Contemplating the devastating romance of China’s Guilin by way of poetry

INSPIRED by the Moon Hill (月亮山 Yuèliàng shān) of Yangshou in Guilin, this poem by Li Manqing is just one of the thousands of poems that have been conceived in Guilin.

What is it about Guilin that captures the hearts of poets so powerfully? Then again, what is it about Guilin that doesn’t?

As soon as you step foot onto its verdant grounds lined with sculptural mountains that pay tribute to the sun, moon and rivers, you cannot help but be swept away into a poetic state that Guilin’s natural beauty elicits in you.

Centrally situated within the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region, Guilin is a prefecture-level city set in close vicinity to the west bank of the Li River and Hunan in north.

Guilin’s verdant grounds are lined with sculptural mountains. Pic: a2ua.com

Its strategic location contributes to its awe-inspiring topographical beauty as well as its rich folk culture that imbues even the most urban areas of the city – this is especially apparent in the outskirts like Yangshou and Longsheng, two of the most gorgeous places in Guilin.

Within Guilin city itself, modernity has seeped into its commercial attractions, but nonetheless, this picturesque city still offers the perfect starting point for a nature-loving, soul-inspiring adventure.

Known as one of the greenest places in southern China, the name Guilin loosely translates to “the forest of sweet osmanthus.” You can take it as a literal portrayal of Guilin because osmanthus (桂花/ guìhuā) blossoms abundantly in the summer, filling the air with sweet aromas, and transforming the area into a citywide forest of flowers.

Not far away, its famous limestone karsts (rock formations) peek from the horizon as if inviting you to go closer, while the clear waters of its rivers become the moon’s mirror after dusk. Move farther out from the city and you’d be greeted by paddy fields and dwellings perched on hilltops.

Without a doubt, the views are incredible in Guilin and many will tell you that Guilin is beautiful – it truly is. But for those who have fallen in love with this place, that’s just half the story.

The reflections cast upon the waters are worthy of many romantic passages. Pic: a2ua.com

At its surface, Guilin is obviously beautiful with its rolling verdant hills, sinuous rivers and majestic karsts. For the regular tourist, photos or Instagrams of its breath-taking scenery is usually enough to satiate their wanderlust whims.

However, if you are the kind who thrives on inspiration and dreamy insights, it won’t be enough, because Guilin’s beauty goes beyond its attractive physical attributes.

Because how else can you explain the many early poets that Guilin has seduced? They were certainly not your everyday tourists.

There must be something about this destination that profoundly evokes imagination and inspiration. Perhaps, if we allow it, Guilin’s transcendental beauty can also awaken the sleeping poets in all of us.

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Source: travelwireasia.com