Choose from 45 Fun Things to Do in Southern China
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 45 listings.
Fuli Bridge
At over 500 years old, the Fuli Bridge is yet another ancient stone bridge which can be found in the countryside around Yangshuo. While the Yulong Bridge is the biggest single arch bridge in the province and the Xiangui Bridge is the oldest passage across the river, the Fuli Bridge is the tallest one. When seen from a distance away, the bridge with its high arched back and the reflection created in the water form a perfect circle, called a full moon by the locals. Single-arched stone bridges were a common type of bridge built in ancient China due to their strength and sturdiness, and like many of them, the Fuli Bridge has survived thanks to its high resistance to weathering..
But although it is located only a short distance from the very touristy and popular Yulong Bridge, the Fuli Bridge is a barely visited gem. Only very few travelers come here and those who do, usually have the stunning stone arch completely to themselves. Sometimes, children from the neighboring villages come here to swim in the shallow pools, squealing and jumping in over and over again in their clothes. Once in a while, a farmer crosses with a heavy load on his shoulders or a motorbike whizzes past, but otherwise, the stunning landscape around Fuli Bridge is completely tranquil. Only seldom do the bamboo rafts make it this far upriver and there are no coach tours to be seen and thus, it’s a great idea to imitate the locals and hop into the cool water for a peaceful swim in the dragon river.
Practical Info
Fuli Bridge can be found about 12 kilometers outside of Yangshuo along the Yulong River and there are a lot of options to get there. It’s easiest to simply rent a bicycle or scooter and head there via the village of Yantang. There is also the Yangshuo-Jinbao bus, which makes a stop at Jinlong Bridge. From there, you can walk the remaining kilometer northwards.
Address: Yangshuo, China
From $ 525
Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King
Considered one of the best museums anywhere in China, the Museum of the Mausoleum of the Nanyue King (sometimes called the Museum of the Southern Yue Royal Mausoleum) houses the contents of the royal tombs of the Nanyue-ruler Zhao Mo.The tomb was discovered in 1983 when a bulldozing crew digging up a basement for a hotel uncovered the ancient mausoleum.
Zhao Mo ruled the southern Chinese kingdom of Nanyue from 137 BC to 122 BC after being sent south by the emperor to establish a new sovereign state. The skeletons of Zhao Mo, along with 15 of his courtiers who were buried alive to serve him in death and several thousand objects from the empire are on display, and the compact tomb sitting behind the museum is open to visitors as well.
An audio tour available in English will walk you through the history of the Han Dynasty by way of the relics and artifacts once housed in the tomb.
Zhao Mo ruled the southern Chinese kingdom of Nanyue from 137 BC to 122 BC after being sent south by the emperor to establish a new sovereign state. The skeletons of Zhao Mo, along with 15 of his courtiers who were buried alive to serve him in death and several thousand objects from the empire are on display, and the compact tomb sitting behind the museum is open to visitors as well.
An audio tour available in English will walk you through the history of the Han Dynasty by way of the relics and artifacts once housed in the tomb.
Address: 867 Jiefang Bei Road, Guangzhou, China
Hours: Open daily 9am - 5:30pm (except Feb 28 & Aug 31). No admission after 4:45.pm
Admission: Adults: 12 CNY; Students and Seniors (65-69): 5 CNY; Students with ID and Seniors (70+): free
From $ 20
Nanshan Temple
Built in 1988 to commemorate two thousand years of Buddhist history in China, Nanshan Temple and the surrounding Buddhism Cultural Zone serve as a window into China’s rich Buddhist heritage. Nanshan is also the largest Buddhist temple established since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Situated at the foot of Nanshan Mountain, the temple architecture was heavily influenced by the Tang Dynasty. Visitors enter the grounds through The Mountain Gate, where two figures of the Buddha stand guard. Several more statues of the Buddha in his various forms live within the two main halls of the temple. A terrace in front of the temple looks out over the South China Sea, affording stunning views of the nearby 354-foot (108-meter) copper statue of the Buddhist goddess Guan Yin.
Come hungry, as the vegetarian food served at the temple restaurant is famously tasty.
