The people at the China International Travel Service Counter, near the bus and train station at Guilin were friendly, spoke English and actually had useful information.  They were ready and willing to help even if you don’t buy any of their services.  They offered us a hotel with a standard double room for 100 Renminbi a night at a 3* Hotel which would be no less than 400 RMB at peak season.  The Home Minister went up to check the room and after the inspection we managed to cut down the price to 90 RMB a night.

The West Street, Yangshuo

The West Street, Yangshuo
It’s beautiful all around Yangshuo

around Yangshuo
a view of Yangshuo township
…..and the bridge across the river

Three days at Guilin is quite sufficient if you are not in a hurry.  (You could do it for less, but more than three would be a day too many).  We then left for Yangshuo where the scenery is supposed to be much better.  The bus ride cost 15 RMB and an hour and twenty minutes but it was worth every minute.

Decided to try and follow Lonely Planet recommendation on accommodation this time around and went looking for Bamboo House Inn.  We were satisfied with the room, with a balcony and especially the soft bed.  The cosy atmosphere, the food, the setting, the readily available information, free internet (wireless included) and the service was superb and Bamboo House Inn did not disappoint.  We were extremely happy most of all for the friendly, English-speaking staff, which is a rare thing here.  We met interesting people there which I shall mention and talk about in some other appropriate place and platform.  And of course, the scenery was something that inspires and uplifts the spirit.

Yuval, an Israeli who arrived from India after spending six months there, came over to the Bamboo Inn and asked whether we’d be interested in doing a cruise from Yangdi, about 40 kilometres from Yangshuo.  Hiring a raft cost Y200.  If you get more people you can split between you and the price could be much cheaper that way.  In the end there were nine of us.  Two Chinese girls, an American couple, a German, an Israeli couple and us, the Indians.  We had the most beautiful day of our time.  The sun was up and it was really a perfect day as it rained the day before and the day after.
The cruise down the Li river
It’s an arresting sight
Must be a good address to have!
with fellow cruisers
just beautiful
majestic sight
I would do it all over again
wonderful formation
and there’s the fisherman
The photographer photographed
limestone peaks reflected in a lake
a quiet street