The Best Scenery Under Heaven: Why Guilin Belongs on Every China Traveler’s List
Poinews.com – Throughout history, art has played a pivotal role in shaping perceptions of natural beauty. In Britain, JMW Turner’s Picturesque Views in England and Wales elevated the nation’s coastlines and castles to iconic status. Similarly, Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji transformed Japan’s stratovolcano into a global attraction. In China, the tradition of shanshui painting has long captured the essence of mountains and rivers, inspiring generations of travelers. Nowhere is this aesthetic more vividly realised than in Guilin, a city in South China’s Guangxi province that feels like a living ink wash masterpiece.
A City Shaped by Karst
Nestled near the karst formations that rise from the Li River, Guilin offers a landscape untouched by the modern skyline of Shanghai—though the distance is less than three hours by flight. The city’s towering, mist-veiled peaks and serpentine waterways evoke the dreamlike scenes of classical Chinese landscapes. This natural wonder has drawn visitors for centuries, with the poet Wang Zhenggong once declaring it “the best scenery under heaven” over 800 years ago. His words still echo today, as both domestic and international travelers continue to marvel at its allure.
“The best scenery under heaven.” — Wang Zhenggong
Despite its enduring charm, Guilin has quietly faded from mainstream travel trends in recent years, overshadowed by Zhangjiajie’s limestone formations popularised by the *Avatar* film. Yet, this hasn’t diminished its status as a hidden gem. While major cities like Beijing or Xi’an often dominate itineraries, Guilin’s unparalleled vistas deserve a place of equal prominence.
Iconic Landmarks and Living History
The Solitary Beauty Peak stands as Guilin’s most striking feature, its solitary form said to command the surrounding karst formations. Part of the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace, this city-within-a-city was constructed during the Ming Dynasty, later evolving into an imperial examination site in the Qing era. Today, it serves as a cultural hub and campus for Guangxi Normal University. Visitors can ascend the peak, where steep steps reveal panoramic views of the city’s intricate layout nestled between the limestone hills.
For those seeking adventure, the journey to the Li River’s most dramatic scenery lies beyond Guilin’s borders. A cruise along the river unveils the region’s natural “paintings,” such as the Nine Horse Mural Hill. Though my imagination struggled to decipher the imagery, the sheer beauty of the landscape left me speechless. The UNESCO-recognised South China Karst site, which includes these formations, is a testament to nature’s artistry.
Hidden Treasures and Timeless Beauty
Just an hour’s drive from Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces offer another glimpse into the region’s natural splendor. Their tiered slopes, resembling a dragon’s scales, shift in appearance with the seasons. During our visit in early June, the terraces were waterlogged, yet the vistas remained breathtaking. Even on overcast days, the scenery never fails to impress, as seen in the iconic vista near Xingping, which graces the back of China’s 20 RMB note.
For the most extraordinary view, the Ruyi Peak provides a dramatic vantage point. Reaching it involves a nerve-wracking cable car ride, a thrilling suspension bridge trek, and climbing additional steps. From the summit, the karst formations stretch endlessly, reminiscent of the otherworldly landscapes of Phang Nga Bay in Thailand—another location featured in *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith*.
Guilin’s karst terrain also harbors over 3,000 caves, each a hidden chamber of geological wonder. Whether exploring the city’s historic landmarks, cruising the Li River, or hiking to the terraces, Guilin’s landscapes continue to captivate with their timeless elegance. As my trip proved, no matter the weather or season, this city delivers an experience that lingers long after the journey ends.
