Guilin Travel Memories (Guilin Guide)

Hello everyone, it's been two years since graduation. I spent three years studying in Guilin and I really miss Guilin, and also my school. Recently I heard that a girl I met in Guilin got married, and it made me reflect. I'm writing this travelogue to record my story with Guilin. As my friends know, you should visit Guilin at two specific times: 1. March to April: there's a lot of rain, not too hot, and the Li River is shrouded in mist, like a landscape painting; 2. September to October: clear skies, pleasant weather, the most beautiful season, with the rice terraces turning golden yellow.

I. About Attractions:

1. The top recommendation is definitely Yangshuo. As the saying goes: 'Guilin's landscapes are the best under heaven, and Yangshuo's landscapes are the best in Guilin.' Ride a bicycle through the Ten-Li Gallery, stopping along the way to photograph the scenery and experience the beauty of the mountains and rivers. You can also pick a couple of attractions to visit along the way. Oh, and at night you must spend some time at Yangshuo's bar street—bustling and lively. I spent the first day of my zodiac year in a quiet bar there. (Yangshuo is the final stop. Usually, you take a bamboo raft down the Li River, disembark to see the 20 yuan bill background scene, walk to Xingping Ancient Town, then take a bus to Yangshuo, ride a bike, go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and then hit the bars.)

2. Longji Rice Terraces

Rice terraces are a specialty of southern farming. October is the harvest season for Longji rice terraces, with golden yellow covering the mountains. This is the perfect time to go. Stay in a guesthouse, watch the sunrise, play truth or dare with fellow travelers at night, and listen to Zhuang folk songs. I went to Guzhuangzhai (Ancient Zhuang Village), with a young Zhuang girl guiding us. Our group of four—me, my roommate, and two senior female students—stayed at a local guesthouse. I heard that Jinkeng Village is bigger. But note: the terraces are up in the mountains, so you need some stamina for the climb, though the slopes are not too steep.

Why categorize the city center as an attraction? Because there are so many spots downtown. During the day, visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave. In the evening, stroll along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, see the Sun and Moon Pagodas, and explore Dongxi Alley. I won't list them all; there are plenty online.

In summary, Guilin is a place where every snapshot is a scenic spot. There's also Daxu Ancient Town, Gudong Waterfall, Yao Mountain, Prince's City, the Ocean of Ginkgo Trees, Wetland Park, and more.

II. About Food:

1. Guilin rice noodles: I recommend Minggui Rice Noodles—a century-old chain.

2. Beer fish, grilled fish (choose tilapia), and Yangshuo's Eighteen Fillings (my favorite is stuffed snails); all available in Yangshuo.

3. Chunji Roasted Goose, Wangcheng Vinegar Blood Duck, Flame Drunken Goose, and Shitang Hotpot—all available in the city center.

4. Cured meat: Many southerners love it; it's not unique to Guilin but is very common there, and I love it.

5. Chili-mixed fruit: I tried it once—chili mixed with apricots. Hard to describe the taste—adventurous eaters can try it.

6. Fruits: Guilin has many cheap fruits—pineapple, dragon fruit, green mango, lychee, plus non-fruits like cassava and yacón. A paradise for fruit lovers.

7. Sanhua Liquor and Liquan 98 (beer that doesn't need an opener), pineapple beer—for those who like a drink.

III. About Local Specialties:

How could I forget souvenirs? I recommend two easy-to-carry items: Osmanthus Crisp (from a certain Fuji brand) and Osmanthus Honey. Both are abundant in the city.

There's more; I'll add more when I get emotional again!

During my three years in Guilin, I dug for wild bamboo shoots, made clay-oven chicken, camped, watched the stars, caught fish, caught loaches—going up mountains and into waters, seeing the most beautiful scenery and meeting the most beautiful girl. How I miss it!

——August 29, 2021, in Shanghai

Sentimental Little Bin Classmate

Finally, here are a few pictures:

2. Misty Li River

3. Longji Rice Terraces

5. Wetland Park

7. Ocean of Ginkgo Trees

8. Mountain Starry Sky

9. An Encountered Monkey