Guilin Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around in Guilin, China. Follow our week itinerary and explore the cultural and natural attractions of Guilin.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Guilin

Guilin is a land of wonder, enriched with natural landscapes and cultural heritage. The city lies between the Li River and the Karst Mountains, featuring limestone cliffs and caves, emerald waters, and ancient temples. This guide will provide a brief introduction to Guilin, list the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, food and drink scene, accommodations, local products, and cultural insights. Follow our week itinerary and explore the cultural and natural attractions of Guilin.

Introduction to Guilin

Guilin is a prefecture-level city in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, with a population of over 5 million people. Located in the northeast of Guangxi, the city is bordered by Hunan to the north, Guizhou to the west, and Vietnam to the south. Guilin’s name means “Forest of Sweet Osmanthus,” because of the fragrant trees found in the region. The city’s history dates back more than 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest inhabited places in China. Guilin has been a popular destination for tourists because of its stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and unique architecture.

List of Places to Visit in Guilin

Guilin has a wide range of attractions to explore, from museums and historical sites to natural wonders and outdoor adventures. Here are some must-visit places in Guilin:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Guilin Museum: This museum is a must-visit place for history buffs. It houses over 100,000 cultural relics, including pottery, porcelain, bronze ware, and stone carvings. The museum has seven exhibition halls, covering the city’s history and culture from ancient times to the present.
  • Elephant Trunk Hill: Located at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, Elephant Trunk Hill is one of Guilin’s most famous landmarks. The hill looks like an elephant drinking water from the river, and it has a charming legend behind it.
  • Reed Flute Cave: This cave is located in the northwest of Guilin, and it’s famous for its impressive natural view. The cave is more than 180 million years old and has a wide variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. Inside the cave, you’ll find colorful lighting illuminating the stunning rock formations.
  • Seven Star Park: This park is the largest one in Guilin, with an area of more than 120 hectares. The park has natural attractions such as mountains, caves, and rivers, as well as historical architecture including the Flower Bridge, the Seven Star Cave, and the Light of China Square.

Natural Attractions of Guilin: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Li River: The Li River is the main highlight of Guilin, attracting thousands of tourists every year. The river is famous for its crystal-clear water, karst mountains, rice paddies, and traditional villages. It’s a great place for a relaxing boat ride or a hiking tour.
  • Longji Rice Terraces: The Longji Rice Terraces are located about 2 hours away from Guilin. The terraces are built on the slopes of the mountain, and they have a unique appearance that changes with the seasons. You can also visit the local villages for a glimpse of traditional life.
  • Guilin Merryland Theme Park: It’s an amusement park located in the outskirts of Guilin, featuring thrilling rides, performances, and entertainment for all ages.
  • Yangshuo: Yangshuo is a popular destination near Guilin, with stunning scenery, including the Moon Hill, the Big Banyan Tree, and the Yulong River. You can also enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing, cycling, and bamboo rafting.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guilin

Guilin is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and has plenty of hiking and biking trails that will take you through those. Some of the best hiking and biking routes in Guilin are:

  • Xianggong Mountain: The Xianggong Mountain is a great spot for a stunning view of the Li River, karst mountains, and the surrounding villages. The hike is demanding, but it’s worth it once you reach the top.
  • Yangshuo Countryside Cycling Tour: Cycle through the Yangshuo countryside on this full-day tour of Guilin. Discover hidden gems like the Moon Hill, the Big Banyan Tree, and the Yulong River while enjoying the stunning scenery.
  • Ling Canal: The Ling Canal is a must-visit destination for history or nature buffs. The canal is the oldest in the world and was built during the Qin Dynasty. It connects the Li and Yangtze Rivers, and you can hike along its shores to enjoy the lush greenery and ancient architecture.
  • Longji Rice Terraces Hike: Discover the breathtaking scenery of the Longji Rice Terraces on this half-day guided tour. Walk along the terraces through the villages, where you can meet locals and learn about their traditional way of life.

Best Things to Do in Guilin: Activities and Tours

Guilin has plenty of activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are some great things to do in Guilin:

  • Li River Cruise: Take a cruise down the Li River and enjoy the stunning scenery of the karst mountains, rice paddies, and traditional villages.
  • Cooking Class: Guilin has plenty of cooking classes that teach you how to cook Chinese cuisine. Learn how to make Guilin’s famous rice noodles, dumplings, or fried rice.
  • Cormorant Fishing Show: Cormorant Fishing is a traditional fishing method that the locals have been using for centuries. Watch the spectacular show, where trained birds catch fish and bring them back to their masters.
  • Chinese Tea Ceremony: Learn the art of the Chinese Tea Ceremony in Guilin. Discover the different types of tea and their health benefits, and learn how to brew and taste tea.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guilin

To get the most out of your stay in Guilin, we recommend the following itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave.
  • Day 2: Take a Li River Cruise.
  • Day 3: Visit the Guilin Museum then take a tour of Seven Star Park.
  • Day 4: Explore Yangshuo’s countryside and visit the Moon Hill.
  • Day 5: Take a Longji Rice Terraces guided tour.
  • Day 6: Cycle through the Yangshuo countryside.
  • Day 7: Take a cooking class and try Guilin’s famous rice noodles.

