Li River on Chinese Money 20RMB

Although there are many reasons for visiting China, specifically Guilin, the Li River is probably the greatest attraction. Also known as, the Lishui River, this waterway feeds the lush, green vegetation that offers people such perfect scenery. The Li River winds through China’s countryside for more than 105 miles, moving past numerous cities to include Changde, Jushou, Lixian, Jinshi, Zhangjiajie, and Shimen.

The reflections created by the waters of the Li River are one of its finest characteristics. For instance, when traveling the river during the winter months, the river becomes mystical from droplets of rain and lingering clouds above. However, no matter the time of year you travel to Guilin, taking a cruise down the Li River should be at the top of your list for things to do. On either side of the river are sheer limestone cliffs that enhance the overall experience.

Just outside of Guilin is a place called Bamboo Wharf. From there, an official tour boat leaves every morning, traveling the Li River about five hours until the city of Yangshuo is reached. Keep in mind that if this trip is taken during the rainy season, the river flows faster so reaching the destination may only take four hours but in hot, dry months, the river moves slower, meaning the time could stretch to six hours.

One important consideration if you choose to take a Li River cruise such as this, you need to remember that the boat comes back empty. Therefore, if you want to get back to Guilin, you would need to take land transportation. Or you may spend some time in Yangshuo.

Although the entire journey down the Li River is spectacular, the most breathtaking is between Yangdi and Xingping. People who have taken a Li River cruise agree that the trip provided an opportunity to see nature in all its glory, creating a memory to be cherished for life. Because a Li River cruise is so popular, it is highly recommended that you book as far ahead as possible and then once in Guilin, confirm the location and time for boarding the boat.

Li River Cruise

The overall climate in Guilin is subtropical although there are four distinct seasons. For starters, the coolest time of the year when temperatures range between 45 and 50 is the month of January. On the other hand, the hottest season with temperatures hovering around 85 degrees is in July. Therefore, the first thing you would need to determine is the type of activities of which you are most interested.

The summer in Guilin is usually rainy, with the exception of May and June. Although people will travel to China at this time, most want to avoid the monsoon season and the need to carry an umbrella. The winters are beautiful in Guilin, offering an entirely different set of things to see. Of course, temperatures can get quite cold so it would be important to take lots of warm clothing. Even if you visit Guilin in early spring or the fall, we suggest you take sweaters and sweatshirts, especially for night when temperatures are cooler.

The best time to take a trip to Guilin is from April to October. Now, if you decide to go during the peak season, you need to keep two things in mind. First, because this is the busiest tourist seasons, prices for transportation, hotels, meals, and activities would be higher than if you visited during the off peak season. Second, May 1 to May 7 is May Day and October 1 to October 7 is National Day, which are extremely busy times that should be avoided. The popular programs such as cruising on the li river could be difficult to purchase tickets if booked late.

Many people love visiting Guilin late in the spring when temperatures are comfortable and prices low. Then, if you want to go early in the year, you would find cooler temperatures and the months of January and February is when the Spring Festival occurs, another very busy time. Regardless of the time of year that you choose, make sure you take appropriate clothing and always pack several pairs of comfortable walking shoes. In fact, it is suggested that you also take or purchase insect repellent and medication that can help ward off heatstroke.

In addition to its natural views, Guilin is also known for a rich culture, numerous ethnic groups, and incredible attractions. The city boasts many restaurants that serve authentic Chinese cuisine, quaint shops filled with items made by local artisans, and an abundance of hotels to fit every person’s preference and budget. Tourists can stay in a small hotel off the beaten path or choose a well-known luxury hotel near the heart of the city.

The city of Guilin has a 2,000-year-old history, which was and continues to be a vital political, economic, and cultural hub. One aspect that makes this city so significant is the location, a place where two primary rivers connect the southern and central regions of the country. At this very spot, Emperor Qinshihuang who oversaw Guilin during the construction of the Terra Cotta army, was the first ruler to establish a town.

With four specific climates, visitors would choose the time of year most appreciated although most tourists go to Guilin from April to May and then again from September through October when the weather is perfect. During the remaining times of the year the weather tends to be hot, humid, and rainy but as long as people go prepared, everything is amazingly green.

