Hi, Got across the border with our shiny new China visa without any probs to Guilin. Although this is a big place too, its nice to get to a quieter place, with the chinese countryside in striking distance. The town is surrounded by mountainous peaks made of limestone. We hired bikes for the day and did some exploring and even managed some climbing after failing to touch Fuji, even if it was only up 365 steps to the peak of the towns Solitary Peak. Our bravery and stamina was rewarded with amazing views and a chocolate cornetto. Also checked out the local restaurants to discover to our dismay that the specialities of the region is snake, bamboo rat and terrapin soup...all of which are proudly displayed in cages outside. We were not tempted, not even when one especially eager restauranteur prodded a bamboo rat awake to prove it was still alive! Headed to Yangshuo, a backpacker party town, by five hour cruise along the Li River through some incredible scenery and countryside. All very chilled just watching the world drift by......with just Tim and I and a boatful of Chinese tourists! xx