Guilin

Some friends invited me to go to Guilin at the last minute, about three days before they were set to leave. I had never heard of Guilin, but I like to take any opportunity to travel somewhere new, so I decided to go. It was alot of fun! Guilin is supposed to have some of the most amazing scenery in China, full of Karst formations like the ones that Matt and I saw in Thailand in Phang Nga Ba. The Karst formations in Guilin on land instead of surrounded by water, but they still look very surreal and are filled with some amazing caves. We stayed at the Sheraton Guilin and it was very nice, right on the Li Jiang River and walking distance from a ton of shops and restaurants.

On our first day in Guilin we went to the Reed Flute Cave, which was huge and filled with stalactites and stalagmintes. It was pretty cool, alot like the caves that you can tour in the US. Since Guilin is a prime destination for Chinese tourists, the cave was packed with guided tours. Chinese tours involve large groups of people being led around like kids on a field trip, following a leader who carries a flag. All of the people on the tours wear something to identify them as part of the same group, so some will all wear matching hats or shirts or big stickers. It is pretty funny to watch.


Grace at entrance to Reed Flute Cave 


Audrey and Grace in Guilin