In the folds of Guilin's landscapes, dream a slow dream

Yulong River Notes At dawn, the Yulong River's surface glows like celadon. Bamboo poles part the mist, startling a few egrets into flight, as the reflections of karst peaks shatter into flowing ink— This is not the Li River, this is closer to the soul of Chinese landscapes than the Li River. 🌿 Yulong River Drift: The Right Way to Experience Eastern Landscapes "A true drift should be a Zen-like practice." Recommended route: Jinlong Bridge to Jiuxian section (about 90 minutes). Nine weirs cascade into small waterfalls, bamboo rafts plunge and splash cool water, then return to calm—like the ups and downs of life. ｜Private Moments｜ ▸ Ask the boatman to slow down near Xiangui Bridge, where wild lilies bloom silently on the cliffs. ▸ Bring a collection of Neruda's poetry and read a few pages amid cicada songs and shimmering light. ▸ If it drizzles, mist coils around the peaks, as if **Huang Gongwang's "Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains"** came to life. 🌾 The Philosophy of Slow Strolls Along the Yulong River Amid the blue bricks and gray tiles of **Jiuxian Ancient Village**, hide an old Ming Dynasty opera stage, Qing Dynasty hitching posts, and the Li Family Courtyard where Xu Beihong once lived. Sip oil tea under an old camphor tree in the afternoon, watch villagers rinse rice by the river with bamboo baskets— here, time is rain dripping from the eaves. ｜Hidden Coordinates｜ 📍 Fuli Bridge: A 600-year-old bridge reflects into a perfect circle; fishermen cast nets at dusk. 📍 Jima Dock: Walk 10 minutes along the river to discover a forgotten wild ferry. 📍 Rice Field Theater: On summer nights, locals sing Gui Opera under moonlight, the only spotlight. 🚴 Cycling Map: Paint Yourself into the Landscape Scroll Rent an old 28-inch bicycle and ride along the Yulong River Eco-Trail: Jiuxian → Xiatangzhai → Chaoyang Dock. In May, paddies resemble overturned palettes; in September, golden waves of rice roll like an ocean. Turn onto any narrow field path, and you might stumble upon water buffaloes bathing—a healing scene. 🍵 Lodging in the Folds of the Scenery Three recommended stays by the Yulong River: 1. **"Whispering Bamboo Window"**: Open the window to see bamboo rafts glide by. 2. **"Ink Orchid Mountain Lodge"**: A century-old renovated house, with the sound of laundry pounding at dawn. 3. **"Moon Dancing in Clouds"**: A rooftop terrace perfect for stargazing. ｜Mountain Life｜ ▸ Wake at dawn to the sound of bamboo poles dipping into water. ▸ Borrow a bamboo chair by the river to daydream in the afternoon. ▸ At night, fireflies compose poems on banana leaves in the courtyard. "All imaginings of Jiangnan became tangible after meeting the Yulong River." (🌊 Best seasons: April–June for misty rains, September–October for rice fragrance. 🚫 Avoid: midday sun exposure during drifts, muddy water in the rainy season.)