confucianism.

Yuzi Paradise is the largest sculpture park in China. One hundred and fourteen artists from no less than forty-seven different countries have contributed to this magnificent symphony of nature and humanity. Located 30 km (18.6miles) from Guilin, this park is a harmonious blend of life and art. Visitors are given the opportunity to make clay wares under instruction. Also you can enjoy the delights of the art salon, cafe, barbeque and buffet.

In addition to the above-mentioned parks, Nanxi Park in the south of the city and Chuanshan Park in the southern suburbs each has their own beauty and attractions.

For visitors with children, the following two attractions would be a must.

Bear and Tiger Park is the largest wild animal centre. Four breeds of tigers facing extinction can be seen there. Over three hundred tigers, four hundred bears and a hundred lions will give you a fresh idea of the survival needs of such wild animals. Also there are animal performances, which will surely excite kids and adults alike.

Guilin Ocean World is on the south of Nanxi Park. Here can be seen many aquaria containing some thousand or so varieties of fish are divided. The centre has an observation area, performance area, tropical forest and waterfall area, a touching area, underwater tunnel, sea area and so on. Marine treasures like giant hundreds-year old salamander, lungfish, clownfish, sea flowers, nautilus, living coral and sharks from around the world can all be seen here.