My charming guide did not expected that the last direct bus to Guilin will depart from Canton at 9.10 am. Lonely Planet is wrong: it takes now only 7 hours. We found the connection with bus change at Babu. Departure 10.45 am to Babu – 7 hours, 100 yuans. And then 3.5 hours to Guilin (65 y). In China very often when you buy the bus tickets you must buy also the travel insurance – this is like extra 5 y to pay… and you have no choice… The long distance buses are suprisely comfortable – I had enough space for my long legs. The attendent serves free mineral water and chineese snacks…
It was dark when I arrived to Guilin – close to the bus station I found Huali Hotel. On the wall there is official room price: 240 y. But withe the help of nice english-speaking fellow after some we bargained it to 100 yuan. (1 USD =7.73 y). Beds are hard but there is even hot water in the shower. It is cold here but the mountains around are beautiful…
