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Guilin in Guangxi is famous for its natural beauty and unique karst landscapes. The following activities are highly recommended:
Guilin, located in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, lies at the southern end of the Xiangxi Corridor. Since ancient times, it has enjoyed the reputation of "the most beautiful landscapes in the world," renowned for its natural beauty, people, customs, and relaxed lifestyle. Guilin boasts stunning scenery, exemplified by the Li River and its karst landscapes. The mountains rise from the plains in a myriad of forms, while the winding Li River flows with a crystal-clear, mirror-like quality.
Guilin is a wonderful place to visit, with truly unique scenery. The Li River is beautiful, and the air is incredibly fresh. A boat trip down the river, admiring the Ten-Mile Picture Gallery, is truly delightful, and the karst landscape is also breathtaking. Beyond the natural beauty, Guilin offers a wealth of delicious food, and I highly recommend Guilin rice noodles.
April to October is the best time to visit Guilin. During this period, there is less rainfall, the climate is pleasant, and the water volume of the river is moderate, making it suitable for boating on the Li River.
Li River
The Li River, a typical section of karst topography, is known as the "Hundred Miles of Li River" and "Hundred Miles of Gallery." The back of the new 20-yuan RMB note depicts a section of the Li River's landscape. The Li River's beauty changes with different weather conditions: clear skies reflect the peaks, cloudy skies blanket the mountains in mist, and rainy skies create a dreamlike haze. Sailing on the emerald waters feels like wandering through a painting. The main ways to cruise the Li River include boating, bamboo rafting, and hiking. Boat tours include highlights tours, Yangshuo water tours, and city tours.
Yulong River
The Yulong River, the longest tributary of the Li River in Yangshuo, boasts crystal-clear waters, perfect for capturing picturesque landscapes. There are three ways to explore the Yulong River: walking, cycling, and rafting. Rafting on the Yulong River is highly recommended, offering one of the most picturesque rafting routes.
Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces are a vast complex of terraced fields in Guilin, divided into three sections: the Jinkeng Rice Terraces, the Ping'an Zhuang Rice Terraces, and the Longji Ancient Zhuang Village Rice Terraces. Visitors to the Longji Rice Terraces often hike to admire the scenery and take photos, with many photography enthusiasts even coming just for the sunrise. You can also try local farm-style dishes and experience the customs of the ethnic minorities.
Guilin is one of China’s oldest cities, with a history dating back over 2,000 years. It is known for its unique karst topography, which has become a symbol of the region. The city has been a cultural and economic hub in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and is renowned for its natural beauty, which has inspired countless poets and artists throughout history.
Guilin is located in the southern part of China, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. It is easily accessible by air, rail, and road. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport has direct flights to major cities in China, and the city is also connected by high-speed trains. Taxis and buses are convenient for getting around within the city, and walking is ideal for exploring the downtown area.
Guilin is an open city with no specific opening hours, but the main tourist attractions such as caves and parks usually open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is from April to October, when the weather is warm and the natural landscapes are most vibrant, particularly during the spring and summer when the river cruises are most scenic.
The entrance fees vary by attraction. For example, the Reed Flute Cave has an entry fee of around 90 RMB, and the Elephant Trunk Hill costs about 50 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site or through online travel agencies. It's recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular attractions like Li River cruises.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons (spring and autumn) or for popular attractions like Li River cruises. It’s best to book at least a few days in advance, especially if you're visiting during holidays.
It usually takes 3-4 days to explore the major attractions of Guilin. A typical itinerary includes a day for the Li River cruise, a day for visiting the caves and hills, and another day for visiting the Longji Rice Terraces or other nearby scenic areas.
The must-see highlights include:
Guided tours are available for most major attractions, and they are typically offered in Mandarin. Some tour guides may also offer tours in English, especially for international tourists. Audio guides in multiple languages are available at some sites, such as Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
The best viewpoints in Guilin include:
A recommended itinerary includes starting with the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, followed by visits to Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill. Then, spend a day at Seven Star Park before heading out to the Longji Rice Terraces for a day trip. This can be done in 3-4 days.
Guilin is known for its evening light shows, such as the famous "Impression Liu Sanjie" show, which takes place on the Li River. Night visits to Elephant Trunk Hill and Seven Star Park are also popular for photography and viewing the city lights.
Guilin can get crowded during public holidays and peak seasons (spring and autumn). The least crowded times to visit are during weekdays, especially in the winter months (November to February). Early mornings are generally quieter than afternoons.
Most major tourist sites in Guilin offer basic facilities such as toilets, food stalls, water stations, rest areas, and souvenir shops. There are also plenty of local restaurants and shops in the city center for more dining options.
Most of the major attractions in Guilin, such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Seven Star Park, are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some areas may require walking uphill. Longji Rice Terraces may be more challenging for those with mobility issues, but there are local transport options available.
Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted in Guilin. Cash is still useful for smaller transactions, but most places, including restaurants and shops, accept mobile payments. International credit cards may not be accepted in smaller businesses.
There are several local restaurants in Guilin offering traditional Guangxi cuisine, such as Guilin rice noodles and Yangshuo beer fish. Many international hotels also have cafes and restaurants offering Western-style food.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in many local restaurants. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in specific areas catering to Muslim visitors in larger cities like Guilin.
Guilin offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some well-known hotels near the city center and major attractions include Guilin Bravo Hotel and Shangri-La Hotel. For a more scenic stay, many visitors opt for hotels in Yangshuo.
Nearby attractions include the Longji Rice Terraces, Yangshuo for its outdoor activities and countryside views, and the Dragon's Backbone, which offers scenic hikes and views. All of these are easy to reach by car or bus from Guilin.
Souvenir shops in Guilin sell local handicrafts such as bamboo items, traditional Chinese paintings, tea sets, and Guilin rice noodles. You can also find local snacks like dried fruits and preserved meats.
After visiting Guilin, you can take a high-speed train or flight to nearby cities like Liuzhou or Nanning. Local buses, taxis, or private cars are the best options for exploring nearby attractions like Yangshuo or Longji Rice Terraces.