Practical Info
Nanshan Temple is located 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Sanya City along the Hainan West Expressway.
Address: Hainan West Expressway., Sanya, China
Hours: 8am-6pm
Admission: 150 RMB
From $ 250
Binlang Ethnic Village
Located in the heart of Hainan Island, about 40 minutes outside of Sanya, this former ethnic village has been transformed into a cultural park where visitors can learn about the traditional lifestyle of Hainan’s rural Li and Miao communities. Craftspeople demonstrate their skills in recreated old-style huts, while local villagers stage an outdoor dance production.
Two on-site museums display traditional Li and Miao clothing, arts and crafts. Should you see something you like, you’ll find numerous souvenir shops (bargaining accepted) with arts and crafts for sale. Electric cars ferry visitors to various points of interest within the village — a welcome amenity when feet start to feel tired.
Practical Info
Weekends at Binlang Ethnic Village can get crowded. If possible, plan your visit for a weekday instead.
Address: Ganshiling Nature Reserve, Sanya 572000, China
Hours: 9am-5pm
Admission: 160 RMB
From $ 50
Guangdong Museum of Art
The Guangdong Museum of Art is a huge art museum located in Yuexiu District in Guangzhou. It features no less than twelve indoor exhibition halls that cover an area of 8000 square meters, plus an outdoor Sculpture Garden of contemporary works covering a further 5000 square meters.
The majority of the art at the Guangdong Museum of Art comprises of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum hosts in the region of 60 exhibitions a year in addition to its permanent collection, which primarily features contemporary works by local artists, as well as Chinese artists working abroad. The museum focuses in particular on artists based in the Pearl River Delta, and art lovers can appreciate works by such Guangzhou residents as Xu Tan and Chen Shaoxiong on a visit here.
Insider’s Tip
Although admission into the Guangdong Museum of Art is free, as with most museums and galleries in China, you must produce valid photo ID to gain entrance.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach the Guangdong Museum of Art is by taxi, although bus numbers 89, 194, B21, and 131A stop at Xinghai Concert Hall, which is located on Yanyu Road. The museum is located to the east of the concert hall.
Address: 38 Yanyu Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
Hours: 9am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday
From $ 20
Little Li River (Yulong River)
The Yulong River, also known as the Little Li River, is the largest tributary of the Li River, and it runs 26 miles (43 kilometers) across Yangshuo county. The river flows past limestone karsts, bamboo forests, rice paddies, ancient villages, and stone bridges. Floating down the river, or hiking or biking next to it, provides up-close views.
The Basics
Cruising down the Yulong River in a bamboo raft with poles offers an experience that’s serene when compared to the motorized rafts and boats used on the Li River, but you also bump over weirs, or small dams. Historical points of interest include the villages of Xiatang and Jiuxian villages, and Yulong, Fuli, and Xiangui stone bridges.
While cruising on a bamboo raft is one of the most popular ways to enjoy the Yulong River, many enjoy hiking or biking along the river. Try all three over a course of a half-day or longer guided tour and enjoy the river and countryside without worrying about navigating. For multi-day tours, additional activities such as rock climbing or a cooking school can be added.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Hiking, biking, or rafting the Yulong River is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers.
- Check individual tours for age restrictions on riding on a bamboo raft.
- Grab a bite to eat or a cold drink at one of the floating restaurants along the river.
How to Get There
The Yulong River connects to Li River just south of Yangshuo and is easily visited from Yangshuo. Most of the Yulong River is within the newly created Yulong River Park, which restricts motorized traffic. Those entering other than on foot or bike will have to exit their transport and purchase tickets for a shuttle bus that runs within the park.
When to Get There
The Yulong River can be visited year-round, but it’s most popular April through October due to the sunny, warmer weather. Some people may find the heat uncomfortable for hiking or biking at the height of summer (June through August). Rafting runs year-round.
Popular Rafting, Biking, and Hiking Routes
The three most popular rafting routes along the Yulong River are from Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian Village (about 2.5 hours), Chaoyang Wharf to Gongnong Bridge (about two hours), and from Chaoyang Wharf to Shui edi Dock (about one hour). Most bike tours along Li River take between two and four hours. The most popular section for hiking is between Yulong Bridge and Gongnong Bridge, and takes about two hours.