If you want to incorporate shopping in Guilin as a part of your trip, you will discover that many shops sell incredible merchandise for a good price.  For instance, there are stores selling jewelry, rugs, pottery, porcelain, teapots, jade, clothing, antiques, food, and more that offer both low and high-end pricing.

Charming Shops and Shopping Zones

In addition to the quaint “mom and pop” stores tucked away in remote parts of the city, there are also three shopping zones, which are comprised of the following:

• Zhengyang Pedestrian Street
• Guilin Antique Shop
• Guilin International Tourism Commodity Wholesale city

Each zone is designed to provide the best shopping experience possible but at the same time, giving shoppers something unique.  Of the three, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street is by far the favorite.  Interestingly, this shopping zone was designed so the completed project would measure 666 kilometers.  The reason is that the numbers 666 are considered very lucky in the Chinese culture.

Guilin Museum

On the first floor of this museum is another great place to shop in Guilin for jade, paintings, calligraphy, wood, stone, and root carvings, clay and porcelain, embroidery, and various Chinese crafts.  This shop is also popular, often frequented by locals as well as with international travelers.

Guilin Nancheng Store

The last place we wanted to mention if you plan to shop while in China is the Guilin Nancheng Store, known as being the largest shopping mall in the city.  The design is modern and inside is a wealth of stores for all types of merchandise, as well as a grocery store, electronics and appliance store, and a sports center.

 Li River Cruise

This is why in Guilin, cultural festivals are not only popular, but events that create lifetime memories.  Each of the cultural festivals is animated with song and dance, and often, featuring performers dressed in colorful costumes that represent each of the ethnic groups.  Because of this, going to Guilin during the time when festivals take place is popular for tourists from around the world.  The following are a few examples of what you would experience:

  Dragon Boat Festival

 This cultural festival is held every three years on May 5 of the Chinese lunar calendar.  During the festival beautiful dragon boats sit on the Li River with the banks overcrowded with anxious spectators.  Throughout the event, special dragon boat songs are played, drums are beat, and bells rang.

Mountain and River Festival

This is another of the incredible cultural festivals held in Guilin, a time when the natural beauty of this part of China is celebrated and honored.  As a part of the festival, numerous sightseeing tours are arranged specifically for the Li River and mountains.  Locals share folk lore and entertain spectators with traditional dance and song.

Song Festival

This festival is held on March 3 of the Chinese lunar calendar, a celebration of the Zhuang people in which men and women of all ages gather to sing songs about a variety of things but most often, songs that tell a story of love.

Fireworks Festival

For the Dong minority group, the Fireworks Festival is a special holiday.  Depending on the exact part of the country, the day on which this cultural festival occurs varies, which could be anywhere from January to October.  Regardless of the location, three fireworks are lit to symbolize prosperity, particularly good fortune and healthy harvests.

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Rock Climbing

Although there are many more, some of the most popular areas in Guilin for rock climbing include:

• Baby Frog
• Moon Hill
• The Egg
• White Mountain

Guilin is a simply stunning part of China known for its karst limestone scenery, winding rivers, beautiful trees and vegetation, and enticing sunrises and sunsets.  With a backdrop such as this, it is no wonder that rock climbing is so loved.  Best of all, the way in which the cliffs along the Li River hangs, a variety of foot and hand holds is offered.  In addition, beginner, intermediate, and advanced rock climbers find perfect places for this activity.

Each of the different areas in Guilin for rock climbing offers something unique and has a grade regarding intensity.  For instance, Moon Hill has a grade of 5.13, making it one of the easiest climbs but just as there are many possibilities for beginner and intermediate climbers, areas of Guilin with grades of 8 and up also exist for those who appreciate a serious challenge.  With more than 200 options in Guilin, there is something for everyone.

Bike Riding

The second outdoor activity that you would love in Guilin is bike riding.  The countryside around this part of China is stunning and with so many routes, you have your pick of where to go, level of intensity, and the amount of time you want to spend riding.  The bike routes in Guilin move in all directions from the city, some that stay closer to inhabited areas and some that venture out to small villages.

