"Guilin" Guilin by xiquinho

With its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, Guilin, one of the most famous cities in China, has awed artists and travellers throughout history. It is located in Guangxi province in Southern China. Home to mostly ethnic minority Muslim Zhuang, it is best known for its picturesque limestone hills. There are numerous attractions, which include the Li River, an idyllic 83-kilometre river surrounded by dreamlike scenery; Elephant Trunk Hill is topped with an ancient pagoda representing the hilt of a dagger used by a jealous god; and seven hills in the shape of the Big Dipper which make up Seven Star Park, the most popular tourist spot in the city. Other renowned, must-see sights are Zenpiyan Cave, West Hill, The Jingjiang Princely Tombs, Yongji Bridge and Longsheng Hot Springs.

Guilin is also home to transparent "glass" noodles and the city's Buddhist temples are famous for vegetarian fare. In the evening, its main street becomes an open-air restaurant offering various Cantonese dishes.

For travellers who enjoy shopping, Guilin offers a wide range of exotic souvenirs, such as, paintings, silk weaving and sculpture. Besides tourism, its major industry, Guilin also produces medicinal minerals, tea, knitwear and exquisite handicrafts made by Guangxi province's ethnic minorities.