Address: Yangshuo, Guilin, China
From $ 25
Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)
A landmark in Guilin since the Tang Dynasty, and considered by many to be a symbol of the city, Elephant Trunk (Xiangbishan) Hill got its name because it’s said to resemble a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. Towering more than 180 feet (55 meters) above the water, it’s one of the top attractions in Guilin.
The Basics
In addition to the hill itself, there are a number of caves, pagodas, and temples, including Water Moon Cave, which is said to resemble the full moon on water, or the Elephant Eyes Cave, which is located where the elephant’s “eyes” should be. Climb to the top of Elephant Trunk Hill to see the Puxian Pagoda and for panoramic views over Guilin and stop by Love Island, in the middle of the Li River, for a great vantage point of Elephant Trunk Hill.
Elephant Trunk Hill is a popular site, and many half-day and full-day tours will stop here, along with other attractions like Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Seven Star Cave. You can also combine a visit with a multi-day tour that explores other areas nearby like Yangshuo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Elephant Trunk Hill is a must-see for first time visitors to Guilin.
- A cruise is a great way to see Elephant Trunk Hill, and it will also allow you to see Water Moon Cave at night.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you’re planning to climb to the top of Elephant Trunk Hill. The steep path can be slippery.
How to Get There
Elephant Trunk Hill is located at the confluence of the Li River and the Taohua River. Take bus nos. 2, 16, 23, or 58 (free tourist bus) and get off at Xiangbishan Park Station.
When to Get There
Elephant Trunk Hill is a very popular tourist attraction. Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds or at night on a moonlit cruise.
Other Attractions at Elephant Trunk Hill
Puxian Pagoda, at the top of Elephant Trunk Hill, was built during the Ming Dynasty to worship Samatabahra. Yunfeng Temple, located on the southwest slope of Elephant Trunk Hill, was the home of the Buddhist Monk Jianzhen during the Tang Dynasty, and was also used during the Taiping Rebellion. Today the temple contains an exhibition gallery devoted to that conflict.
Address: China
From $ 63
Daxu Old Town
Situated along the east banks of the Li River around 20 kilometers from Guilin City, Daxu Old Town dates back all the way to 200 AD. One of four ancient towns in Guangxi Province, Daxu features a 2.5-kilometer street paved in bluestone with well-preserved traditional houses and shops, mostly from the Ming and Qing dynasties, lining each side.
As a visitor, Daxu Old Town lends itself perfectly to taking leisurely strolls amid heritage buildings, sampling the local food, and learning about the traditional culture and customs that have been kept alive for thousands of years.
Most of Daxu Old Town’s residents are from the older generation and live simple, peaceful lives, working traditional trades, such as bamboo-weaving and shoemaking. Longevity Bridge is a must-see while in the town; this stone arch bridge was constructed in the Ming Dynasty and is a scenic place to stop and enjoy the Li River and perhaps take pictures of Snail Hill.
Practical Info
Daxu Old Town is situated less than 20 kilometers southeast of Guilin and is easily reached by taxi from the city.
Address: Daxu Old Town, Guilin, Guangxi, China
From $ 42
Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan)
One of the most popular attractions in Yangshuo, Moon Hill (Yueliang Shan) is easily recognizable by its crescent-moon-shaped natural arch, the remnants of what was once a limestone cave (Moon Palace). Rising 750 feet (230 meters), Moon Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the countryside, which is dotted with unique karst formations.
The Basics
Visitors will need to climb over 800 marble steps to reach the 164-feet-high (50-meter-high) Moon Palace. In addition to superb views of the photogenic countryside, there are a number of interesting stalactites in Moon Palace. Those who wish to summit Moon Hill can hike farther along a natural—and sometimes very steep—path to the top of the arch.
Moon Hill is easy to locate and enjoy independently. Or, visit as part of a bike tour from Yangshuo, which will also include other scenic stops along the countryside, such as Yulong River, Dashi Village, and Aishan Village. Many rafting tours also include a stop at Moon Hill; nearby Gongnong Bridge is a common endpoint along the Yulong River.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moon Hill is a must-see for stunning panoramic views of the countryside.