The good news is that the majority of bike trails in Guilin are flat, meaning day trips are not a struggle but actually very relaxing and enjoyable.  You will find numerous bike shops that rent a variety of bikes to include mountain, tandem, women, and kids’ bikes.  However, we suggest you consider a mountain bike in that it is an all-around choice.  Then, when you get ready to rent, check the bike out carefully prior to riding off.  Checking the tires, brakes, seat, gears, and pedals will ensure you have a fun but also safe time.

Bamboo Rafting

• Motorized Rafting – If you want to spend time enjoying the beautiful scenery around the Li River, then you might consider taking a motorized trip.  These rafts are designed to accommodate four people and depending on the raft, some have a canopy, giving you protection from rain and sun.  A motorized rafting trip lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to take in all the sites.

• Poling Rafting – The other type of bamboo rafting is manual, meaning everyone on the raft works together to pole the river.  If you appreciate being physical and you want a longer lasting trip, one that is peaceful, poling would be the perfect option.  Regardless of the company you choose, lifejackets are provided for safety purposes.

Kayaking

• The great thing about kayaking down the Li River is that you do not have to be highly skilled.  Unlike kayaking on roaring rivers, this trip is actually tranquil with a few areas that offer some challenge.  With this, you can pole when wanted and then allow the kayak to flow down the river using the natural currents.  Just as with bamboo rafting, kayaking the Li River is about a two-hour trip, one well worth making.  It is recommended that you bring a hat, wear pants and long sleeves for protection from the sun, and make sure you bring bottled water and your camera along on the trip.

Cormorants are a unique looking bird with a long neck similar to that of a reptile.  Often, this type of bird will stand with its wings spread, as a way of drying the feathers.  What makes the cormorant so vital is its ability to dive beneath the water and remain there for quite some time.  While under the water, this bird will use its keen eyesight looking for fish.

Cormorants are natural fishers, which makes this type of fishing possible.  At one time in ancient China, it was discovered that even if a ring were placed around the neck of the bird, the cormorant would still catch fish in the bill but no longer have the ability to swallow.  To reward the birds and encourage them to keep fishing, the owners let them eat every seventh fish they catch.

A fully trained cormorant will spend time on the water and after returning to the bamboo raft, the owner finds the through full of fish.  While most birds automatically come back to the raft, some are more challenging.  To allow the cormorant fishing to continue but without fear of losing a precious bird, the owner ties a piece of string to one leg so if needed, the bird could be pulled back in.

Another fascinating fact about cormorant fishing is that rather than work during the day, fishing is done as the sun sets.  This way, lanterns on the raft help attract the attention of the fish, which means a greater quantity of fish to take home.  If fish start to move toward weeds, men will use bamboo poles to beat on the water, scaring them out into the open where the cormorants can catch them.

When visiting Guilin, you can enjoy a demonstration of cormorant fishing, which involves the bird swallowing the fish and then the fish being placed back into the water.  After the demonstration, for a small fee, you can have your picture taken with one of these famous water birds.  With a maximum lifespan of 23 years, trained cormorants continue to be essential for many Chinese communities.

Yangshuo Li River cormorants fishing is an interesting add-on of your  Li River cruise

One of the things that make this production so spectacular is that it is held at the Sanjie Liu Sing Fair, the largest natural theater on the planet.  This means instead of sitting in a closed in theater, you sit in an open-air auditorium that uses the Li River water for the stage, the Twelve Mist Shrouded Hills as the backdrop, and the canopy is the sky.

Each production of Impression Liu Sanjie is unique in that the background constantly changes based on inverted reflections seen in the river, as well as the rain, mist, and light from the moon.  To see the show, you and the rest of the audience would stand on beautifully designed terraces surrounded by lush greenery.  Even the auditorium’s sound system is perfectly hidden among the natural elements.

You will be amazed how each performance of the Impression Liu Sanjie changes on a daily basis based on the weather of the four seasons.  This means if you were in Guilin in the spring and saw the show, only to return in the winter, seeing the show a second time would be an entirely different experience.

The show depicts a fairy singer associated with legends of the Zhuang community.  The fairy is a beautiful woman with a heavenly voice.  During the Impression Liu Sanjie, you gain a unique perspective of life of the Zhuang people around the Li River, seeing through impressions of the natural auditorium what the town of the fairy was like.  In all, seven chapters take you on an incredible journey that cannot be compared with any other production ever created.

