Guilin Scenic Area

File:漓江山水.jpg

The topography of Guilin is characterized by its karst limestone formations, with mountains predominantly composed of green stone and covered by evergreen vegetation. These mountains are noted for their distinctive and unusual shapes, integral to the region's natural heritage.{{Cite web |date=2010 |title=中国南方喀斯特 |url=http://www.shilinheritage.com/public/protal/zh-CHS/topic-189-16515.html |website=Stone Forest |language=zh}}

Key mountain attractions in Guilin include Elephant Trunk Hill, {{Interlanguage link|Fubo Hill|zh|伏波山}}, {{Interlanguage link|Diecai Hill|zh|叠彩山}} and {{Interlanguage link|Nine Horses Hill|zh|九马画山}}.

The caves of Guilin are karst formations, characterized by their winding paths and the presence of underground rivers that connect some of them. The interior landscapes of these caves are defined by the presence of stalactites and stalagmites.{{Cite web |date=2007 |title=桂林山水甲天下 -- 地理科学与资源研究所 |url=http://www.igsnrr.cas.cn/cbkx/kpyd/dlzs/land/202009/t20200910_5692570.html |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS |language=zh}}

Prominent karst caves in Guilin include Reed Flute Cave in Reed Flute Park, Seven-star Cave in Seven-star Park, {{Interlanguage link|Guan Cave|zh|冠岩}} in the suburbs, and Fengyu Cave in Lipu.

File:Oldguilinmap.jpg

Guilin's stone carvings, collectively referred to as {{Interlanguage link|Guilin Stone Carvings|zh|桂林石刻}}, are dispersed across various mountains within the city. These carvings include both rock carvings and rock statues. The former is widely distributed across the city's mountainous regions, while the latter is primarily found on {{Interlanguage link|Fubo Hill|zh|伏波山}}.{{Cite web |title=桂林石刻：一本藏在天地山水间的编年史书 |url=http://epaper.guilinlife.com/glrbpc/glrb/20230613/Articel08001NR.htm |website=Guilin Life |language=zh}}

The majority of Guilin's rock carvings date back to the Tang and Song dynasties, with additional examples from the Qing dynasty and Republican era. The carvings have diverse content, including travelogues, historical records, and official announcements.{{Cite web |title=刻在石上的高洁--旗帜网 |url=http://www.qizhiwang.org.cn/n1/2024/0531/c457277-40247839.html |access-date=2024-08-12 |website= |publisher=中国纪检监察报 |language=zh}}

On Parrot Mountain, located in the northern part of {{Interlanguage link|Guilin city center|lt=Guilin|zh|桂林市区}}, there is a Song dynasty stone carving called the "{{Interlanguage link|Map of Jingjiang Prefecture City|lt=|zh|静江府城池图}}," one of the earliest urban maps in China.{{Cite web |title=鹦鹉山 宋·《静江府城池图》 |url=http://www.guilinline.com/2007/11-9/2007119105457.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305234822/http://www.guilinline.com/2007/11-9/2007119105457.html |archive-date=2016-03-05 |website=桂林探索网 |language=zh}}

Within the Pearl Cave on {{Interlanguage link|Fubo Hill|zh|伏波山}} lies the renowned "Self-Portrait of Mi Fu."{{Cite web |date=2015 |title=目击道存·米芾 |url=https://m-news.artron.net/20150307/n718939.html |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=Artron.net |language=zh}}

The majority of water bodies in Guilin comply with national secondary water quality standards, characterized by their clarity and transparency.{{Cite news |date=2022 |title=桂林:"两清两跟"强化监督 推进漓江流域生态环境保护综合治理 |url=https://news.sina.cn/gn/2022-07-01/detail-imizirav1520031.d.html |work=Sina News |language=zh}}

The main water attractions in Guilin include the Li River and the {{Interlanguage link|Two Rivers and Four Lakes|zh|两江四湖}}.

{{Main|Li River}}

File:River_Li_foggy_and_clear.jpg

The Li River originates from Mao'er Mountains in Ziyuan County, Guilin. It belongs to the Pearl River system and flows southward through counties and cities such as Guilin and Yangshuo. After passing through Lipu, it is called the Gui River, continuing southward to merge with the Xi River in Wuzhou, with a total length of 426 kilometers.{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=陽朔山水甲桂林 |url=https://www.dcfever.com/column/read.php?id=6145 |language=zh}}File:RMB20dollarbackscene.jpg.]]

The image on the back of the 20-yuan note of the fifth series of Renminbi issued by the People's Bank of China features the Li River in Guilin, located in {{Interlanguage link|Xingping Town|zh|桂林山水}}, Yangshuo County.

The Li River and Xiang River are connected by the Lingqu Canal, which was dug during the Qin dynasty.

The {{Interlanguage link|Two Rivers and Four Lakes|zh|两江四湖}} refer to the Li River, Taohua River, Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulong Lake, which together form the urban water system of Guilin and now serve as tourist attractions.{{Cite web |title=两江四湖 .象山景区 |url=http://union.china.com.cn/zhuanti/txt/2022-10/17/content_42140155.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=中国网 |language=zh}} Historically, these rivers and lakes were not interconnected, and some, such as those around Gui Lake, were severely silted. After over a decade of renovation, including large-scale natural lake dam construction and landscaping, the interconnected urban water system known as Two Rivers and Four Lakes was completed in 2001.

File:Lake_Shanhu_pagodas_at_night.jpg

File:Xiangshan_Scenic_Area_89468-Guilin_(31130832628).jpg in Guilin.]]

"Yuzi Paradise" Sculpture Park is a modern cultural attraction in Guilin. This art center was established by the Taiwanese businessman Cao Rizhang."{{Cite web |date=April 1, 2006 |title=台商投资数亿元创办的桂林愚自乐园正式开园 |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2006-04/01/content_4371711.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060405044347/http://news.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2006-04/01/content_4371711.htm |archive-date=April 5, 2006 |website=新华网 |language=zh}} Since 1997, the park has hosted eight international creative activities, with over 150 sculptures created by masters from more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. The ultimate goal of Yuzi Paradise is to "create a historical cave comparable to the Dunhuang Caves that reflects contemporary human life."{{Cite news |title=大桂林旅游圈雏形凸现 |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/zhengfu/2002-07/31/content_720287.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041116190014/http://news.xinhuanet.com/zhengfu/2002-07/31/content_720287.htm |archive-date=2004-11-16 |work=新华网 |language=zh}}

• The origin of Guilin Scenic Area: It is said that the landscape of Guilin was created by the goddess Chang'e.{{Cite web |title=桂林山水的神话传说_神话传说故事 |url=https://gs.kankanmi.com/html/20161025/88044.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=看故事网 |language=zh}}
• Returning the Pearl after Testing the Sword ({{Lang-zh|c=试剑还珠|labels=no}}): This story involves the old Dragon King in the Crystal Palace of the Fubo Pool next to Fubo Hill and his dragon pearl placed in Reed Flute Cave. The legend includes locations such as Wine Pot Hill, {{Interlanguage link|Nanxi Hill|zh|南溪山}}, Floating Goose Islet, and Returning Pearl Cave.
• Treasure in Reed Flute Cave ({{Lang-zh|c=芦笛藏宝|labels=no}}): It is said that Chang'e turned treasures into stalactites in Reed Flute Cave. This legend involves locations such as the Lion Sending Off Guests, Reed Flute Cave, etc.
• The Rebellion of the Divine Elephant ({{Lang-zh|c=神象叛主|labels=no}}): This story involves a dispute between the pheasant demon, the elephant, and Chang'e, and includes locations such as Seven-star Cave, Elephant Hill, the pagoda on Elephant Hill, and Zhi Hill ({{Lang-zh|c=雉山|labels=no}}).{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Jun |date=2006 |title=Guilin - Best Under Heaven |url=https://www.isprs.org/publications/highlights/highlights0606/bejing.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing}}
• Amah Rock (husband-watching stone, {{Lang-zh|c=望夫石|labels=no}}): A story about a kind-hearted couple, involving locations such as Yellow Ox Gorge, Doumi Shoal, Immortal Stone, and Amah Rock.
• Colorful Brocade Turned to Stone ({{Lang-zh|c=彩锦化石|labels=no}}): A legend involving Chang'e helping the people to defeat monsters, with locations such as {{Interlanguage link|Diecai Hill|zh|叠彩山}}, Wind Cave, Mulong Cave, White Crane Cave, Frog Stone, and Mulong Tower.
• The Past and Present of West Hill ({{Lang-zh|c=西山今昔|labels=no}}): A legend involving Guanyin, three fairies, and Chang'e defeating monsters, including locations such as the Six Caves of Hidden Hill, the Old Horse Herdsman, and Guanyin Peak.
• Chang'e Repaints the Nine Horses ({{Lang-zh|c=嫦娥五易九马图|labels=no}}): : A legend about Chang'e painting the "Nine Horses Painting," involving locations such as Thunderstruck Mountain, Monkey Holding a Watermelon, and Nine Peaks Mountain.
• The Snail Girl Escapes Marriage ({{Lang-zh|c=螺女逃婚|labels=no}}): A legend about the Snail Girl escaping marriage, involving locations such as Beauty Dressing, Snail Hill, and Beauty Peak.

