Weekly Photo Challenge – The Atypical Horizons of Guilin, China
“Hope is the horizon we reach if we try.”
Balroom Singh
Before I respond to the weekly photo challenge, I’d like to thank my followers for helping Travels and Trifles to reach a major milestone. This week, ngtom became its 1,000th subscriber. 17 months ago, as I posted my first blog, I could not have imagined that level of response. So thanks to each and every one of you – it means a great deal to me to know you’re out there. Special thanks to those who take the time to comment and share your thoughts. Now, back to the challenge!
Sara has asked us to show the horizon, the line where the earth and sky appear to meet. I have chosen to do so by continuing my “tour” of China, this time featuring the beautiful city of Guilin. In today’s header image, the sky meets the earth in the jagged edge of Guilin’s landscape. Above, the horizon is obscured by the lights of the city, reflected in the Li river. A brilliant full moon adds a rosy sheen to several of the buildings along the shore.
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“When we look up, it widens our horizons”
Julia Gregson
Guilin is one of China’s most popular tourist destinations because of its mystical landscape. Often seen in ancient Chinese watercolors, the area is famous for its karsts – limestone formations that create amazing, ethereal scenery around every corner and curve. Because the karsts are ubiquitous, the horizon is seen either as a jagged edge, or as a sliver of a line between the protrusions. Above and below, some examples of the karsts bordering the Li River, which runs throughout the city.
“No horizon is so far that you cannot get above it or beyond it”
Beryl Markham
The karsts are best seen from the river, so a day-cruise on the Li is an extremely popular activity. Being tourists, we decided to join the crowds and set out on one of the many large boats heading downstream. Along the way we came upon this group, obviously enjoying a different approach! Small bamboo rafts are powered by local oarsmen using poles to navigate the river. Colorful umbrellas protect their patrons from the mid-day sun.
“Utopia lies at the horizon.”
Eduardo Galiano
“We all live under the same sky, but we don’t all have the same horizon.”
Konrad Adenauer
The karsts were incredible and at each curve of the river there was another wonderful landscape. But for me, the most interesting aspect of our cruise was observing the activities of the local residents, in addition to the oarsmen, who carve their livelihoods from the Li’s waters. Below, a cormorant fisherman works his birds to make the day’s catch.
“The horizon leans forward, offering you space to place new steps of change.”
Maya Angelou
We observed dishwashing, fishing, duck-raising, boating and bottom-panning, although we were never told what one might find there! Here then, some additional captures of the action along the Li.
“Every time we pray, our horizon is altered.”
Bill Clinton
“Every horizon, upon being reached, reveals another beckoning in the distance.”
W. Eugene Smith
“A dream is the bearer of a new possibility, the enlarged horizon, the great hope.”
Howard Thurman
Finally, perhaps because they are so very different from what I might see in my daily life, I was fascinated by the water buffalo which, when not working, seemed to be enjoying the cool waters on a warm summer’s day. These massive creatures have been domesticated in China for over 4,000 years. Across the world, they are depended upon more than any other domesticated animal.
A negative attitude is below the horizon…a place for lonesome hearts.
T.F. Hodge
“We should be filled with awe and joy at what lies over the horizon.”
Bill Clinton
“You must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizon.”
Ethel Barrymore
Guilin’s horizons are clearly a bit less traditional than most. To see some other interpretations on the theme, click here.
Another great series of shots. Guilin is such a mystical place, and you bring it out with your photos…so peaceful except for the rush hour traffic on the river with all the umbrellas, that was pretty cool!
🙂 we loved Guilin (well, actually we loved all of china!) but had a very short visit and very hazy weather so I wasn’t able to capture it the way I’d have liked to. Your opening shot on the subject was more what I had in mind. Suppose ill have to go back one day!
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Congratulations on a huge milestone, Tina! Love all these shots, but the umbrellas on water is sure an eyecatcher!
Loved the detail in the temple…photos are all quite special. This has to be the journey of your life time.
Many thanks Charlie! Yes indeed, it was absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime! Candidly it far exceeded my expectations! Appreciate your visit and comment.
Really enjoyed these photos, especially the one with the birds. It captured the scale of those beautiful mountains.
Thanks Jane! The birds were beautiful but I must admit they were really tough to capture!!
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Beautiful photos, loved them all! The colourful umbrellas made me smile and really loved the Cormorant fishing and the Karst cave! 🙂
Thanks so much Tracey! The umbrellas really were funny – especially when the passengers started shooting water guns at one another! Appreciate your visit and comment.
Water guns!? That looks and sounds like so much fun! Has to be a must if I ever get to that part of China! 🙂