Landscape Photography In Guangxi, China

In this hub I will focus on landscape photography opportunities around the city of Guilin in Guangxi Province, south China.

Guilin is a hot tourist destination in China and, as such, has excellent travel connections. The local airport (code: KWL) serves both domestic and international routes. The train and bus stations offer a wide range of routes, the most useful being those to the south-east - to Guangzhou, Shenzhen and on to Hong Kong.

A wide range of accommodation is available from budget hostels to international 5-star hotels.

Peak seasons are best avoided as prices sky-rocket, and crowds make all travel services less pleasant.

The city has a few attractions but, for landscape photography, Guilin's main role is that of transport hub.

The Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of Guilin's top tourist attractions, and justifiably so.

A keen photographer could easily spend days working both river banks capturing the scenes that have attracted visitors throughout history and, more recently, from around the world. Vehicle access is available at many points though for the ultimate in flexibility it would be wise to hire a water-borne craft for at least some of the time. Various sizes and speeds are available, though not all are deemed legal by the local authorities.

The scenery can look great in both clear air and light mist, which is fortunate as there is haze for much of the year. Shots of people and activities can be had at pretty much any time.

Danxia Landforms are a geographical feature recently recognised by UNESCO on the World Heritage list. The key features of these mountains are flat tops, steep sides and a protruding base. Individual mountains can look stunning; clusters such as those on the Guangxi/Hunan border are simply remarkable. Walkways make the peaks more accessible but a certain amount of effort is unvoidable for the best shots.

There is a saying in China:

"Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven ...

with perhaps a later addition:

... but Yangshuo's scenery is the best in Guilin."

The photos below explain better than words.

Yangshuo was a typical market town until China re-opened to foreigners 30 years ago. Its tourism industry boomed and is still thriving such that it is very easy to get comfortable and make travel arrangements.

Photogrpaphers will simply revel in the opportunities that can be reached by short excursions - either by car, bike, or on foot, or on the Li River and its tributaries. The towns, villages and countryside all have interest for different styles of photography - with a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year adding to the possibilities.

The rice terraces at Longsheng (the Dragon's Backbone) have become a favourite with visitors to the Guilin area, especially now that better roads make the trip more comfortable and convenient. The downside is the rather exorbitant entrance fee (Y50) and additional charge (Y30) for the (sometimes compulsory) shuttle service up the hill.

Most visitors opt to stay in one of the traditional wooden guesthouse buildings though there are now other options including a purpose built hotel and some hybrid buildings with concrete en-suite bathrooms.

The rice terraces can be viewed from platforms above the village of Ping'an but are perhaps best enjoyed on one of the longer hike options. The village of Dazhai is also becoming more popular.