Guilin is known for its river, called the River Li (or Li Jiang). And, the Li River is known for its beautiful mysterious landscapes of the surrounding mountains. We took an idyllic cruise through these beautiful gorges.

I enjoyed seeing all the sights along the river. There are many villages along the water.

This is a rich agricultural region. Here, the people are growing oranges - a favorite for New Year's celebrations that just past.

The water buffalo are used both for pulling carts and plows as well as for food and leather.

Not only do the buffalo work in the fields, but there's also a lot of human power as you see on the right.

The countryside was beautiful in spite of its being so early in the season.

The misty mountains are the traditional view of this river area. Interestingly, this river is VERY shallow. We scraped on the bottom several times during the trip. In fact, there were four boats that didn't make it to our destination because one boat got stuck on the bottom and the three boats behind him couldn't get by. Glad it wasn't us!!

These folks are on the back of one boat fixing lunch that is part of the trip. There were very few Europeans any place we went. So, everything was authentic Chinese - from the food to the squat "facilities" - and don't forget your own TP!

Our cruise took us 40 miles to the south to the city of Yangshuo. We enjoyed the day a great deal. The scenery was great. The leisurely cruise on the Li River was pleasant and restful and the tour of the area was quite interesting.

Had to give you a couple more of these fabulous mountain views.

We toured Guilin city (it is an island around which flow several rivers). They have it all lit up at night and it's a fun cruise.

The pagodas and the hotels are beautiful at night.

Fishing by using cormorants was common some years ago, but now it's done mostly to entertain tourists.

The area around Guilin is also very lovely in the daytime. The city dates back to 214 BC, during the reign of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first emperor of a united China. He ordered the construction of the Ling Canal connecting the Yangzi, Li and Shu rivers. This canal still exists today and is one of the world's longest canals.

This is Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbi Shan) on the left. It is a limestone peak. If you don't see it you won't do well in the many aspects of Chinese culture that ask you to use your imagination and see various objects in the natural surroundings. I think I finally see the elephant.

On the left is the Reed Flute Cave (or Ludiyan), named for a reed that grows outside and is made into a flute. It's a huge cave and from someone that does NOT like caves, we loved it.

As you see, they have the cave lit up in many beautiful colors. They're big on what the various shapes remind them of. I just like to see the natural phenomena.

There was a lot of air blowing through the spaces, so you didn't feel claustrophobic. Also, some of the spaces were quite large.

You can see I was taken by this cave. Pretty neat!

We toured many parks in the region. These ladies on the right are wearing native costumes. The silver headdresses are from the Miao people. There are 55 ethnic minorities in China, making up 8.4% of the population - that's 16.17 million people! 53 have their own language.

Even though it was early spring (March) the flowers were starting to come out. Also, beautiful displays were made with potted hothouse plants.

This wonderful two-ton bronze bell sits at the foot of a large hiss called Fabo Shan. It is at this site that a Han dynasty general saved Guilin from a rebel army. We hiked up this hill!

These figures were carved out of the rock inside a cave. We enjoyed seeing the devotion maintained by the faithful. This is Qiango Yan - Thousand Buddha Rock. The cave lies under the Fabo Shan Hill.

More lovely views in the Li Jiang area.