Karst Mountains of Guilin - Looking Through the Eyes of an Elephant

The region of Guilin in northeastern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is famous throughout China for its awe-inspiring landscape, which, according to a Chinese saying, is the most beautiful in the world. Astounding karst hills topped with lush greenery are typical for the region and have intrigued visitors for centuries.

The most famous karst limestone formation, and the landmark of the entire region, is Elephant Trunk Hill. As its name suggests, the rock formation looks like an elephant stretching its trunk to drink from the Li River. The estimated age of the limestone formation is 360 million years. The rock is 55 meters high, 108 meters long and 100 meters wide.

Between the trunk and the forefeet of the elephant is located Moon Over the Water cave, or Shuiyuedong cave. The walls of the cave are covered with over 70 lyrical odes to the beauty of the surrounding nature dating from the Tang (618-907)and Song (960-1279) dynasties.

Halfway up the hill there is another cave. Here a visitor can wander into the depths of the "elephant" and gaze at the marvelous view through openings in the walls of the cave, or the elephant's eyes.

Fubo Hill
Fubo Hill is located in northeastern Guilin. Half of this 213 meters high and 120 meters long mountainous rock formation reaches all the way to the Li River and during high tide its cliffs battle turbulent waves that crash against them. For this reason Fubo Hill is also known as the Wave-Subduing Hill.

Returned Pearl Cave
Returned Pearl Cave is located on the southern slope of Fubo Hill. According to legend, a glowing pearl used to illuminate this cave, which was inhabited by a dragon. Once a fisherman stole the pearl but he, perhaps guilt-ridden and dreading the dragon's revenge, decided to return it to the cave. No one has seen the man nor the dragon since.

Inside the cave there is the Sword Testing Stone. The story goes that a rock reaching down from the ceiling and almost touching the ground was once a complete pillar. A general named Fubo, after whom the hill later was named, decided to test his sword on this stony edifice. The sword cut through the rock and sliced off a piece, leaving a gazing gap near the bottom.

Thousand Buddhas Cave
In the Thousand Buddhas Cave visitors can find 20 Buddha statues carved out of stone during the Tang period (618-907). The walls of the cave are also decorated with numerous carvings. Among the most famous mementos are a self-portrait by the painter Mi Fu and a poem by Fan Dacheng, which both date from the Song dynasty (960-1279).

Steps on the west slope of the hill lead to the Kui Stream Pavilion located at halfway, and from there all the way to the top. The view from the top has been compared to those depicted in the most magnificent traditional Chinese paintings.

On the east side of the hill one can find a path along which one can find the Listening to Waves Cave and a tea room.

Reaching for the moon in northern Guilin

The Folded Brocade Hill lies in northern Guilin and is 73 meters high. Its dramatic slopes look like a pack of folded brocade, from which its Chinese name Diecai. The hill covers an area of two square kilometers and boasts several peaks, such as the Moon Peak and the Red-crowned Crane Peak.

On the path leading to the Moon Peak is located the Wind Cave, which is in fact a tunnel that expands at both ends and grows narrow in the middle. In the cave, the wind blows throughout the year. It is renown for 90 images of Buddha dating from the Tang and Song dynasties, as well as dozens of other carvings.

Nayun Pavilion on the Moon Peak, rewards the visitor with a panoramic view of the city and of magnificent mountain peaks.

Solitary Beauty Peak was once the home of the Ming Dynasty prince, Jingjiang. The name of this 216 meter high peak dates back 1500 years, when Yang Yanzhi wrote: "Nothing can compare with the beauty of this solitary mountain top."

The carvings on the mountain sides includes one, which reads “Purple cape and yellow belt.” The colors refer to those with which sunsets and sunrises paint the solitary mountain peak.

South Creek Peak is located in southern Guilin. According to legend, over a thousand years ago the taoist practitioner Liu Jing tried to come up with the formula for a pill that would guarantee immortality. This is also the home of the Dragon Spring, the water of which was sent in ancient times to the imperial court as a tribute.

Guilin region is graced with numerous karst hills and peaks. The view of an endless string of hills extending as far as the eye can see is enough to take one's breath away. Stories and legends add to the magic by bringing an intellectual aspect to nature's art. With all these elements combined, even the most demanding tourist will not leave untouched by this unique region, which the Chinese call the most beautiful that can be found under heaven.