A Hiking Trip to Li River

Spring has arrived. It’s time to take some sports. After a hard determination, I finally decide to join this hiking trip that Steven asked thought I have done this “hard journey” several times.
Li River is a famous river in Guilin even in China for its clear water and beautiful landscape. Many world-class celebrities like Bill Clinton, George Bush, Deng Xiaoping… have visited this river.
Former US President Nixon praised Guilin: "I have visited more than 80 countries and over a hundred cities. I have found that no city can surpass the beauty of Guilin." I believe 80% of his praise is about the natural landscape along Li River.
These celebrities choose comfortable cruises while we decided to hike – to fully enjoy and merge into its beauty though it might be a little bit exhausting.
We started our hiking trip at Yangdi Village, ended at Xingping Village with a total length of 16 km. This is the normal hiking route. I’m not sure whether there are more hiking routes. Perhaps I’ll take a try someday for a new exploration.
It was a nice day. And it was amazing that there were so many people there preparing to hike.
At the start, we were asked to buy tickets for this hiking which is CNY 16 Yuan for each person. With this ticket we can take four free boat transfers to the opposite river bank. I don’t why. If you want to successfully finish your hiking, you have to take these transfers. Probably because of there are some blocks or dead-ended paths if you only walk in one side.
The 1st transfer is at Yangdi Village where so many people were waiting for the narrow boat. Oops, I almost forget to tell you, it was REALLY nice to see the hills around the silver ribbon-like Li River. Exciting? It’s too early to say it! There were more adventures waiting for us.
About half an hour time we arrived at small village named Langshi Village. What delighted us is the fields there are decked with Rapes and Lilies! Combining with the mountains and river, I asked myself: “is this paradise?” Girls were even more exciting, they jumped into the flower sea laughing and singing. Taking pictures? Sure, come on, guys! Let’s take a snapshot, let’s bring this beautiful moment home!
After several hours’ hiking, we were a little bit hungry which means it was time to have lunch. There are several local farmers’ restaurants along the river and there are many stalls along the paths we were hiking selling waters and snacks. So you never have to worry about your meals. I had packed enough food for hiking and I know I was wrong when I saw these so many food suppliers.
The highlight of this hiking trip would be Xingping Village – the ending of this hiking route. The most classic Chinese painting now present in front of my eyes. We were shouting: “How beautiful!” Hills reflected on the river, fisherman fishing with their birds on the river. Everything there was harmonious. That’s why Chinese 20 Yuan note uses Xingping as its illustration.
The trip ended at 5:00 pm. We’ve walked about 6 hours! But we even did not feel tired. Why? I don’t know, maybe the picturesque landscape have taken the exhausts away.
I am happy that the result of my “hard determination” was definitely NOT so hard but impressive and joyful.
I’m sure you’ll experience it some day, aren’t you?

China Hot Air Ballooning – Guilin/ Yangshuo China

One of my friend from Israel asked me to prepare a surprise for his wife on their wedding anniversary by arranging them to take a balloon ride in Yangshuo. Yes, it is different to view the beautiful hills and rivers above. The company is now trying to ask China Highlights to promote more its customers. Don’t miss the chance to take ballom ride while you are in Yangshuo.

China Hot Air Ballooning – Guilin/ Yangshuo China

Outback Ballooning, Australia’s longest established and favourite international ballooning company has recently established a joint venture near Guilin in China. The combination of the spectacular scenery, consistently reliable weather and highest standard of operation is certain to see this become the world’s premiere ballooning experience.

Now for the first time international visitors will be able to experience this truly spectacular area from the air in balloons operated to the highest international standards. China Hot Air Ballooning is the only ballooning operator able to offer this security. China Hot Air Ballooning combines the local knowledge of Yangshuo’s longest established balloon company with the modern expertise and international standards from Australia’s Outback Ballooning.

With this team we can guarantee you the safest and most rewarding balloon flight available in Yangshuo. Yangshuo is perhaps China’s best known tourist town with its sensational mountain landscape. It has inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries. From the balloon you will witness stunning views of the hills interspersed by century old farms. The Guilin / Yangshuo Valley with the Li river meandering through hundreds of limestone hills is one of the world’s iconic sights.

Transfers from Guilin and Yangshuo will be part of the world class service. The service will include English language speakers on site for all pre and post flight briefings. Group transfers will be accompanied by interpreters to assist guests from their accommodation to the balloon launch sites amidst the Yangshuo hills. ‘The incredible Yangshuo landscape can only be truly appreciated from the air’ We also have DVD’s with a video presentation, CD’s with photos for print, brochures and other promotional material available on request, just email us at sales@chinahotairballooning.com

If you have any questions, just contact our office who will assist you. We look forward to providing your clients with an unforgettable experience Yours faithfully,

Diana Mo John Sanby

Marketing Director Pilot/ Operations

P.O. Box 2008

Yangshuo, Guilin,

Guangxi, China

Post code 541900

+86 773 881 4919

sales@chinahotairballooning.com - www.chinahotairballooning.com

Tour Details

Passenger Numbers:

Depending on the temperatures 8 to 10 passengers can fly in each balloon.

Confirmations:

Clients will need to ring the day prior to departure for final confirmation.

Pick up times:

Pickup times vary throughout the year depending on sunrise times.

Guilin: Approx 5:00am

Yangshuo: Approx 6:00am

Travel times to launch site:

Guilin: 50 minutes

Yangshuo: 10 minutes

Drop off:

Drop off is available from the

following locations

1. West Street Yangshuo

2. Guilin

3. Meet up with group

4. Li River

Clothing:

Cold weather clothing is recommended for winter as temperatures reach as low 10

degrees celcius in winter.

A jacket is recommended in summer time.

Tour Guides:

All tour guides are included in the tour package FOC.

Operations Contacts:

Office: +86 773 8814919 (Our staff speak both English and Chinese)

Diana mobile: +86 13123 533909

Calvin Chow: +86 13597 039396

Pricing:

60 Minute Flight: USD 290.00

Chase Only: USD 60.00

Children aged 6 - 16 receive a 20%

discount.

Afternoon flights are available.

Prices include insurance.

sales@chinahotairballooning.com - www.chinahotairballooning.com

P.O. Box 2008

Yangshuo, Guilin,

Guangxi, China

Post code 541900

+86 773 881 4919