Tours
Guilin offers some of China's most iconic tour experiences, from scenic Li River cruises and karst mountain hikes to rice terrace treks and bamboo rafting in Yangshuo. Private, group, and tailor-made options are widely available.
Sail the Li River on a 4-star cruise, hike the Longji Rice Terraces, and float through karst peaks by bamboo raft — including the landscape immortalised on China's ¥20 note near Xingping — with 5-star hotels, a no-shopping guarantee, and a farmhouse Dustpan Banquet dinner.
Facts
Key Facts at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Currency | Chinese Yuan (CNY / RMB) |
| Country Code | +86 |
| Nearest Airport | Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) |
| Best Time to Visit | April–May & September–November |
| UNESCO Status | Not applicable (national scenic area designation) |
| Famous For | Karst mountains, Li River cruise, Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces |
Attractions
Guilin's sights are dominated by its extraordinary karst landscape — jagged limestone peaks, emerald rivers, and ancient caves. Beyond the natural scenery, the city offers historic pagodas, a vibrant waterfront district, and world-famous rice terraces within easy reach.
Li River (漓江)
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo — approximately 83 km of uninterrupted karst scenery — is among China's most celebrated journeys. Limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and fishermen on bamboo rafts frame a landscape so iconic it appears on the Chinese 20-yuan banknote. Book early during Golden Week holidays.
Reed Flute Cave (芦笛岩)
A natural limestone cavern stretching 240 metres into the hillside, Reed Flute Cave dazzles with multicoloured spotlights illuminating stalactites, stalagmites, and stone columns. Inscriptions dating to the Tang Dynasty (AD 792) are carved on the walls. Located 5 km northwest of the city centre; open daily.
Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山)
Guilin's most beloved landmark sits at the confluence of the Li and Peach Blossom rivers, its silhouette resembling an elephant dipping its trunk to drink. The hill contains a Tang-dynasty cave temple, pavilions, and panoramic viewpoints. It is the city's quintessential photo stop and appears on the local 1-yuan coin.
Longji Rice Terraces (龙脊梯田)
About 100 km north of Guilin, the Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces cascade down steep hillsides in breathtaking layers. Best seen in May (flooded, mirror-like), July–August (lush green), or September–October (golden harvest). Zhuang and Yao minority villages within the terraces offer homestay experiences.
Seven Stars Park (七星公园)
The largest park in Guilin, Seven Stars Park is named after its seven hills arranged like the Big Dipper constellation. It encompasses Camel Hill, Seven Stars Cave (one of China's oldest-known caves), a traditional stone forest, and a Sui-dynasty bridge. Ideal for a morning stroll amid local life and karst scenery.
Top 10 Things to Do
Board a 4-star cruise boat from Guilin downstream to Yangshuo (83 km, ~4.5 hrs). The scenery of karst peaks, water buffalo, and bamboo rafts is the definitive Guilin experience — book at least one day ahead during peak season.
Rent a bicycle in Yangshuo town and pedal through countryside lanes flanked by karst pinnacles, rice paddies, and traditional villages. The Moon Hill loop (10 km) is a classic route; electric bikes are available for less energetic riders.
Wander through 240 metres of illuminated limestone chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and Tang-dynasty inscriptions. The guided tour takes about 50 minutes; visit in the morning to avoid tour groups. Admission approximately ¥100.
Zhang Yimou's spectacular open-air show uses the Yangshuo karst mountains as a backdrop and the Li River as its stage, with 600 local fishermen as performers. The 60-minute night show runs year-round; tickets range ¥188–680 — book online in advance.
Take the 1.5-hour bus from Guilin to Longsheng and hike the Dragon's Backbone terraces through Zhuang and Yao minority villages. Sunrise and sunset shots from the Viewpoint 1 platform are extraordinary; stay overnight at a guesthouse for the full experience.
See Guilin's iconic landmark at the junction of the Li and Peach Blossom rivers. The elephant-shaped rock is best photographed from the opposite bank at sunrise. Entry includes access to the cave temple and hilltop pagoda with city views. Admission approximately ¥75.
The Yulong River in Yangshuo is bamboo-raft territory — quieter and more intimate than the Li River. The 6-km float passes ancient stone bridges, pavilions, and terraced fields. Hire a raft at the Yulong Bridge starting point; trips cost approximately ¥120 and take 2 hours.
Climb the 306 stone steps to the summit of Xianggong Mountain (near Xingping) before dawn for sunrise views over a sea of karst peaks emerging from morning mist — widely regarded as the most photogenic viewpoint in all of Guilin. Bring a torch; entry approximately ¥80.
Yangshuo's cobblestoned West Street is lined with cafés, craft shops, bars, and guesthouses — a colourful blend of Chinese and Western culture. Best experienced in the evening when lanterns illuminate the street; pick up local souvenirs or find a riverside spot for live music.
