TRAVELOGUE-GUILIN LIJIANG NATIONAL PARK-YANGSHUO CHINA, Yr 2019

Brajesh Bharadwaj (Ex-Airline Pilot)

Being an international airline pilot indeed offered me rare opportunities to visit well-known national parks around the world. It’s when my strong interest or passion was sparked, often led to such journeys. “Hence, I am sharing one of the memorable journeys with pictures”. My high-speed train journey to the serene hills of Guilin Lijiang National Park (among top 5 national parks in China) that is located in Yangshuo southern China, was nothing short of magical. As the destination approached invigorating my spirit.
This renowned national park is particularly known for its extraordinary natural scenery of dramatic limestone karst steep hill’s sunrise/sunset views and the Lijiang River (Li River) that meanders gracefully through Guilin and Yangshuo, covering a length of about 83 kilometers. The mountains decorate the shoreline as they individually pierce towards the sky. The scenery found between these two cities even serves as the artwork on the Chinese 20 Yuan currency note. The unique towering formations, alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Lijiang River, create a magical and almost dreamlike views that is often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings.
Visitors to Guilin Lijiang National Park can explore its beauty through small boats, river cruises on the Lijiang River, offering close-up views of the karst landscape and traditional rural life along the clean riverbanks. Helicopter-ride, bamboo rafting, hiking, and cycling are popular activities that allow tourists to immerse themselves in the serene and captivating environment. The famous light show program held with the performance on the boats and with hills background is mesmerising. Other major tourist attraction is Cormorant fishing that is a traditional method in Yangshuo, China, where fishermen use trained cormorants (birds) to catch fishes. The birds, with a string or collar is tied around their necks to prevent them from swallowing large fish, dive into the water and return to the boat with their catch. The place is a gourmet delight for traditional Chinese food.

One of the most iconic features of Guilin Lijiang National Park is the Nine Horses Fresco Hill, where natural rock formations create patterns resembling horses. Another notable landmark is Elephant Trunk Hill, a hill that looks remarkably like an elephant dipping its trunk into the river. The park is also home to Reed Flute Cave, a remarkable cave filled with a variety of rock formations in vivid colours, illuminated by artificial lighting. There are numerous caves in these mountains as well with the Guanyin Cave System being the longest.

Countryside life is really simple and ideal for people living in Yangshuo. Local farmers are tending their crops and vegetables in their farmlands, or herding their Buffaloes to daze or drink off the stream. Housewives are doing their daily laundry and cooking for their family, which make the white chimney smoke flow into the air. Chickens wander along the paths in fields to find their food. I guess you will smile while encountering with those eager people.
Lastly, a seven-minute helicopter ride over the area provided breathtaking sights that left an indelible impression. This journey not only rejuvenated my soul but also reminded me of the beauty of nature and the warmth of human connection serving as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the world we may have overlooked or lost touch with. The Guilin Lijiang National Park, Yangshuo stands as a testament to the natural beauty of China.

Author is:
Ex-International
Airline Pilot (AirMacau).
Widely travelled.