Located in the karst peak forest plains near the city of Guilin in southern China, the Site showcases an intricate blend of natural and artificial wetlands that have both ecological and historical significance to the region. The Site is drained by the Gui and Liu Rivers, which form a relatively closed hydrological system along with various permanent shallow lakes, herbaceous marshes, karst caves and farmlands. The major vegetation types, which are typical of karst wetlands in the subtropical peak forest plain landscape, include terrestrial vascular plants and other emergent, submerged, and floating aquatic plants. This diverse range of habitats support 13 threatened species such as yellow-breasted bunting (Emberiza aureola), scaly-sided merganser (Mergus squamatus) and big-headed turtle (Platysternon megacephalum). The Site is also an important pathway for birds migrating in the Xianggui Corridor and on the larger migratory route between East Asia and Australia. The remains of the ancient Gui Liu Canal are found here, which are integral to the regional cultural heritage: the Canal was one three ancient canals in Guangxi, built around 700 CE to regulate local irrigation and floods.