Guilin
Guilin is a picturesque city located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China, known for its stunning karst landscape, scenic rivers, and limestone peaks.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Guilin, China, largely depends on what you're hoping to experience during your trip. Guilin, famous for its unique karst landscape, beautiful rivers, and lush vegetation, offers different attractions throughout the year. Generally speaking, the most popular times to visit are in the Spring and Autumn.
Spring (March to May): The temperatures during this season range from 10°C to 28°C (50°F to 82°F). The weather is mild and it's a great time to explore the outdoor attractions Guilin has to offer, such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and the stunning Longji Rice Terraces. However, keep in mind that April and May are part of the rainy season in Guilin, so you'll want to come prepared with rain gear. Despite the rain, the misty scenes of the Li River and the karst mountains can be especially enchanting.
Summer (June to August): Summers in Guilin are hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). The region also experiences heavy rainfall during the summer, particularly in June, which is the rainiest month. This does, however, mean that the landscape is incredibly lush and green. Be prepared for occasional thunderstorms and high humidity levels. The advantage of visiting during the summer is that the city is less crowded with tourists, and you can get good discounts on hotels and flights.
Autumn (September to November): This is another ideal time to visit Guilin. The weather is quite comfortable, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F). The rainfall decreases substantially in Autumn, making it a good time to take a cruise on the Li River or to enjoy outdoor activities. The Longji Rice Terraces are particularly breathtaking during the harvest season in early October when the terraces turn golden.
Winter (December to February): Winters in Guilin are mild compared to northern China, with temperatures ranging between 8°C and 16°C (46°F to 61°F). However, it can feel quite chilly due to the high humidity and lack of central heating in many buildings. Snow is rare but mist often shrouds the city, creating stunningly atmospheric views of the karst peaks. Winter is also the low tourist season, which means fewer crowds and lower prices, but be aware that Chinese New Year (usually in late January or early February) can be busier and more expensive.
How to Get There
Getting to Guilin and navigating the city and surrounding areas is fairly straightforward, as the region has well-developed transportation systems in place.
Getting to Guilin:
By Air: The easiest and fastest way to reach Guilin is by air. Guilin Liangjiang International Airport serves both domestic and international flights. The airport is located about 28 kilometers west of Guilin city center, and you can take a taxi or an airport shuttle bus to reach the city.
By Train: Guilin is well connected to major cities in China by high-speed trains. Guilin Railway Station and Guilin North Railway Station are the main stations in the city. High-speed trains from cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing have direct routes to Guilin. The train ride from Guangzhou to Guilin, for example, takes about 2.5-3 hours.
Getting Around in Guilin:
Public Buses: Public buses cover most parts of Guilin city and are a cost-effective way to get around. However, routes can be confusing if you're not familiar with the area and not all buses have signs in English.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Guilin and can be quite affordable. They offer a convenient way to get to your destination, especially if you're not familiar with the public bus system.
Bicycles and E-Bikes: Renting a bicycle or an e-bike is a popular way to explore the scenic city, especially around areas like West Street and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area.
Boat: One of the highlights of any trip to Guilin is a cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. The boats depart from various wharfs in the city.
Tour Services: For hassle-free sightseeing, consider booking a tour. Many local tour operators provide transport to top attractions like the Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Longji Rice Terraces, and the Li River.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Guilin, China
Top 10 Attractions in Guilin
Guilin, known for its unique karst landscape and beautiful scenery, offers a multitude of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top attractions you should consider visiting:
Li River: The Li River is arguably Guilin's most famous attraction. Its crystal-clear waters, stunning karst peaks, serene pastoral views, and vibrant local life all make it a must-see attraction. A river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the most popular way to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Elephant Trunk Hill: This hill, named for its unique shape that resembles an elephant drinking water, is one of the most iconic sights in Guilin. The park surrounding the hill also features a number of other attractions, including the Water Moon Cave and the Puxian Pagoda.
Reed Flute Cave: Known as "the Palace of Natural Arts", this cave is filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. The formations are illuminated by multi-colored lights, creating a surreal and breathtaking underground world.
Longji Rice Terraces: Also known as the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces, these terraced fields offer some of the most visually stunning landscapes in the region. They are located around 2 hours' drive from Guilin and cover multiple villages, with the most famous being Ping'an and Dazhai.
Yangshuo: Although technically a separate town, a visit to Guilin isn't complete without exploring the nearby town of Yangshuo. It's known for its spectacular karst peaks and rural scenery. West Street in Yangshuo is also a famous shopping street with lots of souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars.
