New Year's in Guilin!

So I’m on the plane back to Shanghai from my four-day trip to Guilin. I’ve just watched a very emotional episode of Eastenders and I’m pretty exhausted; so I’m feeling pretty mellow. I thought why not, perfect time to write my New Year’s blog and update you on what I’ve been up to recently.

Damn, I think it was the best idea I’ve ever had to book New Year’ weekend travel away to Guilin. I feel like I’ve been to heaven and back. Guilin is truly the most magical, picturesque, beautiful and mystifying place I’ve been to; not only in China but the world.


So, I flew on Wednesday evening and arrived into Guilin around 10pm. I pretty easily managed to take the airport city shuttle bus to the aviation building and then spontaneously took a motorbike taxi to my hostel; Sky Palace Hostel. It’s New Year’s so I decided to splash out a bit and book a private queen room for myself to be comfortable. I checked in and passed out ready to explore the next day!



On the first day, I decided to gather my bearings and explore Guilin itself. I wondered through the amazingly scenic Elephant Trunk Hill, lakes upon lakes, hills and wonder. The weather was warm and sunny which added to my happiness. Later on, I decided to venture a little further out and took a taxi to Daxu Ancient Town. It was authentic and beautiful. A real Chinese gem. I had a wonderful day and took a cheap bus back to my hostel to meet my friend Mehdi, and his girlfriend who were arriving at the hostel.



We had dinner together that evening and it was scrumptious! Especially the fish. The next day we decided to visit the Reed Flute Cave. Wow. Just wow. Such an old, historic and beautiful place. The area around the cave was simply stunning and the cave itself was large and too impressive for words!



Later on, we went to the Sun and Moon Pagoda lake to watch the sunset. Typically, many Chinese people asked for photos with us. I found this quite amusing and enjoyed it. Guilin has been especially great for me to practice my Chinese.


The next day was the day we would be heading to the one and only Li River & Yangshuo. This was the most magical day ever. The views, the scenery, everything was incredible! We had a tour booked and it was very worthwhile. I have sweet memories of floating on a bamboo boat along the Li River chatting to new friends. Arriving into Yangshuo was also indescribable. Guilin is truly heaven on earth.



That day was also NYE. The best NYE ever! We made new friends who we had dinner and a few drinks with that evening. I entered 2017 happy and at peace with new and old friends. 2016 has been incredible, I’m now nervous and excited for Sri Lanka and India’17.



I’ll be in touch, probably on my flight to Sri Lanka on Thursday!

Sabrina Xxxx


Location: Guilin, Guangxi, China

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