Surroundings, Guilin

Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan), situated in a completely concealed spot on Guangming Hill, 6km/3.75mi northwest of the town, is Guilin's largest and most impressive cave. Its name is explained by the fact that reeds for making flutes and pipes have been grown in this region since ancient times. This dripstone cave is 240m/790ft deep, and visitors will walk for some 500m/550yd through a sea of stalactites and stalagmites, with the artificial lighting provided by floodlights and neon lamps emphasizing the ever-changing shapes. One grotto, called The Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, will hold 1000 people; a pillar of stone represents the Dragon King's magic wand. Over 70 wall-inscriptions from the Tang period (618-907) bear eloquent witness to the cave's long history.

A trip along the Lijiang River is one of the high spots of a holiday in China. From Guilin to Yangshuo the river meanders its way through 83km/52mi of beautiful countryside, with bamboo forests, dense reed-beds and incredibly bizarre rock formations.Now and again the visitor will see a fishing boat glide by with two or more cormorants on board. The use of these birds in fishing is diminishing as it is no longer lucrative. The journey will continue past Pierced Hill (Chuanshan), Clean Vase Hill (Jingpingchan), Embroidery Hill (Xiushan) and, at about the halfway point, Picture Hill (Huashan).The local tourist office arranges trips on the river, with a guide, which last about five hours.