My parents are coming to visit in September, and are interested in going to Guilin. They say that their guidebooks make Guilin sound like it's worth several days of exploration - the consensus on this board seems to be 2 days. Any other thoughts? <BR> <BR>They have a long week in total, and were planning on 4 days in and around Guilin, including the Li River cruise to Yangshou. <BR> <BR>I live in Shanghai and they've been here twice already, also BJ. Maybe we should hit Xian, shaving 2 days off of Guilin?? <BR> <BR>Thanks, <BR> <BR>Andrea

Andrea, <BR> <BR>I've been to Guilin 4 times and believe 2 days is enough time. I'd take the Li Jiang cruise, then stay in Yangshuo overnight/next day before returning to the airport. <BR> <BR>The Seven Star Park/Caves and Reed Flute Caves are not that great. Besides those, there is really not much to see in Guilin.

Andrea, First let me say how much I have enjoyed all your postings on China. They have been very helpful in planning my own trip coming up in September. I'm sure this isn't much advice to an expert like you, but our high end 22 day tour of China allows two days in Guilin. The highlights are: riverboat tour on Li River to Yangshuo with a drive back to Guilin. Late afternoon visit to a Chinese medical clinic, dinner followed by a cormorant fishing demonstration. Day two tours Fubo Hill and the Tunnel Cave with a final stop at the Reed Flute Caves. We then fly on the Shanghai. It sounds to me like two days would be more than enough and I think the advice on staying overnight in Yangshuo is good. Your idea of adding Xian is excellent. It is my most anticipated stop. Our tour allows one full day at the historic sight. I hope this helps. Thanks again for all your thoughtful replys.

Dear TC, <BR>I'd be interested in knowing if you're traveling independently or on a group tour. If on a group tour, which <BR>tour company and trip are you scheduled to go on? Thanks!

Hi Andrea, <BR>I, too, want to thank you for all the valuable advice and hints you have shared with all of us. <BR>Guilin, itself, in my opinion, is mainly a sales operation. Art (especially bad art), "antiques", expensive Chinese medicine, snake for dinner, etc; you will be given the "opportunity" to purchase all of that. But the boat ride to Yangshou is not to be missed. The scenes are directly out of a Chinese scroll. I agree with the other poster that the Reed Flute Cave can be skipped, unless you have never been inside a cave with stalactites, etc. <BR>Another suggestion: the rice terraces in the minority area near Longsheng. It's about three hours+ ride from Guilin, or was in 1997; I understand the roads are being straightened out now. You may want to consider spending the night, but the views are spectacular. <BR>I can also add a vote for Xian. The terra cotta army is on every tourist list, but is a must-see, nonetheless. <BR>Hope you all have a great time, <BR>Carol