Roaming Chuck Taylors

Guilin is a small town, with a population of only 4 million in the greater area and some 600,000 in the inner city. Strangely then, that one would experience traffic rivalling that of the bigger cities. I am told that it is due to the start of the Golden Week, occupying the first week of October, when local tourists from the outskirts and cities visit this beautiful place.

Guilin can be circumnavigated by small boat, as it is surrounded by four lakes joined by waterways. It is a pleasant trip by day, as the city boasts its tree-lined banks and miniature replicas of famous world bridges. But it is a small wonder by night, particularly during Golden Week, as the parks and pagodas are lit up magnificently and dramatic arts performers sing, dance and act for tourists all around the lakes.

Guilin sits by the Li River, whose unique limestone mountainside scenery is just as stunning as the more famous Yangtze River. Like the Yangtze, mere photos cannot capture the wonderment of China's natural landscapes and cultural diversity.

The only regret I have of my stay in Guilin is that it lasted a mere 2 nights and the time spent there must have excluded a much wanted leisurely bicycle ride around the town and the fascinating marketplace in the neighboring town.