- There is an entrance fee to access Moon Hill.
- Wear sturdy shoes if you plan to climb to or past Moon Palace—the steps can be slippery, particularly if it has been raining.
- Although there are bolted routes at Moon Hill, climbing is not currently permitted. Check in advance for the latest conditions.
How to Get There
Moon Hill is located 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of Yangshuo within the newly created Yulong River Park. If you arrive by bus or taxi, you’ll need to enter the park and pay a small shuttle-bus fee from there. You can still enter without a fee on foot, by bike, or by boat.
When to Get There
Moon Hill is very popular with both Chinese and foreign tourists. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning or late afternoon, when there will also be fewer hawkers trying to sell you drinks and trinkets.
Ten Mile Gallery
Moon Hill is the end of the “Ten Mile Gallery,” a picturesque road from Yangshuo across the scenic countryside that features a number of tourist attractions, including Totem Ancient Path, Butterfly Spring Park, Big Banyan Tree, and Assembling Dragon Cave.
Address: Yangshuo, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 25
Li River
Along the banks of the Li River as it winds south from Guilin, dramatic karst peaks, dense vegetation, and the winding river itself create magical vistas that loom large in the Chinese imagination, having inspired art and verse for centuries. From Guilin to Yangshuo, there’s never a dull stretch along China’s most beautiful river.
The Basics
For many visitors, a Li River cruise between Yangshuo and Guilin ranks as a highlight of any trip to the area. While it’s possible to transfer between the two towns along the river, it’s also a popular option for a day trip from Guilin; you might combine a Li River cruise with a bamboo raft excursion on the Yulong River and a tour of picturesque Yangshuo, with its old-style houses along West Street. Come nightfall, the Li River serves as a stage for Zhang Yimou’s dreamy Impression Sanjie Liu show in Yangshuo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Li River is a must-see for first-time visitors and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- A typical Li River boat trip lasts four hours, while a full-day tour to Yangshuo from Guilin lasts upwards of eight hours.
How to Get There
While the Li River is much longer than the 52-mile (83-kilometer) length connecting Guilin and Yangshuo, these two towns represent the most popular access points. Cruises depart from Mopanshan Dock in Guilin and Xingping Dock in Yangshuo.
When to Get There
One of the best times to see the Li River is during autumn (September to November), when the weather is cool and dry. Cruises during the summer rainy season might be slightly shorter due to faster flowing water.
Sights Along the Li River
The stretch of river between Guilin and Yangshuo is packed with notable attractions, including several natural landmarks. Rice terraces where water buffalo roam are punctuated by named karst formations like Elephant Trunk Hill, Nine Horses Painted Hill, and Yellow Cloth Shoal. Beneath the karsts lie fascinating cave systems, including Reed Flute Cave and Crown Cave.
Address: China
From $ 42
Haitang Bay
A once remote area that’s now one of Hainan’s new hotspots, Haitang Bay stretches for 27 miles (43 kilometers) along the island’s southeastern shores. In recent years, Haitang Bay has earned its place on the tourist map as the home of several luxury hotels, including The Westin, Shangri-La and Kempinski, with more in the works. While ongoing development will likely draw bigger crowds to the area, it remains one of the quieter beaches on the island, perfect for watching a sunrise.
Aside from wide open sandy beach and numerous resort options, the area also features the 300-shot Haitang International Shopping Center, one of the biggest duty free malls of its kind in the world.
Practical Info
While the beach at Haitang Bay is a beautiful setting for walking or lying in the sun, the current can be quite strong, so swimming is not recommended.
Address: Haitang Bay, Haitangwan Town 571200, China
From $ 101
Guangzhou Museum
Travelers to Guangzhou looking to gain a deeper understanding of the culture, traditions and people of this southern China city will find what they are looking for at the Guangzhou Museum. This popular landmark is jam-packed with ceramics, bronze work, woodcarvings and precious stones that showcase the best of the Chinese province.
