Today we have a relaxed 4 hour cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo. Around every bend in the river is a breathtaking view as jagged limestone karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. And that's a direct quote from our itinerary
A quick snap from the coach on our way to get the boat which was an hour or so drive away.
A wayside trader at the boat place.
But of course this is China and so there are lots of boats and hoards of people. The boats hold about 100 people with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck - so not really the peaceful, exclusive cruise we'd imagined.
It seemed very busy to us today so just imagine how crowded the water would have been if this lot where out on it too.
We didn't see many locals on the water, so I've grouped together the few that we did.
This lady is collecting wood.
If you look closely at this guy he's actually wearing the umbrella like a crown. Also he appears to have a tooth guard or something in his mouth - I wonder if it's to stop accidentally swallowing river water if he gets splashed by a passing boat.
Without a doubt though, this was my favourite scene.
Water buffalo are a completely different species and so nothing like the cape variety.
We only saw one egret by the water's edge and another in flight.
I have no idea why I took this shot, but given the anoraks and umbrellas you'd assume it was a rather wet day but in fact it was glorious sunshine most of the time.
But crikey it would be hard to dodge all this lot.
We saw quite a few waterfalls but this was definitely the prettiest.
This gives a great sense of scale.
These were the only signs of farming we saw.
I'm assuming they're all waiting for a water bus although we didn't see any different kind of vessel.
This is known as 9 Horse Fresco Hill as you are supposed to be able to see said animals.
We certainly couldn't see 9, but with a little stretch of the imagination we managed 3.
A few of our group and me hiding under a large hat.
Me with Tony and Steve who were great fun.
One of the things I'd been looking forward to seeing and photographing was the cormorant fishermen who train their birds to catch fish. I know this is usually done at night but I was pleased at least to pass some of the boats, nets and cormorants. We have an opportunity tomorrow to photograph one.
This scene features on the 20 Yuan note.
This was the only vessel we saw going in the opposite direction.
Ian enjoying a well earned sit down having spent most of the journey protecting me from pushy Chinese.
Yet more of the little boats.
