We left Xi’an in the morning and flew to Guilin for what would be a relaxing two-day stay. After visiting Beijing with over 21 million people and Xi’an with over 10 million people, Guilin with its population of approximately 800,000 felt small. Rebuilt after its destruction by the Japanese during WWII, Guilin is known for its canal system and the surrounding picturesque limestone mountains. We had a chance to stop and take a stroll in the Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area before checking into the Shangri-La Hotel.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area, Guilin
Four #1 Scholars
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Shangri-La Hotel has gardens and (believe it or not) a mini-zoo with ostriches, peacocks, ducks, chickens, pigeons, pheasants and Australian black swans. The ostriches and peacocks appeared annoyed that I hadn’t brought any food.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mini-Zoo, Shangri-la Hotel, Guilin
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
After a buffet dinner in the U Bar in the hotel, we went on an evening cruise in the Two Rivers & Four Lake Scenic Area to see the illuminated urban landscape, including several pavilions with live performances by musicians, dancers and acrobats.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evening Cruise, Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area, Guilin
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
See more photos: