Located in the northeast of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in south China, Guilin is considered to be the pearl of China's thriving tourist industry on account of the natural beauty and historic treasures. The stunning landscape in which the city is situated has a kind of magic that is all its own. The strangely shaped hills or karsts, with the verdant vegetation ranging from bamboos to conifers together with crystal clear waters and wonderful caves, make the city such an appealing destination. It is an important cultural city with a history of more than 2,000 years, and has been served as the political, economic and cultural center of Guangxi since the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127).
