Drawn from Guilin’s heart, Yanyu Lake whispers tales of ancient moats and modern marvels. Once a humble part of the city’s defenses, Yanyu Lake has blossomed into a scenic centerpiece. Are you ready to discover its secrets?
Guilin’s Two Rivers and Four Lakes project has transformed the city center into a continuous picturesque waterway. Yanyu Lake is one of them. This ambitious project links the Li River and the Taohua River with the Rong, Shan, Gui, and Mulong Lakes. Together they create a stunning aquatic tapestry in the heart of Guilin.
Let’s talk about the lakes! Rong Lake and Shan Lake are the two largest and most famous lakes. They sit on either side of Zhongshan Zhonglu. Their origins stretch back to the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907. Back then, they formed part of a city moat. As Guilin expanded, the moat evolved into the lakes we see today.
The cruise is a must! Lasting about 1.5 hours, it presents Guilin’s tranquil mountain and water scenery. From the water you can enjoy traditional Chinese architecture and ancient inscriptions on the bridge arches. The cruise offers the best vantage point. Cruises run during the day and in the evening. The fantasy nighttime illuminations are also worth seeing.
Two types of cruise boats are available. There are standard and luxury ones. The daytime cruise is cheaper. Be sure to select the cruise that covers the entire area if you want to see all of the lakes!
The cruise often starts from a pier near Liberation Bridge. It passes a verdant green island to Folded Brocade Hill. The cruise then goes around the movie set quality Chinese architecture of Wooden Dragon Lake. At night, this lake is beautifully lit.
Osmanthus Lake is next. Appreciate the osmanthus foliage surrounding the water. The boat glides under bridges decorated with pictures and Chinese script. These tell stories of long ago.
The cruise then makes a circuit of Chinese Fir Lake. It has Chinese Firs, bamboo, osmanthus, and many other trees and flowers. The Sun Tower and the Moon Tower are the main attractions. These twin pagoda-style towers are majestic in the day and iridescent at night.
From Chinese Fir Lake, the cruise continues to the Peach Blossom River. It returns to Banyan Lake. Most cruises conclude at the lock gates by Elephant Trunk Hill.
Walking around the lakes is another way to enjoy the scenery. The banks are perfect for a stroll. Walking can be done both during the day and in the evening. The lake is colorfully lit.
Yanyu Lake offers more than just pretty views. It connects us to Guilin’s past while showcasing its present beauty. So take a moment to soak it all in. Let the gentle breezes and tranquil waters of Yanyu Lake create lasting memories.