The Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area (世外桃源景区) in Yangshuo is inspired by the idyllic vision presented in “The Peach Blossom Spring,” a renowned work by the Jin Dynasty poet Tao Yuanming. This enchanting tourist destination combines the area’s picturesque pastoral landscapes with breathtaking mountain scenery, creating a harmonious blend of nature and culture.
Within Shiwai Taoyuan, visitors can immerse themselves in the organic arrangement of rural beauty, folk customs, and charming local villages, all seamlessly integrated with the stunning natural environment. As you enjoy the serene views of the water and mountains, you will also experience the vibrant local culture and traditions.
Exploration in the Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area is facilitated through both water and land routes. The entire area is designed without walls or fences, allowing it to flow naturally into the surrounding fields and villages. This unique layout invites visitors to fully engage with nature, making for an unforgettable experience in this enchanting paradise.
Travel Information about Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area
Ticket Information and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: 60 RMB (includes boat ride).
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The scenic area is suitable for visiting all year round, but spring and summer are considered the best times, as the rural landscapes are particularly enchanting during these seasons.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Zhuqiao Village, Baisha Town, Yangshuo County, Guilin City.
Transportation: Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area is approximately 44 kilometers from Guilin and about 16 kilometers from Yangshuo, making it easily accessible. Visitors can take the direct bus from Guilin Railway Station to Yangshuo and get off at the entrance of Shiwai Taoyuan.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Uniqueness: ★★★
- Romance: ★★★
- Cultural Experience: ★★★
- Adventure: ★★★
Highlights of Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area
Yuanming Mountain Villa
Upon entering the scenic area and crossing the Wind and Rain Bridge, you will arrive at Yuanming Mountain Villa. This charming estate primarily showcases the architectural style of northern Guangxi’s traditional residences and is dedicated to the life and poetry of Tao Yuanming, a celebrated poet of the Jin Dynasty.
Yuanming Mountain Villa is a garden rich in local character, featuring interconnected pavilions and towers nestled among lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The gentle flow of water harmonizes beautifully with blooming lotus flowers, while schools of fish playfully glide beneath the green bridges and unique rock formations.
Drawing inspiration from the elegance and freshness of traditional Chinese gardens, Yuanming Mountain Villa incorporates the rustic charm of Guangxi’s architectural style. The villa is further enhanced by the simple, pastoral themes found in Tao Yuanming’s poetry, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
What to do:
- Ancient Chinese Culture: Visitors can immerse themselves in the essence of ancient Chinese culture by climbing the Nanshan Tower within the scenic area. Here, you can witness the traditional papermaking process firsthand and delight in trying your hand at wood carving and stone rubbing.
- Scenic Views from the Observation Tower: The Observation Tower is the best vantage point in the area, offering panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings. From the tower, you can see picturesque scenes of small bridges, flowing water, and charming houses. Farmers can be seen tending to their fields, and as dusk approaches, the smoke from cooking fires rises, adding to the idyllic rural landscape.
- Appreciate Wood Carving: If you have an interest in bamboo carving and wood sculpture, this is a must-visit destination. You’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of traditional folk art in bamboo and wood carving.
- Pottery Making: Yunxiu Tower, located within the scenic area, is where visitors can learn about pottery making. Here, you can witness the entire pottery-making process and even try your hand at creating your own ceramic masterpiece.
Ethnic Corridor
Guilin is a city rich in ethnic diversity, and many of its scenic areas feature culturally distinctive attractions. The Ethnic Corridor in Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area is no exception. Within the Ethnic Corridor, visitors can engage in various folk activities and enjoy the unique architectural styles of totem poles and wind-and-rain bridges. This area also offers the opportunity to observe and purchase handmade textiles crafted by women from minority ethnic groups, providing a deeper understanding of their vibrant cultures and traditions.
Folk Customs in the Ethnic Corridor:
- Dong Folk Songs: Known for their a cappella polyphonic singing, Dong folk songs feature a wide vocal range and complex musical structures. The harmonious and orderly rhythms of these songs have earned them the title of “music sparkling like clear springs, melodies brushing the edges of ancient dreams.” They have been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Zhuang Ball: The Zhuang Ball is a symbol of good fortune and love among the Zhuang people. Traditionally handmade by Zhuang girls, the custom of tossing the embroidered ball during festivities is prevalent in many regions of Guangxi.
- Miao Embroidery: Miao embroidery combines traditional patterns with modern styles, created from memory rather than sketches. This unique technique involves stitching from the back to the front, resulting in exquisite designs that are visually striking on both sides.
- Yao Dance: The Yao people, who reside in mountainous areas, utilize local bamboo and wood resources to create various dance props. Their dances incorporate intricate movements that reflect their cultural heritage and connection to nature.
- Gejia Wax Dyeing: The colorful wax dyeing of the Gejia people involves multiple applications of wax and repeated dye immersions, resulting in complex patterns. Each layer of wax can only dye one color, making this craft a meticulous and time-consuming process.
- Zhuang Brocade: Zhuang brocade is woven using plain-colored fine threads for the warp and silk threads for the weft. The patterns often feature geometric designs or motifs of animals and plants, showcasing a rich variety of colors, including bold reds, greens, yellows, and blues, all characteristic of Zhuang culture.
Swallow Lake
Swallow Lake, located within the Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area, is a charming waterside attraction that adds a gentle touch to the picturesque surroundings. While the lake itself is not large, its tranquil waters offer visitors a serene escape.
A boat ride on Swallow Lake is an enjoyable experience, allowing travelers to glide smoothly across its silk-like surface. As the boat cuts through the calm waters, visitors feel a sense of freedom and delight, reminiscent of a bird that has long been caged and is now returning to nature.
With the expansive sky and gentle clouds above, the wide shores and smooth waves create a refreshing embrace from nature, helping to wash away worries and distractions, leaving behind a sense of peace and tranquility. This idyllic setting makes Swallow Lake a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection, inviting visitors to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world.
Taoyuan Pavilion Restaurant
Located within the Shiwai Taoyuan Scenic Area, Taoyuan Pavilion Restaurant is both a dining establishment and a scenic spot in itself. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and featuring an ancient, rustic layout, the restaurant offers stunning views of the clear mountains and shimmering waters through its windows, providing a unique and tranquil dining experience.
The restaurant specializes in local Guilin cuisine, serving traditional dishes that reflect the region’s culinary heritage. Guests can savor specialties such as beer fish, Lipu taro pork, ginger-scallion Li River shrimp, and oil tea, all made with fresh ingredients. Dining here not only delights the palate but also immerses visitors in the enchanting beauty of the surrounding scenery.