It was our final day in China, and I found myself feeling somewhat emotional. Despite the exceptionally hot weather, the realisation hit me that it would be a long time before I returned. I had truly embraced and enjoyed the rich tapestry of Chinese culture, the unique landscapes, and the myriad of amusing stories my little Felipe and I had experienced during our time here

However, that morning, an unexpected turn of events occurred:  nothing too concerning, so no need to worry! Our upcoming flight from Guilin to Hong Kong, an experience I had eagerly anticipated, was unexpectedly cancelled due to the ongoing protests disrupting operations at Hong Kong Airport. I only became aware of this change because I had email alerts set up for all my flights.

Fortunately, as I had organised our trip through our trusted local partner when I contacted them about the flight cancellation, they had already secured an alternative mode of transportation for us. Talk about excellent service! This unexpected change turned out to be a delightful surprise because we discovered we would be travelling on the new train service, locally known as the ‘bullet train,’ from Guilin to Hong Kong. This experience was so positive that I now highly recommend it as the preferred option for travel between these two cities.

Rhonshang Lake Scenic Area

With our morning unexpectedly freed due to the change in itinerary, I opted to start the day with an energetic breakfast at the charming rooftop restaurant of Aroma Tea House Hotel. Following this delightful meal, I embarked on an enjoyable stroll around the area, which, fortunately for us, was located along the picturesque shores of the stunning Rhonshang Lake Scenic Area, also known as the “Four Lakes and Two Rivers”.

The entire area encompasses Rong Lake, Shan Lake, Gui Lake, and Mulons Lake, as well as the Li and Taohua rivers. This morning walk also turned out to be a charming experience, offering glimpses of the local culture and beautiful scenery.

As we strolled along the shore, enjoying an uninterrupted and picturesque view of Rong Lake and Shan Lake, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of peace and delight. Observing the locals engaged in their morning routines of dances, singing, and practising Tai Chi added an extra layer of cultural richness to the experience.

We even had the opportunity to explore the Old South Gate, an ancient structure dating back a thousand years to the Song Dynasty. Truly, it was a delightful morning.

Bullet Train Guiling West Rail Station

After midday, we departed for Guilin West Rail Station. The train journey took approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes.

I discovered that the train provides three seating options: 2nd class, 1st class (the one we chose for today), and Business Class. The journey was indeed comfortable, with a spacious and restful 2-2 seating configuration in first class. This service also provided power outlets, snacks, and, of course, plenty of entertaining views.

The trains are exceptionally modern, equipped with fountains between carriages providing both cold and hot water. This convenience made it easy for me to prepare some noodles on board for our lunch. Having bought our food and snacks beforehand proved crucial, as I discovered that the crew and staff in China speak very little English, making it challenging to request a vegan or egg-free meal.

We sat down, relaxed for the entire journey, and arrived happily and on time at Kowloon Hong Kong Train Station, where our next adventures awaited us.

“The right train of thought can take you to a better station in life”

Thanks for reading!!! 🙂

Love from

🙏

Jenny