The good thing about arriving so early is that we missed a lot of the touts that Guilin is becoming famous for - as it is such a popular tourist destination.
After a brief and well-needed nap, we ventured off by bus to Qixing Gonguan (Seven-Star Park) which is a huge park, which cost us more to enter than it did for our accommodation! It was worth it though - so much to see and do. This park is nestled on the eastern side of the Li river, which is the most beautiful river we've seen so far and the locals think so too! The park first opened to tourists in 581-618.
In the park we visited the Qixia Temple, which was full of golden Buddhist statues and a remarkably huge wood carving - no photo good enough to post though - they didn't do it justice!
From the temple we journeyed up, and up, and up eventually reaching the seven-star cave - which was big and beautiful with huge chambers full of stalactites and stalagmites. These were lit up with numerous neon lights, that we're used to seeing in China - the Chinese have a way with lights which completely transform sights at night! We've been trying to take night photos but our camera doesn't really do the job- sorry, we'll enjoy them for you!We also walked passed an 800 year old tomb, where we saw a squirrel flying between trees - it held our attention much longer than the tomb! From here we continued on to the peak of one of the mountains (you can see this as a speck up on the second peak from the left on the first photo above). We had a much deserved rest here - taking in the amazing views of the city below and the other peaks surrounding us. The moutains are the main attraction in Guilin - they surround the city in mulitple layers, and each are very unique in their own jaggered way! They are a combination of rock-faces and luch bush - absolutely stunning! 
We spent the afternoon wandering around the park, passing waterfalls, visiting the zoo which we regretted immediately (no more zoos for us) and a natural rock gallery, which although interesting was taxing in the heat. Of note in the gallery were amazing paint stones, which are stones with amazing pictures / scenes that naturally occur in them.
The last sight of the day was Camel Hill - a cool hill shaped liked a camel!!
For dinner Adam (unknowingly) ordered He Hua fish - which are very small and hard to eat with chopsticks - he really had to work for his meal! The waiter asked if Adam wanted pepper, and he got a plate full of chillis - leaving him once again sweating and his mouth numb! Eating meat here is much different than at home - there's no hiding the animal you're eating as it comes served with its head, all bones, feet and everything in between! Liv likes the idea of this - its too easy in NZ!After dinner we spent the rest of the night at the night markets, where we purchased Erin-Jane's BIG 21st present and a little something for Ethan (we couldn't resist). We'll figure out postage tomorrow! The night markets are positioned in between Rong Hu (lake) on the western side and Shan Hu on the eastern side - which were amazingly lit at night.
Adlibing the mountains in Guilin - and loving it!
No comments:
Post a Comment