Guilin is one of southern China’s most popular tourist stops, and it’s not because the city itself is so incredible.
It’s because -- as this video shows -- the Li River runs through Guilin. It’s a particularly scenic stretch of the river, full of undulating green mountains and abruptly rising rock formations.
Every day, dozens of boats set off from Guilin for half-day cruises downriver to the smaller city of Yangshuo. Meanwhile, smaller boats start downriver and cruise up to Guilin.
This daily routine brings masses of tourists, foreign and domestic, and the meal on board probably won't be anything to write home about, but don’t let that scare you away.