Touring the museum's well-kept halls is an ideal way to spend a rainy afternoon or an unbearably hot day. Audio guides are available for those who want to learn even more about ancient cultures and traditions, and two souvenir shops sell authentic trinkets. The museum's proximity to the main library, parks and IFC make it a convenient stop on any city tour.
Practical Info
The museum is located at 215 Wendming Road in Guangzhou. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am until 5pm. Visitors can access the museum using the 3 and 5 lines of the metro or the 40, 44, 183, 293, 886 and 886A buses. Admission is free but only 5,000 tickets are issued each day.
Address: 215 Wendming Road, Guangzhou, China
Hours: Tues–Sun 9am–5pm
From $ 73
Chen Clan Academy
The Chen Clan Academy, also called the Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, is to Guangzhou what the Forbidden City is to Beijing. The complex consists of 19 traditional southern Chinese buildings that were erected by the Chen Family in the late 1800s as a place for the members of all 72 Chen clans in the province to stay as they studied for their provincial exams.
In 1905, the traditional examination system was dissolved and the area became an industry college for the clan. In 1957, the complex was designated as a Guangzhou City preserve, and in 1959 the local government began using the Academy to house local folk arts.
Serving as the Guangzhou Museum of Folk Art, the Chen Clan Academy is the largest and best-preserved clan complex in Guangdong Province and houses an exquisite collection of Cantonese folk art. The structures themselves are works of art, with carvings on nearly every column, ceiling beam and wall. The halls and courtyards of the complex display wood, stone and brick carvings, engraving art, pottery and paintings.
In 1905, the traditional examination system was dissolved and the area became an industry college for the clan. In 1957, the complex was designated as a Guangzhou City preserve, and in 1959 the local government began using the Academy to house local folk arts.
Serving as the Guangzhou Museum of Folk Art, the Chen Clan Academy is the largest and best-preserved clan complex in Guangdong Province and houses an exquisite collection of Cantonese folk art. The structures themselves are works of art, with carvings on nearly every column, ceiling beam and wall. The halls and courtyards of the complex display wood, stone and brick carvings, engraving art, pottery and paintings.
Address: Guangzhou, China
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5:30pm
Admission: CNY 10
From $ 30
Fubo Hill (Fubo Shan)
Situated in northeast Guilin, beautiful Fubo Hill (Fubo Shan) sits half in and half out of the Li River, causing the passing water to swirl and lending it its other name: “Wave-Subduing Hill.” With a height of 695 feet (213 meters), Fubo Hill offers spectacular views of the city and river views from its summit.
The Basics
In addition to its stunning views, Fubo Hill features a number of caves and points of interest, including the Pearl Returning Cave, the Thousand Buddha Cave, and the Sword-Testing Rock, all at the foot of the hill. There are also a number of pavilions where you can stop and enjoy the scenery.
Fubo Hill is a popular attraction and many tours will include a stop here, along with Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Seven Star Cave. You can also combine a visit with a multi-day tour to explore top attractions outside of Guilin, such as Yangshuo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fubo Hill is a must-see for first-time visitors to Guilin.
- Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the views of Guilin and the Li River.
- Wear study shoes if you plan to climb to the summit—the path can be narrow and steep.
How to Get There
Fubo Hill is located on Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, in northeast Guilin. From the South Train Station, take bus no. 1 directly to Fubo Hill. Bus nos. 2, 58, and 203 also stop at Fubo Hill.
When to Get There
Open year-round, Fubo Hill is a popular tourist attraction; to avoid the crowds, arrive early in the morning.
Pearl Returning Cave
At the foot of Fubo Hill is Pearl Returning Cave; inside of that is the Sword-Testing Rock, which hangs from the ceiling and nearly touches the ground. Legend has it that the emperor tested his sword by cutting what used to be a stone pillar, leaving the crevice at the bottom. At the back of the cave is the Thousand Buddha Cave, with more than 200 Buddhist statues and more than 100 inscriptions, some dating from the Tang and Song dynasties.
Address: China
From $ 63
Impression Sanjie Liu
Impression Sanjie Liu is a unique outdoor night show directed by the renowned director, Zhang Yimou and staged at the Li River in Yangshuo. This is the world’s largest natural theater, using the setting of the Li River as its stage and the mist-shrouded karst hills as its backdrop – along with whatever weather the evening may bring.
