Lijiang Scenic Area in Guilin City is located in Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area. The Lijiang River is renowned worldwide for its beautiful landscape of mountains and waters, and it has the reputation of "The river is like a blue silk ribbon, and the mountains are like jade hairpins". The total length of the Lijiang Scenic Area is about 164 kilometers, and the drainage area reaches 6,050 square kilometers. The peaks here have various shapes. Some are like camels, some are like elephants, and some are like fairies. They set off against the clear river water, forming a picturesque beauty. There are many ancient villages, ancient bridges and other buildings distributed in the scenic area, which have witnessed the long history and culture of the Lijiang River region.
History and Culture
The history of the Lijiang River region can be traced back to ancient times. As early as the Neolithic Age, human beings have lived and multiplied here. In the long historical process, the Lijiang River has always been an important transportation route and cultural exchange passage.
Ancient literati and poets praised the Lijiang River countless times. They left a large number of poems and songs, adding a strong cultural atmosphere to the Lijiang River. For example, the poem "The river is like a blue silk ribbon, and the mountains are like jade hairpins" by Han Yu, a poet in the Tang Dynasty, vividly depicts the beauty of the mountains and waters of the Lijiang River.
The cultures of ethnic minorities along the Lijiang River are rich and diverse. Ethnic groups such as the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao nationalities live here. Their traditional customs, song and dance arts, etc., all have unique charm and have become an important part of the culture of the Lijiang River.
With the development of the tourism industry, the Lijiang Scenic Area has gradually become a tourist destination yearned for by domestic and foreign tourists. It not only showcases the beauty of nature but also inherits and promotes the local history and culture.
Main Scenic Spots
Elephant Trunk Hill
Elephant Trunk Hill is one of the iconic scenic spots in Guilin. It is located at the confluence of the Lijiang River and the Taohua River. It is named because its shape is very similar to an elephant standing by the river stretching out its trunk to absorb water. The Shuiyue Cave formed between the elephant's trunk and the body of the hill, on a moonlit night, the cave reflected in the water and the moon set each other off, forming the beautiful scenery of "Elephant Trunk Hill and the Moon in the Water". There are many stone inscriptions from different dynasties in the cave, which have high historical and artistic values.
Nine-Horse Fresco Hill
Nine-Horse Fresco Hill is one of the most famous scenic spots along the Lijiang River. On a huge cliff by the river, the stone patterns crisscross, resembling a natural picture of galloping horses. It is said that those who can see nine horses are geniuses, those who can see seven horses are top scholars in the imperial examinations, and those who can see five horses can also be regarded as scholars. Many tourists come here and eagerly look for the horses on the cliff, adding fun to the tour.
Reflection of Huangbu Shoal
The Reflection of Huangbu Shoal is the essence of the essence of the Lijiang River. The river surface here is wide and as smooth as a mirror. The peaks and green bamboos on the bank are clearly reflected in the water, just like a natural ink painting. Especially on a sunny day, the clear water reflects the green mountains on both sides, and the scenery is breathtaking. The pattern on the back of the new version of the 20-yuan Renminbi note is taken from this place.
Xingping Ancient Town
Xingping Ancient Town is an ancient town along the Lijiang River, with a history of more than 1,700 years. Many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties are well-preserved in the ancient town. The ancient streets, alleys, and bridges are scattered in an orderly manner. Walking on the stone roads of the ancient town, you can feel the strong historical atmosphere. Here, tourists can also take a bamboo raft to tour the Lijiang River and enjoy the landscape of mountains and waters on both sides.
Delicacies
Guilin Rice Noodles
Guilin Rice Noodles are a traditional delicacy in Guilin and one of the most popular delicacies around the Lijiang Scenic Area. They are famous for their unique brine and smooth rice noodles. The brine is the soul of Guilin Rice Noodles, which is boiled with a variety of spices and meats, and has a rich taste. The rice noodles are divided into round noodles and flat noodles, and you can choose according to your personal taste. With side dishes such as pickled bamboo shoots, peanuts, and scallions, the taste is rich and unforgettable.
Beer Fish
Beer Fish is a famous special dish in Yangshuo, and you can also taste the authentic Beer Fish around the Lijiang Scenic Area. Fresh live fish from the Lijiang River are selected, first fried until both sides are golden brown, and then stewed with beer, tomatoes, green peppers and other seasonings. The fragrance of beer is integrated into the fish, making the fish tender and juicy, with a delicious taste and a faint beer fragrance.
Surrounding Delicacies
Around the Lijiang Scenic Area, there are many other delicacies worth trying. For example, Lipu Taro and Braised Pork. The taro and streaky pork are arranged alternately and steamed. The taro is soft and glutinous, and the streaky pork is fat but not greasy. There is also Gongcheng Oil Tea, which is made from tea leaves, ginger, fried rice, etc. through the unique process of making oil tea. It has the effects of refreshing the mind and dispelling dampness and cold. In addition, there are various characteristic delicacies of ethnic minorities, such as the Five-color Glutinous Rice of the Zhuang nationality, etc., which can allow tourists to taste the unique flavor of the local area.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket prices of Lijiang Scenic Area in Guilin City vary according to different ways of sightseeing and routes. The cruise tickets of the Lijiang River are divided into different routes such as Mopanshan - Yangshuo and Zhujiang - Yangshuo, and the prices range from 210 to 450 yuan, which include the ship ticket and meal fees. If you choose to take a bamboo raft to tour, the ticket price for the Yangdi - Xingping section is about 110 to 160 yuan per person. In addition, some scenic spots such as Elephant Trunk Hill need to be purchased separately, and the ticket price of Elephant Trunk Hill is about 60 yuan per person. Special groups such as children, students, and the elderly can enjoy corresponding preferential policies, subject to the announcements of the scenic area.
