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Gay Travel China: Guilin and Yangshou
Scenic and sparkling clean, Guilin is one of the most pleasant and most picturesque spots on Purple Dragon's map.
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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, and cruise the Ly River to 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. If you arrive early enough in the day, we will give you a head start on Guilin sightseeing.
This morning begins 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 plies two rivers and four lakes. Can you smell the perfume of the ozmanthus flowers in the breeze? Guilin even has a colorful gay bar or two.
Today's cruise on the spectacular Ly River to Yangshou may be one of the most memorable parts of your visit to China. The three hour trip passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in China. (We use a deluxe non-smoking boat with a buffet lunch en route.) 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 decidedly un-Chinese local tourist specialty. There are plenty of lesser-trampled side streets where you can find really authentic food. 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.
Custom vacations are our specialty. If this travel package is not exactly what you are looking for, we may be able to modify it to make it a perfect fit. |
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