For this open-aired spectacle, which is performed twice every evening in the summer, the audience watch from designated terraces while hundreds of performers appear to float on the water before them. Most of these performers are fishermen from the villages along the river, and the show itself depicts the story of the history and culture of the local Yangshuo people.
Throughout the performance, impressive lighting, sound, and special smoke effects blend in harmoniously with the natural landscape of the river and its surroundings, creating a truly mesmerizing experience.
Practical Info
Impression Sanjie Liu is situated approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Guilin city and a kilometer from West Street, It will take around 15-20 minutes to walk from West Street, or five to ten minutes by battery car. Tickets for the show are easily obtained from various hotels and agencies in town.
Address: Tianyuan Road, Guilin, Yangshuo, China
Hours: First run: 7:45pm / Second run: 9:20pm (weather permitting)
Admission: Adult: CNY 198 / Child: CNY 85
From $ 67
Chimelong International Circus
Opened in 2000, the Chimelong International Circus has become the largest professional circus venue in the world, where guests are taken on a multimedia journey of special effects, laser lights, acrobatics, horsemanship, clown antics, magic, dancing and a thrilling motorcycle Ball of Death, where nine riders perform at high speeds inside a suspended metal globe.
Before and after the 80-minute show, guests can shop for circus-themed souvenirs at the Circusky or Day & Night shops or grab something to eat at the Circustar Restaurant.
Practical Info
A free shuttle to the park departs from Hanxi Changlong Station in Guangzhou every 15 minutes during park hours.
Address: Yingbin Road, Guangzhou, China
Hours: 5pm-9pm (show starts at 7:30pm)
Admission: 300 Yuan
From $ 123
Longji Rice Terraces
For the farmers who reside in Southern China’s Longji region, rice terraces are simply a way of life. Yet for the thousands of annual visitors who make the 2-hour journey from the city of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces—nicknamed the Dragon’s Backbone—are an iconic symbol of Chinese agriculture and one of the most photographed sites in the country.
The Basics
Here in Longji, in Longsheng county, layer upon layer of cultivated terraces stretch skyward on steep slopes—at some points they slope at over 50° angles. Despite the dramatic grades of the mountainside, however, traditional Chinese rice farmers have managed to sculpt the hillside into orderly terraces that annually yield massive harvests of rice.
When visiting the Longji Rice Terraces, you can walk among rural and traditional villages that still house ethnic minority people such as the Yao and Zhuang people. Most travelers visit as part of a guided day trip from Guilin; these self-guided, small-group, or private tours often include a visit to a Zhuang or Yao village, where women still grow very long hair in a traditional style.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Longji Rice Terraces are a must-see for photographers and those looking for a rural escape.
- Day trips to the rice terraces from Guilin last upwards of eight hours, and often include hotel pickup and drop-off from your Guilin hotel.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
Due to their considerable distance from Guilin (59 miles/95 kilometers), the easiest and most convenient way to visit the terraces in and around Longsheng is to book a guided tour.
When to Get There
Though there really isn’t a bad season to visit the Dragon’s Backbone. The early summer months of May and June are popular for photographers, as this is when the terraces are irrigated and cast a mirrored effect that crawls up the walls of the valleys.
Which Terraces to Visit
The Longji region is home to several picturesque rice paddies, the most famous of which are the terraced fields of Ping’an Village. Less touristed and perhaps more visually impressive are the fields at Jinkeng near Dazhai Village.
Address: Longsheng, Guilin, China
Admission: CNY 50
From $ 58
Jingjiang Mansion
Guilin is mainly known for the magical karst landscape surrounding it, but next to the nature there is also plenty of culture. In fact, the town has been an imperial city since the Qin Dynasty and its main estate bears witness to this glorious past and the city’s long history. The Jingjiang Mansion, also called the Jingjiang Princes’ City, was the seat of the Jingjiang Family, who reigned in this part of China between 1368 and 1644. The mansion was built after the first Ming Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhan, made his nephew, today known as King or Prince Jingjiang, ruler of the Guilin region.
