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If the people at Disney were asked to invent a modern Chinese city they would probably come up with something like Guilin. This spotless, green,
pollution-free metropolis is surrounded on all sides by incomparable scenic beauty.
Thousands of steep mountains were formed before humans walked the earth. Today
they stretch for miles along the Ly River. They always seem to be shrouded in
mist, like an ancient watercolor. Nestled between Hunan and Szechwan, Guilin has
some of the best food in China--so good you may want to spend more time eating
than sightseeing. There is even a little gay nightlife. During your visit to Guilin you see one of the world's
greatest caves, cruise the Ly River on a small boat to visit tiny landlocked villages, and
have a look at Yangshou, one of the most unusual tourist attractions in China.
The itinerary below is based on evening arrival and departure flights. We will
modify it if necessary if your actual flights arrive and depart early in the
day.
We are on hand
meet you on arrival at Guilin at the airport and see you to our hotel.
After an early
breakfast you begin your Guilin adventure with a visit to Seven Star Park, a lush
garden spot nestled between seven mountains, and Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural rock
formation along the banks of the Ly River. Then it's on to the famous Reed Flute
Cave, one of the largest and most spectacular in the world. If you like spicy
food you will fall in love with Guilinese cuisine and your guide will be happy
to introduce you to one of the town's many outstanding restaurants following
lunch. In the afternoon (weather permitting) you enjoy a cable car ride to the
top of nearby Yao Mountain. At the bottom of the mountain you pay a visit to the
Tombs of Prince Kings of Jingjiang.
These Ming princes built a lavish tomb on the order of the famous Ming Tombs in
Beijing. On display is a collection of priceless vases. If time permits, we will
squeeze in a visit to Seven Star Park, which has been popular with visitors for
1,500 years. It is named for the seven stone mountains that surround lovely
formal gardens, picturesque lakes, and the oldest stone bridge in Guilin. You are on your own tonight. You might want to see Guilin after dark aboard a colorfully-lit boat that pliess two
rivers and four lakes. Can you smell the perfume of the ozmanthus flowers in the
breeze?
Today's cruise on the spectacular Ly River may be one of the most
memorable parts of your visit to China. Hundreds of big tourist boats are
packed with people for the four-hour trip to Yangshou. We
avoid them completely by driving down-river to the town of Yangdi. Along
the way you pass through one of the most picturesque valleys in China,
dotted with farms and villages. (The mobs of tourists on the big boats will
be busy eating bad food and will never had a chance to see this lovely
scenery.) In Yangdi you board a private boat to see
the most beautiful part of the river, and with stops at ancient villages
that are not accessible by road. Later, continue to Yangshou by road for a
late lunch. The town of Yangshou is a place you will either love or hate.
This picture-postcard town has been "discovered," mostly by backpackers. The
electric trolleys that transport tourists about make it seem more like a
theme park than a traditional Chinese town. You may enjoy West Street, which
is lined with shops and restaurants and closed to vehicular traffic. It's
the best place to sample "beer fish," a local specialty. If you extend your
Guilin visit by one night or more, you may spend the night in Yangshou.
Otherwise, return to Guilin by road.
You have free time until
we deliver you to the airport for your onward flight. Stay longer if you like.
There is plenty to do and see in and around Guilin. or extend your stay to discover more
of China in Beijing,
Xian,
Shanghai or Hong Kong,
or on to Bangkok via a direct Bangkok
Airways flight. PRICE PER PERSON FOR ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE (DOLLARS/EURO/POUNDS/BAHT)
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 Includes private airport transportation, hotel accommodation, tax, service, sightseeing with a private car, driver and guide, private boat trip, admission fees to places mentioned in the itinerary. Not included: other meals or admissions costs, items of a strictly personal nature.
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You can take an instant
discount when you combine two or more Purple Dragon China packages. More details are on the Club Sanook website. (See details
at left.) |
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Where We Shine:
