American World Traveler Summer 2017 Issue

38
Guangxi is a highly scenic area in
southern China blessed with a significant
coastline on the South
China Sea. UNESCO has placed two locations
in this province on its list.
The first is the unique and stunning
Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural
Landscape, which is a huge assembly of historical
rock art painted on limestone cliff
faces over many centuries. An amazing
sight to see in person, almost beyond belief!
The second UNESCO site is the South China
Karst, which is described as "unrivalled in
terms of the diversity of its karst features and
landscapes”. The Karst is filled with underground
drainage systems, sinkholes and
caves. The South China Karst is considered
one of the world’s most spectacular humid
karst landscapes, and it is easy to see why!
A hiker’s paradise, this area contains the
most familiar types of karst landforms,
including tower karst, pinnacle karst and
cone karst formations, and also offers natural
bridges, gorges and large cave systems.
This is really a unique tourist stop and
opportunity to view something really different!
Aside from these wonders, there are many
other places for a world traveller to investigate
in this province. Yangshuo is a famous
scenic town near the karst mountains, and
visitors have plenty to enjoy. The Yangdi-
American World Traveler Summer 2017
Guangxi
Xingping scenic area offers a "raft experience",
that has become a new industry and
there is also a 24km easy hike along the Li
river.
Guilin city is nestled within a stunning landscape
and the city has a kind of uniqueness
that is all its own. In the centre of the city lie
2 lakes, Shanhu and Ronghu, remaining
from a medieval-era moat that once surrounded
the city. The beautiful crystal clear
waters reflect the bamboo trees and
strangely shaped karst hills are complimented
by wonderful caverns and caves. The
2000-year history has led to it being a culturally
and historically significant city, as it
has been the political, economic and cultural
center of Guangxi for many years.
Nanning is capital of the Guangxi region
and with its warm tropical climate, it is
known for parks such as People's Park,
which includes expansive White Dragon
Lake, a hilltop fort and a botanical garden.
The city bustles with energy and has many
attractions for visitors. Museum lovers have
over 20 to choose from and shoppers will
be delighted with the choices and variety of
goods and foods available. Local cuisine is
great, as it has been influenced by Canton,
Sichuan, Hunan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, and in
recent years, Sichuan and Cantonese food
has become really popular. Be sure to try the
local rice noodles, chestnut rice dumplings,
stewed duck with gingko and stewed duck
with ginger. The city will be the focal point of
the “new” Maritime Silk Road, as the city
has connections to Southeast Asia and
Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Macao.
Even though Liuzhou is a major industrial
city with a beautiful karst countryside. The
city is a unique part of China and it has a
very large population of ethnic minorities
who bring with them many celebrations and
festivals throughout the year.
One visitor highlight is the Bailian Cave
Park, whose park is excellent to explore.
There are BBQ areas and are many open
spaces to stretch out as well as small secluded
places to meditate or read a book. This
park has something for everyone, including
a small amusement area with a few rides for
small children area and a skating rink!