Travel in China
Guilin's largest park with seven peaks and caves.
On the east bank of the Li River, opposite downtown Guilin, Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan) is the city's largest park. Seven karst peaks - four clustered on Putuo Hill, three on Crescent Hill - stand in a formation resembling the Big Dipper, giving the park its name.
The sights come thick and fast: the Song-dynasty Flower Bridge guarding the main entrance, the camel-shaped crag of Camel Hill where US President Bill Clinton once gave a speech, the hillside Crescent Building, and the illuminated chambers of Seven Star Cave beneath Putuo Hill.
Gates open 07:00-21:00 November-March and 06:30-21:00 April-October, while Seven Star Cave keeps 08:00-17:00 hours. Entry is 55 RMB, or 100 RMB combined with the cave, and buses 11, 14, 18, 24, 30 and 206 stop at the gates - Guilin has no metro.
Highlights
Seven Star Cave
A grand illuminated cave beneath Putuo Hill (open 08:00-17:00); the 100 RMB combo ticket pairs it with park entry.
Flower Bridge
The graceful Song-dynasty bridge at the main gate - the park's emblem and its best-loved photo.
Camel Hill
A humped rock shaped like a kneeling camel, where Bill Clinton delivered a speech during his China visit.
The Big Dipper Peaks
Seven karst peaks laid out like the Big Dipper - the four on Putuo Hill form the bowl, the three on Crescent Hill the handle.
Crescent Building
A landmark hillside pavilion on Crescent Hill, a classic stop for a bowl of vegetarian noodles.
Li River Setting
The park stretches along the riverbank facing downtown Guilin, so karst-and-skyline views come free.
Photo Gallery
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