April in Guilin: A Journey into a Living Chinese Painting

April in Guilin is as if God has knocked over an inkstone. The inky mountains, with their blurred contours, are mirrored on the silk-like surface of the Li River. A thin mist, like a gauzy veil, cuts the peaks into hazy verses. Boating on the river, you seem to stumble into the blank spaces of "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains". The mountains are like fine brushstrokes, and the water resembles splashed ink. Even your breath is imbued with the ink fragrance of Tang and Song Dynasty literati. Here, there are no skyscrapers vying for attention; instead, there are thousands of peaks embracing the city, encircled by a single river, exuding an eternal poetic charm. If you're tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, why not come to Guilin and be a person in a painting for a day?

🏞️ Must - Visit Attractions

1⃣️ Li River Bamboo Rafting

🎋 "The boat glides on the blue waves, and one seems to be wandering in a painting." The essence of the Li River lies between Yangdi and Xingping. It is highly recommended to take a bamboo raft in the early morning. Watch the morning mist blend with the fishing lights, and the cormorants standing quietly on the bamboo poles, creating a water - ink silhouette. The backdrop of the 20 - yuan banknote, the "Huangbu Inverted Reflection", is located here. Don't forget to bring a banknote for a photo.

2⃣️ Longji Rice Terraces · Spring Water - Mirrored Fields

🌾 In April, the terraced fields filled with water are like silver mirrors inlaid among the mountains. In the early morning, the mist shrouds the fields, and in the afternoon, when the sunlight shines down, the terraces sparkle like ripples on the water. Stay in a Yao - ethnic - group stilted building for a night. Open the window in the early morning and watch the sea of clouds roll over the "fingerprints of the earth".

3⃣️ Elephant Trunk Hill · The Poetic City Emblem

🐘 The elephant is drinking water by the Li River, a natural sculpture carved by geological forces over millions of years. To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to go to Zizhou Park at dusk. The afterglow of the setting sun gilds the elephant's trunk, and the reflection and the real scene are so intertwined that it's hard to tell them apart.

4⃣️ Silver Cave · The Milky Way Underground

💎 "Once you've visited Silver Cave, you'll never lack money in your life." The stalactites inside the cave are like a pouring Milky Way. Under the neon lights, wonders such as the "Snow - capped Waterfall" and the "Jade Pool Fairyland" seem dreamlike. Remember to wear non - slip shoes as the cave is damp but offers a unique experience.

5⃣️ Yangshuo Yulong River · Slow Time on a Bamboo Raft

🚣♂️ The section from Jinfeng Bridge to Jiuxian is the most classic for rafting. There are nine weirs along the way, and going down them is like riding a water roller - coaster. Cycle along the ten - mile gallery by the river. There are internet - famous attractions such as the rooster swing, the rice - field dragon, and the Moon Hill. Every step is like a scene from a movie.

🍜 Recommended Food

✅ Guilin Rice Noodles

The most authentic ones can be found in nameless old shops in the alleys. The brine is rich and fragrant. You can freely add sour bamboo shoots and green beans. For just 5 yuan, you can enjoy the local flavor of the market.

✅ Yangshuo Beer Fish

Fresh fish from the Li River is stewed with Lijiang beer. The fish is tender, and the soup is so delicious that it's perfect for mixing with rice. "Dashi Fu" on West Street has the best reputation.

✅ Intangible Cultural Heritage Oil Tea

The "one - cup bitter, two - cups astringent, three - to - four - cups a good life" Congjiang oil tea in Gongcheng. It is served with rice flowers and crispy fruits, allowing you to experience the morning tea culture of northern Guangxi.

✅ Night Market Delicacies

In Dongxi Alley, there are Osmanthus cakes and snail - stuffed glutinous rice balls; on West Street, there are bamboo - tube chicken and mugwort cakes; by the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, there are Li River shrimps. It's a paradise for night - snack lovers.