Guilin's Scenery is the Finest Under Heaven | A Journey to the Source

| A Journey to the Source ✍️ Foreword Starting from Fujian by high-speed rail to Guilin, Guangxi, I set out to visit a lesser-known online attraction—Quanzhou Tianhu Lake. While writing this travelogue, I faced a dilemma. Normally, I document my trips day by day, but this time at Tianhu Lake, my adventure spanned two days—capturing the sunset at 6 PM yesterday and chasing the sunrise at 5 AM today. After much deliberation, I decided to weave the entire Tianhu Lake experience into one cohesive piece for better flow and completeness. I arrived in Guilin in the afternoon and spent the day exploring the ancient architectural site near the North Station—Millennium Guilin. The historic buildings here are incredibly photogenic, offering a glimpse into Guangxi's diverse ethnic cultures. In the evening, I checked into the Park Hotel opposite the attraction. The location was super convenient, right on the way to Tianhu Lake and next to the highway entrance. The hotel was exceptional—spacious rooms, top-notch cleanliness, and service—highly recommended! **Day 1 of the Trip** Departing at 6 AM, I reached the Quanzhou Red Army Long March Xiangjiang Battle Memorial around 1 PM. By 4:30 PM, I drove 55 km to Quanzhou Tianhu Lake. As the sun set, I witnessed the lake, mirror-like and shimmering in sky-blue hues. The Tianhu Lake adventure had begun! *(Forgot to note: Sunscreen is a MUST when hiking Zhenbaoding!!! Even if the weather shifts between sun and clouds—the altitude is no joke! For post-trip recovery, I used the white sneaker cleaning trick: cover with paper + milk.)* **Route & Tips** 1. **Quanzhou Tianhu Lake**: Located at the source of the Li River, Zijiang River, and Xunjiang River, on the northern slopes of the Yuecheng Ridge and east of Zhenbaoding (South China's second-highest peak), the area boasts an average elevation of 1,600 meters. The resort is famed for its "four wonders": the lake, grasslands, forests, and snowfields. With 13 lakes and an annual average temperature of 23.4°C, it offers spring alpine rhododendrons, summer escapes, autumn stargazing, and winter snowscapes—a rare year-round retreat in South China for wellness, summer getaways, and snow appreciation. 🔺 No entrance fee, but there's a timed toll gate for vehicles. (Worth driving in—it's far, otherwise you're limited to the viewing platform area.) 🔺 Charging stations available: two slow, two fast. 🔺 Spotted cars and tents camping on the wooden boardwalk. 🔺 No convenience stores or snack shops in the area—just a few guesthouses. Best to bring your own food. 🔺 Check the temperature and pack a jacket.