This show is available only in Yangshuo, since  Li River cruise finishes in Yangshuo in early afternoon, it is suggested that you stay at least one night in Yangshuo if you are interested in the Liu Sanjie Show.

Just imagine being able to learn how to cook authentic Chinese food and being able to take your newfound knowledge home where the same foods and flavors could be replicated perfectly!  When you add cooking classes into your schedule while in Guilin, this exactly the outcome.  You could wow family and friends, giving them a look into your Guilin trip without ever leaving home.

Unlike other cities in China, Guilin is known for cuisine that is a wonderful balance of Sichuan, Hunanese, and Cantonese, which means dishes are sweet and spicy all rolled into one.  One of the most intriguing aspects of taking cooking classes while in Guilin is that many classes include a trip to the local market so you can learn about and be involved in choosing raw ingredients.  However, cooking there are also all-inclusive schools in Guilin where needed ingredients are provided.  The following are a few options for you to consider.

•  Yangshuo Cooking School – Classes taught at this Guilin school includes five mouth-watering dishes.  The instructors speak great English, have amazing talent, and they enjoy teaching and answering questions.  You would have a choice of locations for learning to cook authentic Chinese food, in a traditional farmhouse or on the Li River.  What makes this school so unique is that the concept is based on having students actually make the dishes rather than just watch.

• Cloud 9 Restaurant – At this restaurant, half-day classes are offered, with each class taught in English.  In addition to learning a number of specialty dishes, you would also gain knowledge about the Chinese culture and customs.  These classes offer teaching of three dishes and at the end of everything being made, you get to enjoy the delicious food.  This cooking school can accommodate as few as two people or as many as eight people.

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Just remember that as with most large cities, Guilin has on and off-peak seasons.  During off-peak times, which would be June, July, August, December, January, and February, you could save significant money, even for a high-end hotel.  However, if you travel in the peak season for the remaining months of March, April, May, September, October, and November, you would be expected to pay premium prices.

In addition, if you plan to visit Guilin during the busiest times of the year, we strongly suggest that you book your room, as well as your  Li River Cruise, one to two months in advance.  Guilin is a hot tourist destination, a place with history, culture, adventure, and excitement so hotels of all types and sizes will fill up quickly.  You might also check online and with your local travel agency to see if you can find any accommodations offered for a discounted rate.

We wanted to provide you with a few samples of both luxurious and charming hotels available in Guilin for your consideration.

Luxurious – 5-Star Hotels

• · Sheraton Guilin Hotel – Nestled in the heart of the city, this five-star hotel is next to the Li River and only 40 minutes from the Liangjiang International Airport.  Amenities include a multilingual staff, tour/travel service, 24-hour room service, laundry/dry cleaning, and limo transfer.
• · Royal Garden – This is another five-star hotel in Guilin that caters to pleasure and business travelers with clean, luxurious rooms, great guess services, and dedicated staff.

Smaller, Charming Hotels

• · Eva Hotel – This hotel is very affordable but still offers special amenities such as breakfast on the rooftop patio, clean linens, and English language cable television stations.
• · Zelin Guest Hotel – Located in the Xiangshan District, this hotel is also very low priced but the rooms are spacious and clean, and staff members work hard to make guests feel at home.

These terraces start at the top of the hillside and spiral all the way to the bottom, using available land and water from the mountains.  Rice terraces have proven to be so successful that today, more than 40 miles of beautifully terraced fields are found in the Longsheng County alone.  The Longji Terraces were started during the Yuan Dynasty but not finished until the Qing Dynasty.

The Longji Terraces are comprised of numerous terraced fields, many that are often visited.  While all the terraced fields are beautiful and simply mesmerizing, one in particular that is seldom viewed is called the Jinkeng Rice Terrace.  This magnificent creation is only 30 minutes from Longsheng and well worth the trip to see.  However, even if you only make it to the primary fields, you will be impressed with the incredible network of terraces.

Getting to the Longji Terraces is easy by taking a bus from Guilin to the bus station in Longsheng.  From there, you would board a mini-bus to the Longji Terraces.  The trip is very inexpensive and reaching your destination takes little time.  Although many things should be seen by people going to Guilin, the rice terraces are without doubt an experience not to be missed.