Board a dragon boat for an evening cruise through Guilin city's illuminated waterway circuit — linking the Li and Peach Blossom rivers with four scenic lakes. The Sun and Moon Pagodas reflect brilliantly in Shan Lake. Boats depart from multiple docks; evening sailings begin around 19:30.
Transportation
Guilin is well connected by air, high-speed rail, long-distance bus, and the famous Li River boat route. Within the city, taxis, public buses, DiDi ride-hailing, and bicycle rental are the main options for getting around.
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is 28 km from the city centre. About 50 airlines serve domestic hubs (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu) and international routes to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. Airport shuttle buses cost approximately ¥20.
Guilin North Railway Station is the main high-speed hub, with services to Guangzhou South (~2.5 hrs), Shenzhen (~3 hrs), and Changsha (~2 hrs). Guilin Railway Station handles conventional trains including overnight services to Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. Book tickets well in advance during holidays.
Long-distance coaches connect Guilin with Nanning (~3 hrs), Guangzhou (~7 hrs), and Yangshuo (~1.5 hrs). The main intercity terminal is Guilin Bus Station (桂林汽车总站) on Zhongshan South Road. Frequent minibuses to Yangshuo depart from both the main bus station and Guilin North Bus Station.
The Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (83 km) is the region's most famous boat journey, taking approximately 4–5 hours. Cruise boats depart from Zhujiang Wharf, 25 km south of the city centre. Shorter bamboo-raft drifts on the Yulong River in Yangshuo are equally popular.
DiDi ride-hailing is convenient and affordable for most city trips. Public buses (¥1–2 flat fare) cover major routes including those to Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave. Taxis are metered and plentiful. Bicycle rental is popular along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic route.
A Chinese driving licence or an International Driving Permit endorsed for China is required to self-drive. 神州租车 (Shenzhou Rent-a-Car) and 一嗨租车 (eHi) both have outlets in Guilin. Self-drive is useful for day trips to Longji, Xingping, or Yangshuo. Parking in the city centre can be challenging.
Weather
Guilin has a humid subtropical monsoon climate (Köppen Cfa), with mild winters, hot and humid summers, and heavy rainfall from April to August. The rainy season accounts for roughly 70% of the annual 1,500–1,900 mm precipitation. Snow is rare in the city but possible on surrounding hills in January.
Monthly Climate at a Glance
| Month | Low °C | High °C | Rain mm | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5 | 12 | 43 | Cool & dry |
| Feb | 7 | 13 | 69 | Mild, foggy |
| Mar | 12 | 18 | 127 | Warm, wet |
| Apr | 17 | 23 | 286 | Peak rain |
| May | 21 | 27 | 317 | Hot & humid |
| Jun | 24 | 30 | 283 | Rainy season |
| Jul | 26 | 33 | 210 | Hot & sunny |
| Aug | 26 | 33 | 187 | Hot, typhoon risk |
| Sep | 22 | 29 | 88 | Cooling, pleasant |
| Oct | 17 | 25 | 74 | Ideal, clear skies |
| Nov | 11 | 20 | 56 | Mild & dry |
| Dec | 7 | 14 | 38 | Cool, low rain |
Live Weather
Travel Tips
Most nationalities require a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) obtained in advance. China has expanded its unilateral visa-free policy to include many European, Australian, and other nationalities for stays of up to 15–30 days (policies change — verify before travel). Guilin's nearest airport (KWL) supports 144-hour transit visa exemptions for eligible nationalities.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for nearly all transactions in Guilin — from market stalls to hotels. Both apps now accept foreign Visa/Mastercard cards linked directly. Set up your preferred app before arrival. Cash (CNY) is still accepted at most places but increasingly rare for smaller vendors.
China's Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western services. Install and test a VPN before entering China — they are much harder to download once inside. VPN use by foreigners is widespread but technically restricted; use a reputable provider. Hotel Wi-Fi is generally reliable.
Buy a tourist SIM card at Guilin Liangjiang Airport (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom counters are all available). Prepaid tourist data-SIMs cost around ¥50–100 for 30 days. eSIM providers such as Airalo and Nomad also offer China-compatible plans. Bring an unlocked phone to use a local SIM.
Mandarin is the official language; a Guilin dialect of Mandarin is spoken locally. English is limited outside of major hotels and tourist sites. Download Google Translate's offline Chinese pack (Simplified) or use the Pleco dictionary app. Basic Mandarin phrases and pointing at a map go a long way in Guilin.
Guilin is extremely popular during China's Golden Weeks (early May and early October) when domestic visitor numbers surge dramatically — expect queues, sold-out cruises, and higher prices. Book Li River cruise tickets and Impression Sanjie Liu seats at least 1–2 weeks ahead. April–May and September–November offer the best balance of weather and manageable crowds.
