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Confucian Temple
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Gongcheng Autonomous County of Yao Minority is 108 km to the south
of Guilin. The county's Confucian Temple is one of the four biggest
temples in China commemorating the life of Confucius. The Marshall
Temple is also a sacred sight of Buddhists. Other temples such as
the Zhouwei Memorial Hall and the Guild Hall for Folks from Hunan
Province are buildings in traditional Chinese architecture. |
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Fengyu Cave(Lipu)
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Fengyu Cave is located in Lipu County, 100km to the south of Guilin.
Fengyu Cave, the largest one of its kind in Asia, runs through nine
hills and holds not only the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites
of magical formations but there is also an underground river five
kilometers long. This is recommended for those looking for someplace
a bit different, off the tourist track. |
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Lingqu Canal
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In 214 BC (the same time when construction of the Great Wall commenced),
Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, ordered the excavation
of the Lingqu Canal with a total length of 34 km. Thereafter, the
obstructing Five Ridges gave way to this convenient waterway. It
is thought that this route was accessible for northern tribal people
to travel all the way through the canal up the Lijiang River to
Guilin, creating a unique culture including aboriginal minorities.
The construction of the canal made Guilin an important town to connect
the southern-most part of China with the central region in ancient
times. Lingqu Canal is the oldest canal in the world and one of
the three ancient Chinese Grand Irrigation Projects. A visit to
this ancient canal starts at Xing-an town, 88 km north of Guilin. |
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Longji Terraces
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A three hour adventure through the countryside of winding roads
up to Longsheng County reveals numerous terraced fields, of which
the Longji Terraces above the village are most imposing. They
are 108 km. from the city of Guilin.
The terraced fields are built along the
slopes rising from the riverside up to the mountaintop, the highest
part being 880 meters in elevation. The outline starts from the
foot of the mountain in progressive steps up to the top of the
mountain sowed with layers of water-glistened rice paddies. The
terraced fields were cultivated during the Ming Dynasty about
500 years ago and continue to flourish. This agricultural phenomena
is a popular photo shoot for many photographers.
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Minorities at Longsheng County
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The customs practiced by ethnic minorities of Longsheng are even
more colorful than the land. The jovial shoulder pole dancing
of the Zhuang, the graceful and pleasant harmony folk songs and
the playful Water-carrying of the Bride of Dongs, the Long Drum
Dancing and Long Hair's Combing of the Yaos all make for their
own distinctive characteristics. Clothing is vivid multi-colored
traditional dress with personal adornments for a very distinct
look.
Longshen County is locates about 100 kms
northwest from Guilin but there are many scheduled coaches each
day and another destination off the tourist track. Beware that
the road is sometimes washed away during the rainy season.
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Octagon Mountain and Treasure Vessel Waterfall
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Ziyuan County, 107 km to the north of Guilin is a place where
the Karst topography has created a tourist attraction. The most
picturesque of all is the red sandstone formation which covers
about 150 square kilometers. The Octagon Mountain and the Treasure
Vessel Waterfall are most impressive.
Zijiang River at Ziyuan County
The primitive landscape of Ziyuan County is worth planning for
an exploration. Adventure travelers will enjoy rafting down the
Zijiang River as a thrilling experience for those brave enough
to make the journey. The Zijiang River originates in and runs
through Ziyuan County with 45 shoals and 31 bends to make it quite
a challenge to navigate.
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Yuzi Paradise
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The Yuzi Paradise, a public park of artistic sculptures, surrounded
by picturesque mountains, is located in Dabu, nearly the halfway
point of the Guilin-Yangshuo highway. Natural surroundings and freedom
of expression is encouraged to make this site a paradise for art
creation by artists from home and abroad.
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