On the top peak of South China

Mao'er mountain, inside a reserve that houses 2,484 plant species and 345 wild vertebrates, is absolutely off the beaten track.

"Guilin is such a magical place that no matter how many times you visit it, there is always something new to be discovered," said Jiang Zhengtao, a veteran tour guide at the world-class tourism destination in south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, widely known for its karst landscape.

For those who don't like crowded places, Jiang recommends Mao'er mountain, which sounds obscure even to domestic visitors, as it is absolutely off the beaten track.

Mao'er mountain, whose peak stretches like a crouching cat, is also called Cat mountain according to records dating back to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The dominant peak, rising 2,141.5 meters, is the tallest in South China. "It is a perfect place to see the sunrise. When bathed in the morning sunlight, every inch of you will feel refreshed," said Jiang, the 40 year-old guide.