Guilin introduction:
 Named after osmanthus tree, Guilin (pop. 630,000) is one of the most-visited Chinese cities (pop. 630,000), located in the northeastern part of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It has long been famous for its limestone karst hills. Formed more than 200 million years ago when the oceans receded from this area, the hills sprout from a patchwork of paddy fields and flowing streams, creating a dreamy, seductive landscape that leaves few souls unstirred. Though there are a few hills in the city that can be explored, the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the top attraction in town. Increasingly, Guilin is also being used as a base to visit the Zhuang, Yao, Miao, and Dong minority villages to the northwest.
With summer's heat and humidity and winter's low rainfall affecting water levels in the Li River, April, May, September, and October are the best months for cruising. April to August also marks the rainy season, however, so be prepared with rain gear. Avoid the first weeks of May and October, when China celebrates national holidays, the Li River becomes even more congested with tourist boats than usual, and the price of everything doubles at the very least.
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