| 
|
Cross the Li River at the end of Jiefang
Donglu (Jiefang Road, East) and approximately one kilometre from the downtown
area of Guilin you will find Seven Stars Park. This delightful park that
has been landscaped to encompass hills and natural waterways is a great
favourite with the local people and tourists alike.
The park takes its name from the fact that the four peaks on Putuo Hill
and the three peaks on Crescent Hill that form the main part of the park
replicate the pattern of the seven stars in the Ursa Major constellation
(Great bear or Big Dipper). A further hill, known as Camel Hill is another
attraction of the park. This limestone outcrop looks exactly like a camel
resting among the trees. The main entrance to the park is over the Flower
Bridge [Hua Qiao], an elegant arched structure dating from the Song Dynasty
that crosses the confluence of Xiaodongjiang [East River] and Lingjian
Stream that passes through the park.
As you walk into the park you will find Crescent Hill to your right, so
named for its crescent-moon shaped rock. A notable feature of this hill
is the 200 calligraphy carvings in the caves within it. These are said
to be the work of important and talented calligraphers of the Tang, Ming
and Qing Dynasties. A flight of steps will take you to the top of the
hill. Pavilions, kiosks and towers line the path, each offering excellent
views of the Xiaodongjiang River.
By choosing the path to the left and heading north you will come to Putuo
Hill. Climbing the steps will bring you to Putuo Jingshe. This is both
a living and preaching place and the tortoise intertwined with the snake
in this hall is a typical Chinese Taoist symbol.
On leaving Putuo Jingshe a further two-minute walk leads to Seven Stars
Cave. Eroded by water over thousands of years, the cave is a wonderland
of stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations resulting from carbonate
deposition. All year, the temperature within the cave remains at a constant
20 degrees Celsius and it has been a tourist attraction since the Tang
Dynasty. However, for all its splendour, the Seven Stars Cave is overshadowed
by the awe-inspiring Reed Flute Cave to be found five kilometres to the
northwest of the City. There is an admission charge of 20 Yuan to enter
the caves.
On leaving Putuo Hill and walking further eastwards into the park Camel
Hill is a wow of a sight. Being so like a camel, as our picture shows,
it is hard to believe that it is an entirely natural formation. Near to
Camel Hill you will find a zoo, a botanical garden and teahouses.
Admission Fee: RMB 25
Opening Hours: 08:10 to 17:00
Recommended Time for a Visit: One hour
Bus Route: 6,10,11,13,14
|
|
