Guilin-South China’s shangrila

Bill Brown and his family in Guilin.

Yangshuo is fun year round but most festive at Chinese New Year. Large cities like Xiamen banned fireworks in the 1990s but in Yangshuo, young and old alike (especially our two sons) still delight in setting off fireworks and firecrackers as bands of dragon dancers roam the streets, leaping and dancing to the sound of drums and cymbals. 

Chinese New Year is a private time for families but in Yangshuo we found we have a very large family. Shopkeepers and farmers laughed and invited us into their homes. “Have some tea! Sit down!” And as if they had all the time in the world, they chatted about their families, their businesses and farms and how life had improved over the past decade. They also shared about local lore and practices, and the snake doctor who cured even cobra bites with herbs. “Better than hospitals!”

They were also keen on learning about American life, and glad to know that we also highly valued family and friendships. And speaking of friendship, I was surprised when a grandpa remembered the Flying Tigers of World War II – one of the best examples of Chinese and American friendship and heroism.

American volunteers serving with the Chinese Air Force in the Flying Tigers fought some of their last battles in Guilin. Although the Walt Disney Company had designed their cartoon tiger mascot, the Japanese learned they were deadly adversaries. In March, 2015, Guilin opened the Flying Tiger Heritage Park, which I hope becomes a powerful reminder of what Chinese and Americans can do when we cooperate in the face of adversity.

Guilin tourism has skyrocketed over the past two decades and its main streets are crowded. But step into the side streets or cycle into the countryside and you’ll find the same timeless beauty and tranquility we fell in love with over 20 years ago. Be sure to send photos home to friends – and then try to persuade them you didn’t use Photoshop!