We arrived in Guilin as it was starting to get dark: a short bus ride and a wander through a few side streets and we found our next stop - Ming Palace International! We weren't sure how long we were going to stay, but when we found our room and saw that there were real mattresses on the beds we decided 2 nights would be the way forward! In many of our hostels so far the mattress comprises of a thin blanket covered by a sheet on a very hard base - so comfy!
From here we were able to explore the wonders of the city...well, actually we took a bus out of the city and visited the Dragons Backbone. This is an impressive set of rice terraces that literally scale the side of the mountain rising up over 1000m. The weather was not so great when we left Guilin, but as we wound our way up the mountainside roads things improved. The driving was, erm, interesting, especially as our driver was particularly keen to overtake on blind corners! He would just beep the horn, swing out and leave us hoping for the best! To be fair we made it in great time and alive!!
To reach the terraces we wandered up a path through one of the small villages which farm the terraces. It is a very different way of life and provided lots to observe and contemplate. The path inevitably turned to steps and we climbed upwards glimpsing our first views of the terraces. They really are impressive, carved out terraces just turning from green to yellow as harvest time approaches.
We arrived at the top and were able to fully appreciate the scale of the Dragon's Backbone. On the opposite hillsides further terraces could just about be seen through the cloud. Another good day out exploring, good to be away from the city and up in hills breathing fresh air!
beautiful
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