Geologists recently discovered four splendid natural bridges on a 1-km path—a world geological wonder—in Xing’an County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,according to latest issue of Beijing Review.

The natural bridges are geological “artistic features” formed by the action of underground water. They can be found in many scenic spots where there are caves. Experts said the karst landform areas of Guangxi, Guizhou and Yunnan are the places to find natural bridges.

Wei Haizhou, a hydrogeology engineer and Director of the Guilin Haizhou Tourist Research Institute, discovered the bridges in Baishi Township, Xing’an County, 86 km from Guilin, in the karst lowland area at the head of Xiangjiang River. Wei said they are examples of typical karst topography. The density of the bridges exceeds that of the three Wulong Natural Bridges in Chongqing, which boast being the “best in Asia.”

The bridges in Guilin range in height from 40 to 100 meters, and are 30-60 meters wide. Splendid, peculiar, dangerous, enchanting and elegant, they are formed by natural karst caves linked to each other. Experts from the Karst Geology Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Geology noted that the type of natural bridges in Baishi are rarely seen elsewhere in China.

A Xing'an County government official said the natural bridges have aroused the deep interest of geologists and tourists. Baishi Township is planning to turn this wonder into a tourist site. The area is an ideal place for people to travel to, spend holidays in, take photos or draw pictures, and conduct academic research or geological surveys. It is a new world in which to enjoy and discover natural beauty.

With an average annual temperature of 18 degrees centigrade, annual rainfall of 1,828 mm and a frost-free period of 296 days, Baishi Township is ideal as a summer resort. Taking ecological tourism as a main draw card, the township will become a new tourist spot in Guilin.

(Xinhua News Agency December 6, 2001)