Guilin Wholesale Carving Market

For an afternoon away from the other tourists, I like to have a stroll among the craftsman up at the Guilin Commercial Carving Market, out past Wa Yao wholesale area. Here you can see huge mural-size woodcarvings, from massive root systems transformed into giant peacocks to large fungus growths turned in likenesses of famous Chinese historical characters such as Da Mo, Mi Le Fo, and Kong Zi. At the rear are dozens of stone warehouses, and while some seem to be little more than looters' stockpiles, others such as the Hua Nan Jing Ti Guan (Wa Yao Lao Dian Chang; tel. 0773/355-7080) make the geological collections of major world museums seem inadequate and unimpressive.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.