Follow Xi’s visit to Rwanda, a “Land of a Thousand Hills”

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Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Rwanda on Sunday, kicking off his two-day state visit to the “Land of a Thousand Hills.” Follow CGTN to explore this stunning country for wildlife and adventure.

As a landlocked African country with easy access from Kenya and Uganda, Rwanda is relatively easy, safe and simple to travel around for visitors all over the world. Dubbed as the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Rwanda is not only a country of endless majestic mountains, but a place rich in fauna and stunning flora in its scenic rolling green savannah.

Top experiences in Rwanda

Gorilla Trekking -- Volcanoes National Park

The Volcanoes National Park is known as a haven for the rare and endangered mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. /VCG Photo

Home to five of the eight volcanoes of the Virunga Mountains, the Volcanoes National Park might be the most exciting national park in Africa. Except all the extraordinary sights the volcanoes would provide, the one that really draws people here are the famous mountain gorillas, which aren’t found in a zoo anywhere in the world.

As their name implies, mountain gorillas are a critically endangered species which live in forests high in the Virunga Mountains. The high bio-diverse environment of the mountain range could fulfill the gorillas’ food needs.

Following the lead of a local guide, a gorilla trek may give you a face-to-face encounter with one of the ten habituated Gorilla Group families in the Virunga Mountain range.

Canopy Walk -- Nyungwe Forest National Park

Tour Nyungwe Forest National Park of Rwanda from 40 meters in the air on the Canopy Walk, situated in East Africa’s largest and oldest forest. /VCG Photo

Nyungwe Forest is a paradise for outdoor adventurers. There are over 130 kilometers of hiking trails found in the park, which take from a few hours to three days. You can immerse yourself in this huge bio-diverse rainforest and take this chance to track chimpanzees and golden monkeys alongside the route.

Canopy Forest Walk might be one of the most popular trails. Up in the tree-tops at 40 meters high, you can see primates, birds, and butterflies in their habitats.

A visit to the Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village

Dancers at Iby'Iwacu Cultural Village, northern Rwanda. /VCG Photo

Iby’Iwacu means “Treasures of our Home and Heritage” in the local language. Here the past and the present of Rwanda come alive and real with visitors having hands-on cultural experiences that for many are meaningful.

Many people choose to spend a night in a traditional Rwanda Hut which is made of mud and covered with thatched grass. Wear the traditional clothes of “mushanana” (a wrapped skirt bunched at the hips and a sash draped over one shoulder), participate in traditional dances or learn some drumming. You have many ways to experience Rwandan culture.

Relax and chill out at Lake Kivu

Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes, offers a tranquil atmosphere, sandy beaches and a glimpse into rural Rwanda. /VCG Photo

Lake Kivu might be the largest and the most scenic lake in Rwanda, covering a total surface area of 2,700 square kilometers. The whole area is volcanic with nine prominent volcanoes in the Virunga Range, which provides a perfect natural view for the travelers.

For most visitors, it’s a perfect place to relax and chill out, while others will go hiking along the Congo Trail or paddle to one of the explorable islands for sailing.

The night view of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. /VCG Photo

Recently, more Chinese companies have established investment ventures in Rwanda while more Chinese tourists have chosen the country as their destination in East Africa.

As of Jan. 1 this year, nationals of all countries in the world may obtain visas on arrival at Kigali International Airport and on other land borders. A Rwandan visa costs 200 yuan (30 US dollars) for stays of up to 30 days.