Zhangjiajie to Guilin: A Scenic Bus Ride Through China's Breathtaking Countryside

Hey there, fellow travelers and friendly followers! I want to take you on a breathtaking bus ride that I had from Zhangjiajie to Guilin, with a brief stop in Huaihua for some food and refueling.

This journey took me through some of China's most breathtaking countryside, where I witnessed an abundance of flora and fauna, heard an orchestra of sounds, and relished in the sweet, earthy aromas of the natural surroundings.

As I departed Zhangjiajie, I immediately noticed the towering mountains that surrounded the city. They were covered in lush greenery and made for an awe-inspiring sight. I continued through the countryside, where I was treated to a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, and smells.

On the way south towards Huaihua, I saw vast fields of rice paddies, dotted with farmers who were hard at work. The rice fields were a beautiful sight, as were the water buffalo wading in the shallow waters, as well as ducks and other birds making their home in the fields.

During my stop in Huaihua, I had the chance to try and interact with the locals and tasted some delicious local cuisine. I made sure to try the spicy Hongjiang Rice noodles, a local delicacy that tantalized my taste buds. The combination of tender noodles, savory meat, and spicy seasonings create a taste that is both comforting and invigorating.

Once back on the road, I was treated to more stunning sights. I looked out for the lush green bamboo forests and the terraced tea fields that were abundant in the area. The area was also home to many small towns and villages, where I caught a glimpse of the locals going about their daily lives.

As I neared Guilin, I was struck by the stunning karst mountains that rose from the ground. They were like nothing else I had seen on this planet, and they made for a stunning sight. Finally, as I approached my destination, I was able to see the stunning Li River, which runs through the heart of Guilin.

Towards the end of the 10 hour journey, I got to meet a couple of passengers that spoke a few words of English, and had their own stories to tell.

There was also a surprising chorus of sounds audible when the bus stopped at crossroads - the gentle rustling of the leaves, the chirping of the birds, and the buzz of the cicadas. And I relished in the sweet, earthy smells that were so characteristic of the area.

All in all, this was a journey that will stay with me for a lifetime. So, if you are ever in China, be sure to take a bus ride from Zhangjiajie to Guilin, with a stop in Huaihua. You won't regret it!

photo credit: Joshua Sortino