HOME | DD

Iancaus2001 In reply to tang-yi [2010-06-10 09:20:41 +0000 UTC]

I go there often; unfortunately, tourism has placed it's stamp on Daxu. All along the street in the old town there are tables covered in cheap trinkets with coloured umbrellas and plastic sheets to shade the stall-keepers from the sun. Most tourists I have spoken to say they wouldn't return as it is a waste of time. The original atmosphere is hidden by tacky attempts to squeeze a dollar from visitors. I have, with some other Guilin friends, spoken to people there and told them that they are driving tourists away and while some appear to have got the message, it will take a while to convince all of them. They have to make a living, but they need to recognise their biggest asset and not bury it in cheap souvenirs.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

tang-yi In reply to Iancaus2001 [2010-06-11 05:16:31 +0000 UTC]

I think tourism has strongly influenced almost the whole Guilin, esp Yangshuo. Local people really try every single way to earn money from tourists and in fact, there are not many other ways to develop the city's economy. However, i think the system needs improvement, i mean local people should actually realize that by approaching to every tourist(hmm, to sell all kinds of stuff, to offer some service etc.) can be annoying. They should attract tourist by the scenery and culture. Guilin is very very commercialized these days.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Iancaus2001 In reply to tang-yi [2010-06-16 07:56:46 +0000 UTC]

There are just a few, guides who steer tourists to overpriced shops where they get a commision on sales to their group, and several predatory scammers who use a number of ways to separate tourists from their money; all fakes and charlatans. They get really p'd off at me when I warn their latest victims that they are being set up.
On the other hand, most Guilin people are pretty decent, but it's getting harder to make a living if you aren't one of the "favoured few" who have all the contacts and power. I've had some success advising people how to get tourists into their area (get stalls off the street) and make their goods more attractive. Daxu is improved over this time in 2008.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

tang-yi In reply to Iancaus2001 [2010-06-28 03:39:52 +0000 UTC]

Hey sorry for the late reply. I am very into this World Cup these days. Yes Daxu is getting better, and there are actually other nice spots in Daxu town, except for that old town. It seems starting from today the long long rain season in Guilin is over, so I guess it's time for me to go out more and take some pictures for my dear home Guilin.

Enjoy the summertime!

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

Iancaus2001 In reply to tang-yi [2010-06-28 08:12:12 +0000 UTC]

Tang-yi, Are you in Guilin now? I'm sending a note. Please call me. You should come and have a look at the photo-files before I leave for Australia on Saturday. I will be there at least till November, maybe longer.

👍: 0 ⏩: 1

tang-yi In reply to Iancaus2001 [2010-06-28 09:26:30 +0000 UTC]

Hi. Yes I am in Guilin now. Send a note and tell me where do you live.

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Iancaus2001 In reply to foureyes [2010-04-27 16:04:46 +0000 UTC]

Thanks, I don't know if you saw the note on this, the original went with cameras, computers, backups, luggage etc when we were burgled. Can't reshoot it, the location has been "developed", the little girl is 3 years older and the grandparents....?

👍: 0 ⏩: 0

Iancaus2001 In reply to Serain [2010-04-25 08:41:41 +0000 UTC]

Thanks, this is one of my favourite photographs because of the atmosphere invoked by the lighting and colours and the poses of the three people. It perfectly illustrates the feeling of "family" in China, where it is still treasured above all else.
Ian ~ 延安

👍: 0 ⏩: 0