Food and Drink Scene of Guilin

Guilin’s cuisine is famous for its spicy and sour flavors, and it features rice noodles, stinky tofu, and snails. The city has plenty of restaurants and street vendors that offer delicious food. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks in Guilin:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Guilin Rice Noodles: Guilin’s famous rice noodles are made from rice flour and served in a steaming hot bowl of broth with meat and vegetables.
  • Stinky Tofu: Stinky Tofu is a fermented bean curd that has a strong odor but is delicious to eat. It’s served crispy and with a dipping sauce.
  • Yangshuo Beer Fish: Yangshuo Beer Fish is a local specialty featuring a whole fish cooked in a beer-based sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Jasmine Tea: Guilin’s jasmine tea has a fragrant aroma and a light and refreshing taste.
  • Osmanthus Wine: Osmanthus Wine is made from sweet osmanthus flowers and has a sweet and fruity taste. It’s a popular after-dinner drink in Guilin.

Where to Stay in Guilin: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Guilin has a wide range of accommodations to choose from, ranging from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses. Here are some recommended places to stay in Guilin:

  • Shangri-La Guilin: Located in the city center, Shangri-La Guilin is a luxurious hotel that offers scenic views of the Li River and karst mountains.
  • Yangshuo Mountain Retreat: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat is a boutique hotel located in the Yangshuo countryside. It offers stunning views of the karst mountains and rice paddies.
  • Guilin Green Forest Hostel: Guilin Green Forest Hostel is a budget-friendly option that offers clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Guilin: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Guilin has many unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home. Here are some popular items:

  • Bamboo Products: Guilin is famous for its bamboo products, such as baskets, fans, and chopsticks.
  • Tea: Guilin’s jasmine tea and osmanthus tea are popular gifts to bring back home.
  • Shan Shui Paintings: Shan Shui Paintings are traditional Chinese landscape paintings that feature the karst mountains and the Li River.

Local Culture and Customs of Guilin

Guilin is home to the Zhuang ethnic minority, along with other minority groups. The locals speak their own distinct dialect, but Mandarin Chinese is the official language. Guilin’s locals are proud of their rich cultural heritage, and festivals and celebrations are an important part of their lives. Respect for the elderly is greatly appreciated in Guilin’s local culture, visitors should observe it.

Best Time to Visit Guilin

The best time to visit Guilin is from April to October when the weather is warm and dry. However, it’s also the peak tourist season when the crowds are bigger and the prices are higher. The fall season, from October to November, is ideal. The temperature is mild, and the scenery is stunning.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guilin

To make your trip more enjoyable, here are some do’s and don’ts in Guilin.

Do:

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases. The locals appreciate visitors who make an effort to speak Chinese.
  • Try the local food and drinks. Guilin’s cuisine is unique and delicious.
  • Respect the local culture and customs. Cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.

Don’t:

  • Don’t disrespect the local culture and customs. Do not touch religious objects with your feet or wear shoes inside a temple.
  • Don’t buy wild animals as souvenirs. Guilin is a wildlife hub, and it’s illegal to buy, sell, or own wild animals.
  • Don’t communicate loudly in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guilin

Guilin is a relatively safe city, but visitors must take some precautions. Keep your valuables in a safe place and avoid carrying too much cash. Be aware of pickpockets at crowded tourist attractions, and do not wander off alone during nighttime.

Health in Guilin

Guilin has a low prevalence rate of infectious diseases. However, visitors should make sure to drink only bottled water and carry a hand sanitizer. The city has hospitals and clinics that cater to both locals and tourists.

Getting to Guilin: Transportation Options and Logistics

Guilin has several transportation options for tourists, including air, train, and bus services.

Airports Near Guilin

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is the main airport serving Guilin. It operates domestic and international flights from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Train Stations Near Guilin

Guilin has two major train stations, Guilin Railway Station and Guilin North Railway Station. Both stations operate high-speed trains and regular trains that connect Guilin to major cities in China.

Other Options

Visitors can also travel to Guilin via buses or private transport from neighboring cities. Buses run between Guilin and Yangshuo, Longsheng, and other nearby towns for convenient intercity travel.

How to Get Around in Guilin

Guilin has a well-established transportation system that includes buses, taxis, and rental cars. Visitors can take the public bus, which is the cheapest transportation option in Guilin. Taxis are widely available; however, they may be slightly more expensive. Rental cars and bicycles are also available, which is a preferred option for exploring Guilin’s countryside.

Where to Go Next from Guilin: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Guilin is a great gateway to other nearby destinations in Guangxi and China. Here are some of the best places to visit near Guilin:

  • Detian Waterfall: Detian Waterfall is located on the border between China and Vietnam, about 5 hours away from Guilin. It’s famous for its majestic 70-meter high waterfall and karst landscape.
  • Nanning: Nanning is the capital city of Guangxi, located about 3 hours away from Guilin. The city is famous for its Guishan Park, Guangxi Science and Technology Museum, and Guangxi Ethnic Relics Center.
  • Hong Kong: Hong Kong is an international city known for its iconic skyline, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. It takes about 2 hours to reach Hong Kong by air from Guilin.

Conclusion

Guilin is a city that has something to offer for every type of visitor. The city’s natural landscapes, scenic views, and cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for a trip to China. We hope this travel guide to Guilin will inspire you to plan your trip and explore the beauty and culture of Guilin.

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