Museum culture in !

Li River (Li Jiang)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through the stunning landscapes and rich history surrounding China"s mesmerizing Li River. Begin your museum culture tour in the picturesque town of Guilin, known for its dramatic karst mountains and serene waters.

Day 1: Guilin Museum Exploration

Start your adventure at the Guilin Museum, located at 2 Xishan Rd, Xiufeng Qu. Easily accessible by bus (lines 10, 11, and 99), the museum offers a deep dive into the region"s history and culture. Explore exceptional exhibits ranging from ancient bronzes and ceramics to intricate wood carvings and traditional paintings, all shedding light on the area"s evolution. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Ronghu and Shanhu lakes, just a short walk from the museum.

Day 2: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

In the morning, head to Zhujiang Pier (a 40-minute drive from Guilin) and board a boat for a cruise down the breathtaking Li River. This 4-hour journey to Yangshuo showcases the river"s famous limestone peaks, often shrouded in mist, creating a mystical atmosphere that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Disembark in Yangshuo and explore its vibrant culture and lively market streets.

Day 3: Yangshuo"s Local Arts

Spend your day in Yangshuo experiencing local arts. Visit the Yangshuo Culture House for a deep dive into regional traditions and participate in a Chinese calligraphy or painting class. In the late afternoon, bike or walk along the Ten-Mile Gallery road, soaking in views of landmarks like Moon Hill.

Closing Note

The Li River and its surrounding towns offer not just natural beauty but a profound cultural immersion, making every museum and cultural site a portal to the past. As you journey through this majestic landscape, each stop is a new chapter in the rich tapestry of China"s history.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Longji Rice Terraces

Why Visit?

Longji Rice Terraces Museum Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Guilin

- Morning: Arrive in Guilin via Liangjiang International Airport. Take a taxi or bus to your hotel to check in and freshen up.

- Afternoon: Explore the Guilin Museum, located in the city center. The museum offers insights into the rich cultural heritage of Guangxi region with its exhibits on local history, ethnic minorities, and traditional crafts.

- Evening: Enjoy a local dinner at a traditional Guilin restaurant, famous for its rice noodles and spicy dishes.

Day 2: Journey to Longji Rice Terraces

- Early Morning: Depart from Guilin by bus to Longsheng County, a roughly 2-hour scenic journey. Buses depart from Guilin Qintan Bus Station. Ensure to arrive at the station early to secure your tickets.

- Morning to Afternoon: Upon arrival at Longsheng, transfer to a local shuttle that takes you directly to the terraces. Start your exploration at the viewing point in Ping"an Village, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the terraces, which appear like ribbons winding around the hills.

- Lunch: Have lunch in Ping"an, experiencing local dishes such as bamboo rice and stir-fried ferns.

Day 3: Deep Dive into the Terraces

- Morning: Hike from Ping"an to the nearby Zhuang village of Dazhai. The trail runs about 10 kilometers and offers breathtaking views and opportunities to learn about the Zhuang people"s way of life.

- Afternoon: In Dazhai, visit the local museum that details the history of rice cultivation and the engineering marvel of the terraces, created over centuries by the Zhuang and Yao communities.

- Evening: Return to Ping"an for dinner and perhaps catch a cultural performance by local ethnic groups.

Day 4: Return to Guilin

- Morning: After breakfast, take the shuttle back to Longsheng and then a bus to Guilin.

- Afternoon/Evening: Free time in Guilin for last-minute shopping or to visit any missed attractions.

This museum tour combines natural wonders with cultural insights, offering a profound look at the heritage and traditions of Guangxi"s ethnic communities.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Xingping Town (Xingping Village)

Why Visit?

Embark on a culturally rich exploration of Xingping Town, an ancient gem nestled in China"s enchanting landscape near Yangshuo, Guangxi Province. This picturesque village, dating back over 1,000 years, provides a profound glimpse into China"s storied past and offers an immersive museum-like experience in its entirety.

Getting There

Xingping is easily accessible from Yangshuo. The most scenic route is by taking a riverboat from Yangshuo on the Li River, a journey that showcases breathtaking karst mountain scenery, culminating at Xingping"s old fishing village. Alternatively, buses and taxis are available, with the drive taking approximately 45 minutes.

