A Leisurely Walk along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes: A Poetic Ode to the Water Charm in the Heart of Guilin

A Leisurely Walk along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes: A Poetic Ode to the Water Charm in the Heart of Guilin

After spending too long in the hustle and bustle of the city, one’s heart always yearns for a place where one can touch the spiritual energy of mountains and waters and feel the hustle and bustle of daily life. The “Two Rivers and Four Lakes” in Guilin is undoubtedly the ideal choice. The waterways here are like the city’s lively blood vessels, connecting the poetry and prosperity of the ancient city for thousands of years, making every step seem to be on the flowing lines of a poem.

The Glistening Water, a City of Mountains and Waters Merging into a Painting

In the early morning, the thin mist shrouds the Two Rivers and Four Lakes like a gentle veil, just like an ink – wash scroll that has not yet dried. The clear blue waves of the Lijiang River gently ripple, carrying bamboo rafts swaying leisurely. The banyan trees on the banks are lush and green, with fine aerial roots hanging down, as if whispering intimately with the water surface in the breeze.

When you reach the Bank of Shanhu Lake, you can see the Sun and Moon Twin Towers as soon as you look up. The Golden Tower is like the rising sun, radiating dazzling light; the Silver Tower is like the bright moon shining with soft luster. Their reflections interweave with the ripples in the lake, making people feel dazed and unable to distinguish whether they are in the sky or on earth. At this moment, you can rent a bicycle and slowly ride along the lake. Turn into the ginkgo avenue beside Guihu Lake. In autumn, the golden ginkgo leaves cover the ground, making a rustling sound when the wheels roll over them. There is a faint fragrance of osmanthus floating in the air, which is refreshing.

The ancient ferry at Mulong Lake is the most suitable place to stop and stay. Here, you can see the elderly people doing Tai Chi with a calm and composed demeanor. Every move is in sync with the rhythm of the mountains and waters, as if time has unconsciously slowed down its pace.

Bridge Shadows and Oar Sounds, Concealing Half of Guilin’s History

The thirteen bridges here are like solidified time museums, each carrying unique historical memories. Yingbin Bridge replicates the romance of the Arc de Triomphe, and the Glass Bridge reflects the charm of modern aesthetics. The most touching ones are the Guro ng Twin Bridges. Standing on the Beidou Bridge built with blue stones in the Song Dynasty, reaching out to touch the bridge railings that have been polished smooth by the years, one can faintly hear the jingle of the horse – caravan bells coming from thousands of years ago. At the place where Huang Tingjian moored his boat by Ronghu Lake, the mottled stone tablet silently tells the original appearance of “Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven”.

When night falls, be sure to take a boat through the ancient water gate. When the cruise ship slowly enters the sluice gate of the Song – Dynasty city wall, the top of the ship almost passes close to the ancient blue bricks, and the thick flavor of history rushes towards you. After the ship passes Jiefang Bridge, the lights on both banks suddenly light up, like a galaxy pouring down. At this time, the tour guide softly sings a Caidiao ditty, and the oars gently part the fragments of light and shadow. The beauty of Guilin in front of you is breathtaking.

At the Corner of Daily Life, Encountering Little Joys by the Waterfront

The coffee shops by Ronghu Lake always hide unexpected surprises. When you push open a wooden door covered with bougainvillea, you may be pleasantly surprised to find that it is an artistic space using Lijiang River pebbles as coasters. Order a special luohanguo – flavored drink, sit by the window, and watch the cruise ships cast flowing shadows on the glass curtain wall. It’s so comfortable and carefree. The osmanthus – fermented glutinous rice wine in the Old Salt Street Milk Tea Shop has a stir – stick shaped like a small fish in the Lijiang River, which is both cute and full of creativity, and is the perfect prop for taking pictures and sharing on social media.

The night market in Dongxi Lane after dark is extremely lively and definitely not to be missed. Pass through the alley entrance with fish – scale – shaped tiles, and the sweet aroma of water chestnut cakes fills the air. Sit down at an open – air food stall by the Lijiang River and order a pot of beer – cooked fish. The sour, spicy, and fresh taste explodes on the tip of your tongue in an instant. The local uncle at the next table is drinking Sanhua wine and telling the fishing – fire stories of the past in the Guilin dialect. Such a down – to – earth flavor of daily life is more vivid than any Michelin – starred restaurant.

Travel Tips

• It is recommended to book the night cruise tickets in advance on OTA platforms. The 19:30 shift allows you to enjoy the most beautiful night view.
• At the “Two Rivers and Four Lakes Post Office” at the entrance of the Ronghu Tunnel, you can stamp special scenic postmarks to leave a souvenir of your trip.
• The best time for photography is from 7 – 9 in the morning. At this time, egrets often skim lightly over the lake surface, and the scene is very beautiful.
• The riverside footpath under Jiefang Bridge is very suitable for jogging. The whole journey is about 3 kilometers, and the scenery along the way is picturesque.

When the city sleeps in an embrace with the water system, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes interpret the day and night of Guilin in their unique way. There is no need to rush for check – ins here. Just follow the direction of the water flow and let time naturally precipitate into precious amber in your memory. Perhaps on a moonlit night, you will suddenly recall the flickering light and shadow under a certain bridge opening. That is the gentle mark left by Guilin for you.