97. QUILIN

 

To get to scenic Quilin, we had to fly into Nanning, the capital city of Guangxi Province. Nanning is a typical old Chinese city - grey, dusty looking, trying hard to be another typical new Chinese city, with spanking, shiny new malls and 'obiang' condos for the newly rich.

For a long time under Communism, the country has had frugal and practical ways. Their buildings were rectangular white washed blocks, very little new or modern developments of any kind were allowed or encouraged. Now, with the country opened to the world and the mighty tourist dollar, practically every Chinese city is in a hurry to erect new shiny buildings.

Their 'old' temple buildings have all had new coats of paint on the carved roofs which are too bright and fresh to look 'old'.
Only the natural scenic countrysides are worth visiting, particularly the caves, waterfalls, mountain scenes and such for they can't do much to 'develop' these places. Such sites are more often than not, miles away and might be prone to quakes. I will need to be more selective about where I will go next time in China.

 
Detian Waterfall, about 4 hours by road from Nanning. It's a huge 3 tier waterfall which merges with Banyue Waterfall of Vietnam. North Vietnam is just across this shallow creek which acts as the border between the 2 countries. The Vietnamese move freely around this area and run souvenir stalls on the Chinese side. They operate rafts which ferry tourists closer to the Falls.

 

Dream of Lijiang (below)

This ethereal production conceptualised and produced by an award winning Chinese film maker best known for his lavish sets, deep rich colours and casts of thousands. It was brilliant. 

Performed from boats and possibly platforms just under the water surface, it had as its backdrop, the limestone cliffs Guilin is best known for.

This outdoor performance went on despite a drizzle and we were provided with a disposable raincoat with hood. It was early Spring and it dripped everyday for the 4 days we were in Guilin which made it quite chilly.
 

 










Cormorants fishing is now put on as a show for tourists















This Elephant Trunk Hill has become quite iconic but somehow, looking hard at it, it looks more man-made. This place is a narrow river not some open ocean where the rock might be subjected to endless battering from the waves and very strong winds. The opening was too perfect, too smooth....ah well....


 








China's public toilets have an open-door policy.....part of the cultural experience



 












 Wuxi water village, Ziangnan, on an earlier visit

See: post 62: China - Here I Come