08 Jul 2024
Right after arrival at the airport in Guilin I felt in love with the city and the vibrant life of Guilin. Guilin the Osmanthus city. It was absolutely amazing because it was again (like already Beijing itinerary) perfectly organized by TCT Top China Travel and Mrs. Tang Joyce. I’ve seen so many things in such a short time (3 days) but without any time pressure or hurry. I never felt stressed or to make too many things in such a short time (I’m 68) because the itinerary was excellent organized by Mrs. Tang Joyce from TCT Top China Travel. One highlight after the other. I’ve seen Red Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, South Gate and Shanhu Lake, Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, Sun and Moon Pagoda. We walked through historical Guilin town with wonderful view to the Guilin Opera house and had excellent and delicious lunch together in various restaurants. My wonderful local Travel guide Billy showed me as well the spectacular Waterfall on Hotel Lijiang. I never in my life have seen such an amazing artificial waterfall. Two absolutely extraordinary highlights during my Guilin trip have been the Li River Cruise and the Huangluo Yao Village and the Longji Rice Terrace. Li River Cruise with impressive and mystical views of an extraordinary landscape which can be seen on the Chinese 20 Yuan bank note and (according to United Nations) is one of the top 10 must see on our planet. I could have taken thousands of photos from every turn on the Li River and the mystical mountains. On the Li River Cruise I’ve met very lovely people from province Shandong. We enjoyed a delicious lunch buffet on the boat which is included in the trip price. On my final day Billy showed me the Huangluo Yao Village with typical houses and the tradition of Yao ethnic group and their long hair women. And as a final highlight we went to the Longji Rice Terrace and enjoyed a delicious tea ceremony. Of course, I’ve bought Osmanthus tea (桂花茶; guìhuāchá). In the evening I’ve taken the soft sleeper train Z286 back to Beijing for my return flight to Germany. The train crossed 6 provinces and arrived perfectly in time the other day in the afternoon. Every sightseeing itinerary was perfectly and professionally organized by TCT Top China Travel and Mrs. Tang Joyce. The TCT homepage with Travel Tips helped me a lot in advance to prepare myself and to dive into an amazing country. Local guides and drivers are absolutely professional and reliable. Many many thanks to lovely Billy in Guilin. From all of my heart I have to thank very very much to TCT Top China Travel and Mrs. Tang Joyce. I highly recommend Top China Travel and Mrs. Tang Joyce. Excellent service, professionally organized itinerary, available and supporting all the time, absolutely great job. I never felt alone or lost. In March 2024 I’ve booked another 15 Visa free day trip for May to June 2024 (Beijing, Luoyang, Datong, Harbin, Hunchun) with Top China Travel and Tang Joyce but due to a very unpredicted personal reason I was not able to make the trip. I’m now planing to do the same 15 day trip in 2025 with Top China Travel and Tang Joyce. I highly recommend TCT and Tang Joyce to anyone planning a trip to China