In 1982, the State Council announced Guilin as one of the first batch of National Historical and Cultural Cities.{{Cite web |date=2009 |title=国家第一批历史文化名城名单（国务院1982年2月8日） |url=http://www.bjww.gov.cn/2009/1-6/1231217145718.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207113247/http://www.bjww.gov.cn/2009/1-6/1231217145718.html |archive-date=2009-12-07 |website=北京市文物局网站 |language=zh}}

Guilin's landscape is one of {{Interlanguage link|Top ten scenic areas of China|lt=China's top ten scenic spots|zh|中国十大风景名胜}}. The scientific significance of Guilin's landscape is from the concentration of the Guilin-Yangshuo type of peak forest karst landforms. These formations are internationally recognized by the karst community as the world's typical representative of peak forest karst landforms and a model of tropical and subtropical peak forest landforms.{{Cite web |date=2012 |title=桂林应当成为世界地质公园 |url=https://culture.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2012_03/05/12961627_0.shtml |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=News IFeng}}{{Cite web |title=西南喀斯特再揭秘——岩溶动力学与全球变化研究透视_中国地质调查局岩溶地质研究所 |url=https://www.karst.cgs.gov.cn/ttxw/201804/t20180424_455999.html |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=中国地质科学院岩溶地质研究所 |language=zh}}

• Han Yu wrote the verse "The river forms a green silk belt, and the mountains resemble jade hairpins".In Chinese: “{{Lang-zh|c=江作青罗带，山如碧玉簪|labels=no}}”.
• He Jingzhi composed the "Song of Guilin Scenic Area"In Chinese:{{Lang-zh|c=《桂林山水歌》|labels=no}} during his visit to Guilin.
• Over 800 years ago, during the Southern Song dynasty, {{Interlanguage link|Wang Zhenggong|lt=|zh|王正功}} wrote the famous line "Guilin's landscape is the best under heavenIn Chinese:{{Lang-zh|c=“桂林山水甲天下”|labels=no}}. in his poem "A Grand Banquet Encouraging the Emperor",In Chinese:{{Lang-zh|c=《大比宴享即席劝驾诗》|labels=no}}. which made Guilin's scenery renowned worldwide.{{Cite book |last1=崔林涛 |url= |title=中国历史文化名城大辞典 |last2=罗亚蒙等 |date=1998 |publisher=中国历史文化名城大辞典 |isbn=978-7-80002-996-7 |editor-first= |edition=1st |location=Beijing |pages=682 |language=zh}}{{Cite web |date=2008-09-04 |title=王正功：吟出"桂林山水甲天下"的诗人 |url=http://www.gx.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-09/04/content_14306112.htm |website=新华网 |access-date=2024-08-13 |archive-date=2009-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403064231/http://www.gx.xinhuanet.com/newscenter/2008-09/04/content_14306112.htm |url-status=dead }}
• In 1963, Chen Yi accompanied Prince Sihanouk of Cambodia on a tour of Guilin and left behind the famous verse, "I would rather be a Guilin native than a god".In Chinese: {{Lang-zh|c=“愿做桂林人，不愿做神仙”|labels=no}}.
• In 1985, then-U.S. Vice President George H. W. Bush and his wife toured the Li River; in 1987, Jimmy Carter and his wife visited Guilin's landscape; in July 1998, the Clinton family toured the Li River and gave a speech on environmental protection in Seven-star Park.
• In 1985, Norwegian Prince Harald and Princess Sonja toured Yangshuo.

• "As far as I know, Guilin's scenery is unique in the world." — (USA) Tsung-Dao Lee, June 1974.In Chinese: {{Lang-zh|c=据我所知，桂林的风景在世界上是独一无二的|labels=no}}.{{Cite web |date=2006-02-22 |title=名人游桂林 |url=http://www.gledu.cn/Article/gljy/rwls/2211.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105140420/http://www.gledu.cn/Article/gljy/rwls/2211.htm |archive-date=2010-11-05 |publisher=桂林教育信息网 |language=zh}}
• "The beautiful scenery before my eyes must have been created by a 'God' or a 'superhuman.'" — (Zambia) Frederick Chiluba, October 2000.{{Cite web |title=历代名人访桂林 |url=http://www.gledu.cn/Article/gljy/rwls/2211.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101105140420/http://www.gledu.cn/Article/gljy/rwls/2211.htm |archive-date=2010-11-05 |publisher=桂林旅遊114 |language=zh}}
• "I would rather be a Guilin native than a god." — Poet Marshal Chen Yi.{{Cite book |last=叶永烈 |title=行走中国 |date=2002 |publisher=上海文艺出版社 |isbn=978-7-5321-2335-3 |location=Shanghai |language=zh}}

{{Commons category|Elephant Trunk Hill}}

• [http://news.xinhuanet.com/misc/2002-07/31/content_504874.htm 大桂林旅游圈] (in Chinese) ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050915084522/http://news.xinhuanet.com/misc/2002-07/31/content_504874.htm}}.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20101105140420/http://www.gledu.cn/Article/gljy/rwls/2211.htm 名人对桂林的赞美辑录] (in Chinese).

{{Commons|Lijiang River}}

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Category:Tourism in China

Category:Guilin