No matter the time of day, the vision is stunning.  However, if you have the opportunity to visit the Longji Terraces in the afternoon when the sun is low in the sky, a certain golden glow moves over the fields of rice, creating one of nature’s finest shows.

Li River Cruise

 Elephant Trunk Hill

Elephant Trunk Hill – Located where the Li and Peach Blossom Rivers meet, this area has a magnificent park called Elephant Trunk Hill due to the hill being shaped like an elephant’s trunk, sipping cool water from the river below.  Between the legs and trunk is the Water Moon Cave.  Penetrated by water, this area creates a reflection in the shape of a full moon.  After arriving by boat, you can visit the Puxian Pagoda at the top of the hill, built during the Ming Dynasty.

Reed Flute Cave

Situated in the northwest part of Guilin near the Peach Blossom River is a wonderful reed cave so large it takes almost an hour to explore.  The name comes from the specific type of reed found growing freely by the cave’s mouth, reed used for making quality flutes.  Once inside, you will be mesmerized by stalagmites and stalactites, along with stone flowers, pillars, and curtains.  After spending time within the cave, venture out to enjoy the quant villages and lakes nearby.

Li River

Guilin is often associated with the Li River Cruise.  As the primary river system for northeast Guangxi, taking a day cruise will reveal some of nature’s most gorgeous accomplishments.  The river is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs that feature hidden caves and beautiful greenery along the way.  Whether traveling down the river on a sunny, cloudy, or rainy day, the experience is unrivaled.

Dragon’s Back

These terraced fields boast some of Guilin’s finest scenery.  During the day, sunlight reflects off water in the paddy fields, dotted with yellow ears.  The drive is about two hours from the city but the trip is worth taking.  The rice terraces are so well designed that they appear as winding ribbons all along the hillside.  While Dragon’s Back is a popular tourist site, these hills are an ingenious use of scarce land in China.

Daxu Ancient Town

On the shore of the Li River is Daxu, a traditional Chinese town that continues to display ancient architecture and stone paved streets.  Built more than 2,000 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, you will find several fascinating sites to include the Longevity Bridge, a 100-year-old dock, and wooden structures boasting colorful eaves and beautifully carved windows and doors.

Dining in Guilin is an incredible experience with the city boasting literally hundreds of restaurants.  Some restaurants are tucked away in quiet neighborhoods while others are located in the busiest tourist sections.  Regardless of the restaurant or type of menu you choose, be prepared for a mouth-watering treat.  Because there is such diversity for the Guilin dining experience, we wanted to provide you with a list of some of the favorite restaurants frequented by locals and tourists alike.

•  Left Bank Café – With a magnificent view of the Li River, this comfortably seats 130 people, has inviting decorum, and menu items are made from fresh ingredients for both Chinese and western flavors.
 
• Yi Yuan – Translated in Chinese, the name means “Cheerful Garden”.  If you love spicy food, the Sichuan style would appeal.  For added convenience, the restaurant features two locations.

• Weidao Zhizao – As one of the newer places for dining in Guilin, this restaurant is proud to use a new style of cooking Chinese food.  The restaurant offers varied menu items, local flavors, affordable pricing, an inviting atmosphere, and excellent service.

• Haodama Food Plaza – Known for being one of Guilin’s largest restaurants, capable of seating more than 2,000 people, you can enjoy incredible snacks, specialty dishes, and even Japanese and American food.

• Xin Jiulong Jiujia – This is another of Guilin’s restaurants located by the Li River.  If you prefer fresh seafood prepared by skilled chefs, this restaurant is one to consider.

• Lisha Canting – The last restaurant we want to recommend when dining in Guilin is this.  The restaurant is known for preparing satisfying but light dishes such as steamed mandarin fish right out of the Li River, braised water chestnuts with bamboo, and roast suckling pig.

The half day Li River cruise from Guilin ends in Yangshuo, where you can also find many interesting restaurants and cafes. Some are managed by Westerners.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

For the best view of the rice terraces, the Li River, ancient villages, temples, and pagodas, and the limestone cliffs, a hot air balloon ride is the perfect solution.  From this vantage point, you can see just how beautiful Guilin is, something that will mesmerize.  One company offers hot air balloon rides, which offers two trips every day with the first leaving just after sunrise and the second ride later in the afternoon.