Designed to function as the inner city of Guilin, the mansion and grounds are very extensive and include four halls, several pavilions and over 40 secondary buildings surrounding the main mansion. The property was built in the typical imperial style and according to the strict rules of the Ming Dynasty, which can be seen in the yellow walls that are topped by tiered roofs and encircled by tall, red pillars. The property is also enclosed by a 1.5-kilometer-long wall with the buildings, gates, the palace, the gardens and the quarters being arranged on a symmetrical axis.
The center of this axis is a karst hill called the Solitary Beauty Peak, a towering 216 meter high mass of sharp limestone cliffs interspersed by green vegetation. Exactly 306 steps lead to the top of the peak, where visitors can find the Solitary Beauty Pavilion with its red pillars, as well as panoramic views over the now modern city. It took over 20 years to build the imperial city and 630 years of history took place within those walls, but today, Jingjiang Mansion is the site of the Guangxi Normal University.
Practical Info
Jingjiang Mansion can be found in the center of Guilin and opens daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm. The closest bus station is Lequn Road, which is serviced by bus numbers 1, 22, 30, 99 and 100.
Address: Donghua Rd, Guilin, China
From $ 93
Fuli Ancient Town
Fuli Ancient Town is a historic village made of stone slabs and cobblestone roads. The village is small and all the old houses are still intact and humming with life. While everything, from local produce to goods, wares and livestock can be bought at the regularly held and popular market, Fuli is especially famous for the handmade fans. This intricate trade, in which the majority of people living here are somehow involved, has earned the village the reputation of being the artistic town in the area.
Fan craftsmanship has a long tradition in China, and the exquisite structures made of bamboo, as well as painted and folded papers, are used for more than just to keep cool. Over the years they evolved to be used in theatre or dance, as gifts, status symbols, or as simple pieces of art. The handmade fans created in Fuli Ancient Town range from small handheld fans intended for everyday use to huge pieces of art, which when hung up, will cover a whole wall. Consequently, prices vary according to the size and level of detail incorporated in the fans. But while they range from cheap travel fans to exquisite pieces of art worth hundreds of dollars, they all show intricately painted flowers, the karst landscape of Yangshuo, birds, insects and Chinese girls in traditional outfits.
Practical Info
Fuli Ancient Town is located about 8 kilometers east of Yangshuo. Taking the bus from the main bus station Yangshuo takes about 20 minutes, but the most scenic way to get there is on a bicycle via the small village roads along the Li River.
Address: Fuli Ancient Town 542706, China
From $ 37
Canton Tower
As the tallest structure in China and the fourth tallest freestanding structure in the world, the Canton Tower dominates Guangzhou’s modern skyline. The twisted, tapering tower rising just over 2,000 feet (609.6 meters) is home to the world’s highest and largest outdoor observatory at 1,601 feet (488 meters) above the ground. Sixteen transparent cabins carry passengers around the slanting, elliptical rooftop, offering views that extend as far as Hong Kong and Macau.
Thrill seekers can plummet from a height of 1,600 feet (488 meters) down the side of the tower with the Mega Drop. For a milder thrill, take on the Spider Walk, the world’s longest sky stairs with 1,028 steps, some of which have transparent glass flooring with views of the ground far below.
For the tame of heart, the Canton Tower houses a rotating restaurant on the 106th floor as well as a 4D cinema, wine bar and science exhibition center highlighting the engineering technology behind the tower.
Thrill seekers can plummet from a height of 1,600 feet (488 meters) down the side of the tower with the Mega Drop. For a milder thrill, take on the Spider Walk, the world’s longest sky stairs with 1,028 steps, some of which have transparent glass flooring with views of the ground far below.
For the tame of heart, the Canton Tower houses a rotating restaurant on the 106th floor as well as a 4D cinema, wine bar and science exhibition center highlighting the engineering technology behind the tower.
Address: Yuejiang Road West / Yiyuan Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, China
Hours: Open daily 9am - 10pm
Admission: 50 RMB - lower levels; 100 RMB - medium levels; 150 RMB - upper levels
From $ 30