| Guilin is regarded in China as the countries most picturesque city. Two crystal-clear rivers Li River and Peach Blossom River meander through the city, which is encircled by mountains with unusual & bizarre rock formations and caves.
Two crustal movements of the earth took place about 200 and 180 million years ago thrusting the limestone sediments out of the sea from its bottom more than 200 meters below the surface to form a large expanse of land. The karst formation became the hills and rocks with unusual shapes through many years of erosion by the wind and rain. There are many complete karst (Limestone sites), which are of high scientific value and tourist value.
Karst caves and stone forests are a feature the natural environment of Guilin . The altitude is 140-160 meters. Guilin is in subtropical and monsoon zone with warm and moist climate. All this makes Guilin a unique natural experience for the visitor.
Guilin is named after the fragrance of osmanthus tree and saw its first inhabitants in Qin Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. Guilin prospered and flourished in Tang, Song, Ming and Qing under patronage from succeeding Emperors.
It is currently home to ethnic 12 nationalities with a total population of 1,260,000 in the city and surrounding area.
Guilin 's reputation as one of the worlds most a beautiful places has become established over hundreds of years and ranks second on China list of the 10 best tourist destinations.
Location
Guilin is located 109癊 longitude and 24?N latitude in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Guilin Government area covers an area of 4,195 square kilometers. It is in a basin surrounded by the Yuecheng Range , Ocean Hill, Jiaqiao Range and Tianping Hill. Guilin is located almost due west of Hong Kong and about 1 hour by air.
The Li River meanders through Guilin from north to south. Most of Guilin lies on the western bank of the Li River.
The main artery is Zhongshan Lu, which runs roughly parallel to the river on its western side. At the southern end of this street is Guilin Railway Station. Zhoangshan Lu is a rapidly developing stretch of tourist class hotels and retail shops.
The city center is dominated by the central square which is surrounded by a number of good hotels, shopping precincts and commercial buildings.
Guilin is built around its two rivers and lakes that are inter-connected. Many distinctive bridges crisscross the waterways.
Those who enjoy walking can spend many hours wandering the beautiful river and lakes make Guilin what it is.
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