 You will have the option of choosing a 40 or 60 minute ride, with both being a wonderful experience and affordable.  Although hot air balloon rides are not for everyone, for people with an adventurous spirit and those that want to look over the changing landscape of Guilin from above, this is a fun trip.

Hiking in Guilin

Another popular outdoor activity that can be done throughout the year and with little to no skill is hiking.  From the city, you will find routes that take off in all directions.  You can rent equipment and get maps to venture out on your own or take a guided tour, which is what we recommend, especially if you have never been to Guilin and do not know much about the area.

With a guided tour, you will have the chance to walk along hidden pathways that wind their way along the water and mountains, giving you a firsthand look at Guilin’s beauty.  Companies that offer tours also have all the equipment needed but we suggest you bring some type of protection for the sun, as well as unexpected downpours.

You will also need bottled water, some high-protein snacks, a camera, and you might even take a little bit of money in that some trails go into charming villages.  Of course, if you plan to hike as a part of your trip to Guilin, be sure to bring good walking shoes.  Otherwise, you can purchase shoes there.

 Air Travel

The easiest way to get into and out of Guilin is by air.  Most major domestic cities have numerous flight options.  In addition, direct flights are available from a number of countries to include Thailand, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Macau.  The Liangjiang International Airport is about 30 minutes from Guilin, which processes more than five million people annually with 48 different routes into China.

After landing, you would have several options for ground transportation to reach your hotel such as the following:

• · Taxi – Taxis offer a flat rate fare for the first 1.5 miles and from there a surcharge of 1.6 to 2 CNY is charged.  However, once 23.00 CNY is reached the flat rate fare goes up to 7.8 CNY.

• · Airport Bus – You could also take the bus from the airport, which is available right outside the door.  Buses run every 30 minutes, starting at 6:30 am until 8:00 pm, going into the downtown area.  The cost per person is 20 CNY and tickets can be purchased at the Airport Terminal inside the airport.

Rail Travel

Another transportation option is through the Guilin Railway Station, with the south station located just to the south of downtown and the north station being found in the suburbs.  Every day, approximately 30 trains come into and go out of both stations.

Routes connect Anhui, Beijing, Chongqing, Fujian, Guangdong, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Shanghai, Sichuan, and Zhejiang.  Keep in mind, getting sleeper tickets via the sales office in Guilin is difficult so for this, we suggest you book at least one week ahead through the main station office.

No matter your first stop is Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, or Guilin Train Station, you will need to make a quick decision whether you will go to Yangshuo directly, or stay in Guilin for at least one night. For those who are interested in Li River Cruise, please note that the cruise only go from Guilin to Yangshuo, and cruises do not take passengers on the way back.

For a romantic evening, you have a multitude of opportunities but taking a Guilin night cruise is sure to impress.  Remember, Guilin is not only home to the beautiful Li River, but many other waterways all connected to include the Taohua River, Ronghu Lake, Shahu Lake, Guihu Lake, and the Mulong Lake.  With this unique layout, a night cruise would take you and your partner around this water system, which is fondly called “Two Rivers and Four Lakes”.

This complete moat river system has been a vital part of Guilin’s history for more than 1,000 years.  Unfortunately, time took its toll on many areas of the water system due to high silt levels in the rivers and lakes, buried cultural relics, and poor water quality.  However, at the start of the 20^th century, the waterway was dredged, which helped tremendous so when taking a night cruise, the experience is unrivaled.

By taking a Guilin night cruise, you will have the opportunity to enjoy vast waters but also the surrounding landscape.  The entire area has been transformed into a natural park, featuring several bridges spanning the lakes, a wide array of vegetation, and even charming pavilions resting on the banks.  For the night cruise, you would float along on a yacht through the four lakes while stopping at some of the main tourist attractions to include Fubo Hill, Folded and Brocade Hill, and Elephant Hill.

The gentle movement of the water, illuminated sky, and breathtaking scenery along the journey is the perfect combination for creating romance.  You will find several companies that charter these cruises, some smaller and more intimate than others so we recommend you consider various options and then choose the one that would enhance the overall experience.

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