22 Jan 2019
Once our Tour was confirmed, we had the pleasure of dealing with Bruce, TravofChina's representative, who expertly coordinated everything via email before our arrival. Despite us staying at a Yangshuo hotel, a good hour and a half each way from Guilin, Bruce organised our pick up and drop off at no extra cost.
Our wonderful guide for the day was Ricky. We started our day at the delightful Seven Star Park, where we were treated to scenes of locals carrying on with their everyday lives, much greenery, trees brilliantly painted by neighbouring school children into animals matching the tree's shape [!], wild furry monkeys scurring about, statues and most notably a Karst formation named "Camel Hill", due to its remarkable shape.
Our next stop was Elephant Trunk Hill. A Karst formation, with a protuding arch on the water, resembling an elephant's trunk. The neighbouring lovers park, Li River and unique modern art statues, made the visit here worthwhile, as did Ricky's commentary.
Later we were treated to a delicious and generous lunch of local specialities, including the delicious "beer fish" made with fresh fish from the area. Ricky was mindful to keep all our dietary and personal culinary requests in mind.
Then it was onwards to Fubo Hill with it's elaborate Buddhist carvings, followed by a climb to the top to admire a view of the city of Guilin and the Li River.
The grand finale was the award winning Reed Flute Cave visit, named for the red reeds that used to grow there in ancient times. Our time in the cave took close to 90 minutes, where we were treated to glorious rock formations and a unique light and sound show which played out on the cave's wall and ceiling.
As we had a long drive back to Yangshuo, Ricky very kindly accompanied us to a supermarket so our young daughters could pick up some snacks.
All in all, we had a wonderful day, expertly planned by Bruce and brilliantly executed by the caring and very experienced Ricky.
Book this tour for the very best of Guilin and for the best services offered by TravofChina! Oh yes, and make sure you ask for Bruce and Ricky!
~Felicia Variava Albert, Managing Director, Blaze Tours & Travels Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India