Exchange foreign currency at Bank of China branches or authorised hotel desks; airport exchange counters offer slightly less favourable rates. ATMs (supporting UnionPay and Visa/Mastercard) are widely available throughout the city. Keep small-denomination RMB notes (¥10–50) for rural vendors at Longji and bamboo-raft operators on the Yulong River.
Guilin is very safe for tourists. Tap water is not drinkable — buy bottled water (widely available, ¥2–5). Humidity is high in summer; stay hydrated and protect against mosquitoes during evening river trips. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Emergency numbers: 120 (ambulance), 110 (police), 119 (fire).
Dining
Guilin cuisine blends Cantonese, Sichuanese, and indigenous Guangxi flavours, shaped by its subtropical river-valley environment. Rice noodles are a way of life here; the city is also famous for medicinal-ingredient dishes, lotus-leaf cooking, and a range of unique local snacks. Dining is affordable and portions are generous.
Local Specialities
Guilin Rice Noodles (桂林米粉)
Silky smooth rice noodles in a slow-cooked pork-bone broth, topped with marinated pork, pickled vegetables, and chilli. A breakfast staple eaten at open-front noodle shops across the city.
Stewed Duck with Ginkgo (白果炖鸭)
Duck cubes, ham, and ginkgo nuts slow-steamed in braising cups, yielding a light savoury broth with tender duck. Long regarded as a tonic for respiratory health; found at mid-range Guilin restaurants.
Lipu Taro Pork (荔浦芋扣肉)
Alternating layers of Lipu purple taro and braised pork belly, fried then steamed until caramelised and meltingly soft. A preserved bean curd marinade gives this dish its signature amber colour and rich savoury depth.
Yangshuo Beer Fish (啤酒鱼)
Fresh Li River grass carp wok-fried with local beer, ginger, tomato, and chillies. Crispy-skinned with a fragrant, slightly spicy sauce — a Yangshuo signature served at every riverside restaurant in town.
Recommended Restaurants
One of Guilin's most storied restaurants, famous for authentic Guilin rice noodles, stewed duck with ginkgo, and traditional claypot dishes. Arrive early to avoid the lunch queue.
A local institution on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, specialising in medicinal herb broths, river fish hot pot, and the city's famous stewed clam and chicken. Bustling atmosphere; outdoor seating in good weather.
A beloved canteen-style spot for Guilin favourites: lotus-leaf duck, Lipu taro pork, and stir-fried water chestnut with chicken. Unpretentious decor, generous portions, and reliably authentic flavours at local prices.
Shopping
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street (正阳步行街) is Guilin's liveliest shopping strip, running through the heart of the old city. Lined with souvenir shops, snack stalls, local crafts, and clothing boutiques, it connects Elephant Trunk Hill Scenic Zone with the Two Lakes district. Open daily from around 09:00 to 22:00.
The Donghua Vegetable and Local Products Market (东华市场) near the city centre is an authentic daily market where locals shop for fresh produce, dried herbs, local condiments, and seasonal fruits like cumquat and shaddock. Visit in the morning for the widest selection; bargaining is expected.
Top Guilin souvenirs include Sanhua rice liquor (三花酒), fermented bean curd (豆腐乳), and Guilin chilli sauce (辣椒酱) — the city's famous Three Treasures. Osmanthus tea, osmanthus wine, and Luo Han Kuo tea are also popular, alongside Guilin stone carvings and local scroll paintings.
Wanda Plaza Guilin (万达广场) on Zhongshan South Road is the main modern shopping centre, housing international fast fashion, electronics, a cinema, and a food court. Renhe Chuntiandi (人和春天地) near the city centre offers mid-range domestic and international brands. Both open until 22:00.
Nightlife
Guilin's nightlife balances spectacular cultural performances with relaxed riverside bars and evening cruises. The city winds down earlier than tier-1 cities — most venues are lively until midnight, with the biggest draw being the world-famous Impression Sanjie Liu outdoor show in nearby Yangshuo.
Zhang Yimou's legendary open-air performance stages 600 fishermen-performers on the Li River with twelve karst mountains as the backdrop. The 60-minute show blends folk music, light projection, and ethnic minority culture. Located 1 km from West Street, Yangshuo; tickets ¥188–680.
Combines a Li River night cruise with an ethnic dance performance at the Water Pavilion on Binjiang Road. Passengers enjoy Zhuang, Miao, and Yao minority performances on board while the illuminated Two Lakes waterway glides past. Departs from Dock No. 2, Binjiang Road.
Staged at Minghua Palace in the Guishan Hotel, this indoor show presents vibrant Guangxi ethnic culture — Zhuang, Miao, Dong, and Yao traditions including wedding dances and harvest celebrations. A polished alternative for visitors not travelling to Yangshuo. Admission approximately ¥120.
Videos
Discover Guilin through travel films showcasing the Li River cruise, karst mountain hikes, rice terrace seasons, and the city's legendary cultural night shows.
Map
Interactive map of Guilin city centre, showing key attractions, the Li River waterfront, and surrounding karst districts.
