Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Guilin-Yangshou Day 1

Survivor trip of 3 banana to Guilin, China. 
I wanted to visit Yangshou after viewing the beauty of Yangshou scenery pictures seen posted by friends at FB. Yangshou didn't disappointed me though.

So, how to get to Yangshou?
 From Guilin airport, we took the airport bus (RMB20/pax) and stop in front of Swan Hotel (first stop of the bus). After asking around for direction, we were guided to Guilin Train Station which is about 10 minutes walk. We were supposed to walk further down (another 10 minute) to Guilin Bus Station to take a bus to Yangshou but due to no energy (lack of sleep, scorching hot sun, heavy luggage) .. we just took the express bus to Yangshou from Guilin Train Station. It cost RMB20 each and took about 1.5 hour to reach Yangshou bus station. We then using the small map we collected from airport to guide our way to Riverview Hotel. I'm so proud that we did find our way! Although it includes anger and temper.
We found you!
Room for 3 pax cost RMB180, which is a great deal. Room condition is OK and receptionist are very friendly and helpful. After check in, we immediately book our tour with the hotel. Due to very limited time in Yangshou, we have to stuff our schedule which is not too good. It is advisable that you consider staying longer in Yangshou rather than Guilin. We did a mistake here.
After a quick shower, we 'da bao' our lunch from hotels' restaurant and make our way to our first tour.
This is our lunch that we had to had it in bus.
Arriving our first tour place - Silver Cave. We book from hotel tour desk which cost RMB80/ pax. Second and last tour of the day depart from hotel at 2.30pm.

The walk inside the cave was tiring. The walk is leaded by tour guide and takes 1 hour. At first, I thought 1 hour was quite a short tour, but it ends up 1 hour is sufficient due to it's quite tiring for us.
We tried out the fried tofu. So-so only.
When we reach hotel at 6.30pm, we then immediately board the next bus to Liu Shan Jie Performance. See how rush was us?! @@
Tour to Liu Shan Jie Performance was booked with hotel tour desk as well and cost RMB200/pax.
We tried the yam cake. Yucks.
The back drop of the performance, which indeed.. was a natural scenery. Looks very artistic, isn't?
We were shock that there were soooo many people. People mountain people sea.
After sitting awhile, my back bone is aching due to the chair design which is unable to lean on. I would suggest you to buy the first class seat because at least you can rest your backbone during the 1.5 hour performance.
That's all for Day 1. I was so tired that I don't even have energy for dinner.