Scenic Guilin

Like most tourists who chose to visit Guilin, we were drawn by its world-renowned landscapes, so often celebrated in photographs, paintings, and travel brochures. The natural beauty of this place has long been described as enchanting and almost otherworldly.

Throughout our trip, our local tour guide never failed to remind us of Guilin’s most iconic phrase: “桂林山水甲天下” - literally translated as “The scenery of Guilin is the finest under heaven.” This timeless line was first attributed to Wang Zhenggong (王正功), an upright and principled official who once served in the judicial department in Guilin during the Song Dynasty in the year 1201.

Known for his uncompromising honesty, Wang inevitably offended the wealthy and the powerful of his time. As a result, he was repeatedly reassigned to remote postings far from the capital. When he was finally transferred to Guilin at the age of 68, instead of feeling burdened by his exile, he was deeply moved and rejuvenated by the breathtaking scenery before him.

It is said that during a gathering with students, he composed a poem in which this famous phrase appeared - words that have since transcended centuries, becoming inseparable from Guilin’s identity and charm.

百嶂千峰古桂州，向来人物固难俦。

峨冠共应贤能诏，策足谁非道艺流。

经济才猷期远器，纵横礼乐对前旒。

三君八俊具乡秀，稳步天津最上头。

桂林山水甲天下，玉碧罗青意可参。

士气未饶军气振, 文场端似战场酣。

九关虎豹看勍敌，万里鵾鹏伫剧谈。

老眼摩挲顿增爽，诸君端是斗之南。

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Guilin means forest of osmanthus. The name Guilin came about when an old old time war lord first came to this place and noticed the abundance of osmanthus flower in this part of China.

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In Guilin, anywhere you go, any direction you turn, the sights of mountains and rivers are plentiful.

Li River (Lijiang)

As an engineer, I was greatly amazed to see buildings built high up at the peaks of mountains. Mind you, builders in those days did not have the luxury of machinery and equipment that we have nowadays.

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There are four lakes in the city of Guilin. They are fed by Li River. The 4 lakes are Mulong (Wooden Dragon) Lake, Gui (Sweet Scented Osmanthus) Lake, Rong (Banyan) Lake and Shan (Fir) lake. All the lakes are inter-connected.

日月双塔 Sun & Moon Twin Pagodas in one of the four lakes in Guilin

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