Delhi to Hong Kong

From above, it is clear to see how water has shaped the landscape in the Pearl River Basin into sharp peaks and winding valleys.

The Pearl River Basin stretches for some 400,000km² across southern China, covering an area larger than Sweden.

In the upper Pearl River Basin the Beipan River carves a deep canyon in the soft limestone.

The Li river, a tributary of the Xi River, flows between vast limestone monoliths near Guilin.

The Pearl River is the main river in the Pearl River System, however it is also one of the shortest rivers in the system.

Parts of Liuzhou stretch out to the karst formations that surround the city, formed by the rivers of the Pearl River Basin.

Elephant Trunk Hill in Guilin is famous for its karst archway, formed by the Li River forcing its way through the cliff.

Karst landscapes also contain vast caverns such as this which are formed by water trickling through cracks in the rock.

The Li River carves a deep path through the limestone pinnacles of Guilin.

The power of water can be clearly seen in the Pearl River Basin, where spectacular formations such as this archway in Moon Hill in Yangshuo near Liuzhou can be seen.

It has taken millions of years of erosion for water to wear away at the limestone bedrock and leave behind these spectacular formations that characterise the Pearl River Basin.

The landscape of the Pearl River Basin is characterised by karst outcrops such as this, pictured in Yangshuo between Guilin and Liuzhou.

During the monsoon season, the rivers of the Pearl River Basin swell and flood.

From above, it is easy to see how Liuzhou city developed around a curve in the Liu River.

Hongguang Bridge carries thousands of vehicles in and out of Liuzhou each day.

A train crosses the Yi River on along the Jiaozuo-Liuzhou Railway. Liuzhou is an important railway hub in southern China and many rail services travel through here.

The Wenhui Bridge crosses the Liu River in Liuzhou. This river was central to the growth of the city, as it provided access to the coastal cities at the Pearl River Delta.

Wenchang Bridge crosses the Liu River into Liuzhou. The city is a transport hub for the Pearl River Basin, with many vehicles passing through the city on a daily basis.

The Liu River splits Liuzhou city in two. The city's original name was Longcheng, meaning Dragon City after the river was said to resemble a dragon.

Liuzhou Railway Station is an important hub in southern China's railway network.

Liuzhou is home to 3.72 million people, making it the second largest city in Guangxi.

Liuzhou is a well established city with the largest and most thriving economy in Guangxi province.

The Hongguang Bridge across the Liu River is one of the main road routes through Liuzhou.

A view north over Liuzhou. It is possible to see the Liu River winding around the centre of the city.

Liuzhou airport enables access to the city by air from other major cities in China.

This map indicates the major road, rail and river routes into and out of downtown Liuzhou.

Numerous communities of Yao people live across southern China, often living high in the mountains in villages such as this.

The highest concentration of Yao people in China can be found in the Pearl River Basin. Many live in agricultural villages.

Yao women often sell their crafts at the roadside to tourists or other locals.

Two Yao women pose for tourist photographs in their terraced rice paddies.

A Yao village set in the hillsides of the Pearl River Basin. The surrounding slopes are terraced to make the most of the agricultural land.

Yao women embroider at the roadside. Many Yao sell their crafts to supplement their agricultural income.

A Yao woman weaves brightly coloured fabric with an intricate pattern. The Yao are known for their crafts, particularly textiles.

Yao people are known for their crafts, particularly embroidery. This Yao woman sells her handicrafts at the roadside.

A Yao woman in typical dress. It is common for Yao women to wear brightly coloured and heavily embroidered clothing.

Yao women perform the long-drum dance. These thin, double-ended drums are usually played as part of festival celebrations.

The Yao are known for their agricultural lifestyle and are masters of farming, forestry and hunting.

A typical Yao village. Some three million Yao people live in the Pearl River Basin, many in villages such as this.

Yao women in traditional dress. It is typical for Yao people to wear bright colours with lots of embroidery.