Unlike the hustle and bustle of the nearby city of Guilin, in the Guangxi region situated in the heart of China the landscape that follows the Lijiang River has a rural and idyllic atmosphere. Rural life here is blessed with beautiful scenery and the landscape around Guilin is synonymous with the magnificence of the legendary Middle Empire.

Numerous stalactites and stalagmites lie within the caves of the region’s impressive mountains. Some of the caves, such as the Reed Cave, have in recent years been open to the public.

Striking precipices and rock needles unite in a stunningly beautiful panorama full of glorious mystique. Here both wind and water have created a truly remarkable mountain world.

In daytime the gravel banks along the shores of the Lijiang are frequented by farmers who lead their buffalo to drink from the river. The local cormorant fishermen are an even more exotic sight. They use captive water birds to attract fish and because their necks are secured to their master they are forced to submit their catch to him!

It is not surprising that due to the overwhelming beauty of the surrounding mountains that this section of the Lijiang River is one of the most impressive natural landscapes in the whole of China.