Guilin – Discovering the Landscapes of Chinese Legends

Nestled along the Li River in southern China, Guilin is renowned for its surreal limestone mountains and serene rivers that have inspired Chinese legends, artists, and poets for centuries. A destination like this, full of natural beauty and folklore, is perfect for introducing children to Chinese culture and landscapes. Here, we explore books that highlight Guilin’s scenery and local legends, along with interactive discussion questions and an activity to help families bring Guilin’s magic to life.

Book Recommendations

1. “A River of Stars” by Vanessa Hua
   Ages: 8+
   This enchanting novel for younger readers is an exploration of Chinese heritage, where Guilin’s landscapes set a mystical background for tales about family, tradition, and the beauty of nature. The book weaves Guilin’s iconic scenery into a story that can inspire curiosity about Chinese landscapes.
2. “Legends of China: The Girl from Guilin” by Yi Ling
   Ages: 7-10
   This book retells the legendary story of a young girl who protects her village with the help of nature spirits. It’s set in the Guilin region, with breathtaking descriptions of its natural landscapes and mythological elements, perfect for young readers interested in legends and natural beauty.
3. “The Magical Mountains of Guilin” by Zhou Ling
   Ages: 5-8
   A picture book that captures the mountains and rivers of Guilin in a vibrant, magical way. It’s a delightful book for younger children, combining simple storytelling with fascinating facts about Guilin’s geography and local culture, encouraging a love for China’s natural landscapes.

Discussion Questions

1. What makes Guilin’s landscapes so unique compared to other places?
   • This question invites kids to appreciate Guilin’s distinctive limestone mountains and rivers, and why they have inspired so many artists and legends.
2. Why do you think people in ancient times made up stories about natural places like mountains and rivers?
   • This is a great way to introduce children to the concept of folklore and legends, helping them understand how people used stories to explain nature.
3. If you could create a story about a magical place, what kind of landscape would it have?
   • Encourage your child to imagine their own mythical landscape, perhaps inspired by Guilin, sparking creativity and storytelling.

Interactive Activity: Create a “Li River in a Jar” Craft

Bring Guilin’s natural beauty home with a fun and hands-on craft that mimics the beautiful scenery of the Li River and Guilin’s karst mountains.

Instructions

1. Materials Needed: A clear glass jar, small rocks or pebbles, green clay (for mountains), blue food coloring, water, and a small boat cutout (optional).
2. Create the River and Mountains: Add water mixed with blue food coloring to the jar for the river. Form small mountains from the green clay, and place them around the jar for a mini Guilin landscape.
3. Add Details: Add pebbles for a rocky riverbed and, if desired, place a small paper boat to float on the “river.”
4. Explore Together: Discuss the scenery of Guilin while working on the craft, imagining what life is like along the Li River.

This activity allows children to explore Guilin’s landscapes in a tangible way, fostering a deeper connection with the place and inspiring a love for China’s natural wonders.