Start Your Tour at the Ancient Town

Kick off your visit at the heart of Xingping, the Old Street. This cobblestoned lane is lined with well-preserved Qing Dynasty buildings that now serve as quaint shops and local eateries. Dive into local history by visiting the Xingping Museum, a small but insightful space dedicated to the town"s heritage and the evolution of its community and landscape.

Discover Local Legends

Stroll towards the riverside to view the famous 20 Yuan Bill Scenery, the exact spot depicted on the Chinese 20 Yuan note. Engage with local fishermen and watch the traditional fishing method using cormorants, a practice that has been part of Xingping’s culture for centuries.

Explore Nearby Attractions

Just a short walk from the town center, find the Fishing Village, an integral part of the Xingping Historical Scenic Area. Here, explore ancient dwellings and gain deeper insight into the rural lifestyle that has remained unchanged over generations.

End Your Visit with Sunset

Conclude your visit with a climb up to Lao Zhai Hill. The hike takes roughly an hour but offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the Li River and Xingping’s landscape, especially stunning at sunset.

Xingping doesn’t just display artifacts; it is an artifact, alive with history, culture, and enduring traditions. This is more than a museum visit—it"s a step back in time.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)

Why Visit?

A Cultural Odyssey Through Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)

Start your day early to bask in the serene ambiance of Guilin"s iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, an awe-inspiring natural arch that vividly resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River. This majestic site is not just a marvel of natural beauty but also a treasure trove of cultural history, making it an essential stop in Guilin, China.

Getting There: Located conveniently at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, the site is accessible by bus (No. 2, 16, or 23) from downtown Guilin. Alternatively, a short taxi ride will get you there in no time. Aim to arrive early to avoid the crowds and to catch the gentle morning light, which makes for splendid photos.

Tour Experience

Begin your exploration at the Water Moon Cave at the base of the hill. Here, the river has carved a round opening that frames the water and sky, producing a stunning visual effect known as the "full moon." This spot is steeped in legend, with historical inscriptions dating back to the Tang Dynasty, offering a glimpse into China"s poetic past.

Next, ascend the stone pathway leading to the top of the hill. Along the way, visit Elephant Eye Cave which offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and river. Once at the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Guilian’s cityscape and the sprawling beauty of Li River — a perfect spot for contemplative viewing.

Interesting Fact

Elephant Trunk Hill is not only a geographical wonder but also a cultural symbol in Chinese art, inspiring numerous classical paintings and literary works.

Conclude your visit by exploring the traditional pavilions and temples that dot the landscape around the hill. Each structure tells a story of the region"s rich cultural heritage and the spiritual significance of this natural landmark.

Plan Your Visit

Open daily from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill can be both enlightening and inspiring, capturing the essence of Chinese natural philosophy and artistic inspiration.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)

Why Visit?

Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)

Morning

Begin your cultural expedition at the vibrant city of Guilin, a picturesque area famed for its surreal karst landscapes. Seven Star Park, a sprawling 120-hectare site named after the seven peaks that resemble the Big Dipper constellation, is your destination. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the crisp morning air. The park is easily accessible by local bus lines 10, 11, 14, 18, 25, 31, or 206, dropping you right at the entrance. Alternatively, a short taxi ride from the city center is a convenient option.

Forenoon Exploration

Start by visiting the Guilin Seven Star Cave Museum, located centrally within the park. The museum, housed in a naturally formed karst cave, showcases an array of geological and paleontological wonders, including ancient fossils and mineral formations. Illuminated by colorful lights, the stalactites and stalagmites inside create an ethereal atmosphere that transports you back in time.

Lunch Break

For lunch, enjoy a local meal at a nearby café within the park, offering traditional Guilin rice noodles or settle down for a picnic near the Camel Hill, offering splendid views and a chance to rest.

Afternoon Visit

Post-lunch, head towards the Flower Bridge, the oldest bridge in Guilin, dating back to the Song Dynasty. The area around it, especially vibrant during spring, is perfect for leisurely strolls and photo opportunities.

Evening Wind Down

Conclude your day with a serene boat ride on the Xiaodong River, a perfect way to reflect on the day’s rich cultural intake. As the sun sets, the river mirrors the colors of twilight, a magical end to your museum tour in the heart of Guilin’s most cherished park.

Planning Tip

Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a light jacket as cave temperatures can be cooler. Also, purchasing a map of the park at the entrance will help in navigating between attractions efficiently.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.