Opening Hours
The Lijiang Scenic Area is open throughout the year, but the opening hours vary according to different ways of sightseeing. The Lijiang River cruise ships generally depart at around 9:00 in the morning, and the last cruise ship departs at around 13:00 - 14:00. The specific time will be adjusted according to the season and the passenger flow. The opening hours for bamboo raft tours are generally from 8:00 in the morning to 17:00 in the afternoon, but there may be changes in winter or during the dry season. The opening hours of scenic spots such as Elephant Trunk Hill are from 6:30 in the morning to 21:30 in the evening. It is recommended that tourists check the latest opening hours information through the official channels of the scenic area before going.
Tour Routes
If you plan to visit the Lijiang Scenic Area in Guilin City, you can choose the following route: In the morning of the first day, go to Elephant Trunk Hill first, admire the unique charm of this iconic scenic spot in Guilin, and learn about the history and culture behind it. Have lunch near the hill and taste characteristic delicacies such as Guilin Rice Noodles. In the afternoon, take a Lijiang River cruise ship, starting from Mopanshan or Zhujiang Wharf, and enjoy the strange peaks and rocks and rural scenery on both sides of the Lijiang River along the way. Pass through famous scenic spots such as Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the Reflection of Huangbu Shoal on the way. After arriving in Yangshuo in the evening, take a stroll on Yangshuo West Street, experience the lively atmosphere here, and taste delicacies such as Beer Fish.
In the morning of the second day, go to Xingping Ancient Town, feel the tranquility and simplicity of the ancient town, and then take a bamboo raft to tour the Yangdi - Xingping section of the Lijiang River to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and waters of the Lijiang River up close. End the trip in the afternoon and return to Guilin urban area.
Transportation
- Aviation: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is about 28 kilometers away from the urban area, and there are direct flights from many domestic cities. After arriving at the airport, you can take an airport bus, a taxi or a ride-hailing car to the urban area and the surroundings of the Lijiang Scenic Area.
- Railway: There are railway stations such as Guilin Railway Station and Guilin North Railway Station in Guilin, and you can take a train to Guilin. From the railway station to the urban area and the scenic area, you can take a bus, a taxi or a ride-hailing car.
- Bus: There are several bus routes in Guilin urban area that can reach some scenic spots of the Lijiang Scenic Area. For example, you can take Bus No. 2, Bus No. 23, etc. to Elephant Trunk Hill. However, the bus routes may not cover all areas, and the interval between buses may be long.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing Car: Taking a taxi or a ride-hailing car to the scenic area in Guilin urban area is relatively convenient, but there may be traffic jams during the peak tourist season.
- Cruise Ship/Bamboo Raft: If you choose to tour the Lijiang River by boat, you can take a cruise ship at Mopanshan Wharf, Zhujiang Wharf, etc., and take a bamboo raft in places such as Yangdi and Xingping. The tickets for cruise ships and bamboo rafts can be booked through travel agencies, the official website of the scenic area, and other channels.
Must-visit Scenic Spots
- Elephant Trunk Hill: An iconic scenic spot in Guilin, with a unique mountain shape. The Shuiyue Cave and stone inscriptions have high ornamental and historical values. The ticket price is about 60 yuan.
- Nine-Horse Fresco Hill: A famous scenic spot along the Lijiang River. The natural picture of horses on the cliff is full of fun and can stimulate tourists' desire to explore. It is included in the cruise ship or bamboo raft tour route.
- Reflection of Huangbu Shoal: The essence scenic spots of the Lijiang River. The picturesque reflections of the mountains and waters make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. It is the location where the scene on the back of the new version of the 20-yuan Renminbi note was taken, and it is included in the cruise ship or bamboo raft tour routes.
- Xingping Ancient Town: An ancient town with a long history. The buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties are well-preserved. You can experience the charm of the ancient town and also take a bamboo raft to tour the Lijiang River. The ticket price for the Yangdi - Xingping section of the bamboo raft is about 110 - 160 yuan per person.
Tour Suggestions
- Understand the admission ticket policies, opening hours and transportation information of the scenic area in advance, and arrange the itinerary reasonably to avoid delaying the tour time.
- If you choose to take a cruise ship to tour the Lijiang River, it is recommended to book the ship ticket in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to avoid delaying the itinerary.
- The natural scenery of the Lijiang Scenic Area is beautiful and suitable for taking photos. You can bring photography equipment such as cameras and tripods.
- When tasting local delicacies, choose regular restaurants and snack stalls to ensure food hygiene and safety. At the same time, you can try a variety of delicacies to experience the unique flavor of the local area.
- When visiting in summer, pay attention to sun protection and heat prevention measures, and bring items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun hats. Keep warm when visiting in winter.
- When taking a bamboo raft, wear a life jacket and follow the instructions of the raftman to ensure safety.
Precautions
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not litter anywhere, and do not damage the natural landscape and cultural relics and historic sites in the scenic area.
- Pay attention to safety during the process of taking a cruise ship and a bamboo raft. Do not walk around or frolic on the ship or the bamboo raft to avoid falling into the water.
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs, especially in areas where ethnic minorities live in compact communities.
- When purchasing admission tickets and souvenirs, buy them through formal channels to avoid buying counterfeit and shoddy products or overpriced tickets.
- If you encounter an emergency in the scenic area, contact the staff of the scenic area in time or call the local rescue hotline.
- In lively places such as Yangshuo West Street, take good care of your personal belongings and pay attention to personal safety.