Guilin is chosen as a destination of 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for a 10-day photo shooting. Several popular attractions in Guilin are selected as the locations or backdrops of the edition, including Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Flower Bridge of Seven Star Park, Shiwaitaoyuan and Longji Rice Terraces.   

For the first time in the magazine's history, Sports Illustrated took its models to seven different continents for its annual swimsuit issue. And, the Travel Channel followed them around taking video of their photo shoots. The around-the-globe effort has been chronicled as part of a Feb. 17 special. Not just showing bikini-clad models; What both Sports Illustrated and the Travel Channel hope is to bring eyeballs and attention to places that people may be unaware of or never have the opportunity to visit.

Guilin is well-known for its dreamlike landscape, idyllic countryside and colorful ethnic culture. For most travelers, it is a dream destination. Doubtlessly, the photographers of the 2013 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue felt the same. Guilin's magic is frequently highlighted by scenic Yangshuo to the south, with the most stunningly beautiful scenes. Peaks upon peaks of green karst hills flank the river, forming an imposing backdrop. In northwest of Guilin, Longsheng gets its fame for the spectacular Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. Set amongst the villages of the minorities Zhuang and Yao, the area allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of terraced rice fields and glimpse into the local's rural life.