Impression Liu Sanjie: This is a fantastic outdoor performance set on the Li River in Yangshuo. Directed by Zhang Yimou, who was also a director of the Beijing Summer Olympics opening ceremony, the show uses the natural landscape as its stage and is a spectacle of light, music, and dance.
Seven Star Park: This is the largest comprehensive park in Guilin. It features multiple attractions, including the Seven Star Cave, Flower Bridge, and Guilin Zoo.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes: This water system, consisting of the Li River, the Peach Blossom River, Mulong Lake, Gui Lake, Rong Lake, and Shan Lake, forms a continuous waterway route around Guilin city, offering picturesque urban landscapes especially beautiful when illuminated at night.
Fubo Mountain: This solitary sharp peak offers panoramic views of Guilin city and the Li River. There is also a cave with inscriptions and a temple to explore.
Daxu Ancient Town: This town, located on the east bank of the Li River, is one of the four great ancient towns of Guangxi Province. It's about 14 kilometers southeast of Guilin and has a history dating back more than 1,000 years. The town has well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty-era buildings, old stone streets, and traditional culture.
Top 10 Activities to do in Guilin
Guilin offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests, from exploring nature and historical sites to enjoying local cuisine. Here are some top activities you should consider:
Take a Li River Cruise: A cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of the top activities in the area. The journey along the river offers stunning views of karst peaks, rice paddies, and local villages. You can also see fishermen using cormorants to catch fish, a traditional fishing method in the area.
Explore Reed Flute Cave: Visit this natural limestone cave to marvel at the unique stalactite and stalagmite formations, beautifully illuminated by colorful lights.
Cycling in Yangshuo: Rent a bike and take a ride in the countryside around Yangshuo. The Yulong River valley is a particularly popular route where you can enjoy the rural landscapes, bamboo groves, and karst peaks.
Hiking the Longji Rice Terraces: Take a hike around the stunning Longji Rice Terraces, also known as Dragon's Backbone. The terraces offer amazing photo opportunities, especially during the planting season when they are filled with water and during the harvest when they turn golden.
Visit an Ancient Town: Take a trip to Daxu or Huangyao Ancient Town to explore historical architecture and experience local culture. Wander the old streets, visit traditional shops, and try local snacks.
Attend the Impression Liu Sanjie Show: This fantastic outdoor performance set on the Li River in Yangshuo is a visual spectacle of light, music, and dance that tells the story of the folk hero Liu Sanjie.
Climb up Fubo Hill or Elephant Trunk Hill: These hills offer fantastic panoramic views of Guilin and the Li River. They are great spots for photography.
Try Guilin Rice Noodles: Don't miss out on trying the local cuisine. Guilin rice noodles are the most famous local dish and are a must-try when in the city.
Explore the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area: Take a leisurely stroll or a boat ride around this water system at night to see the beautiful lights illuminating the lakes, bridges, and pagodas.
Experience a Chinese Tea Ceremony: Visit a local tea farm to learn about tea cultivation and production, and experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
Best Shopping
Guilin offers a number of shopping areas where you can find a variety of goods, from local handicrafts and souvenirs to high-end goods and fashion. Here are some top shopping spots:
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: This is the main shopping street in Guilin and is lined with shops, malls, restaurants, and bars. You can find everything from clothes and electronics to local products like tea and art. It's also a great place for people-watching and soaking up the city's atmosphere.
West Street in Yangshuo: This bustling street is the oldest street in Yangshuo and is a paradise for shoppers. It's known for its unique mix of Chinese and Western culture. Here, you can find various local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry. Also, there are many cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Night Markets: Night markets are a key part of Guilin's shopping scene. The Shangshui Food Street and Zhengyang Night Market are great places to try local street food and shop for inexpensive souvenirs, crafts, and clothes.
Guilin Department Store: This is one of the largest department stores in Guilin, where you can find a variety of goods including clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, and household items. It's located on Zhongshan Road, one of the busiest streets in Guilin.
Niko Niko Do Plaza: This is a modern shopping mall that offers a wide range of goods, including international brands. It's a good place for shopping if you're looking for high-end and quality products.
Local Art and Craft Shops: Guilin is famous for its landscape paintings, traditional Chinese paintings, paper fans, and embroidered silk. There are many art and craft shops in the city where you can purchase these items. Don't miss the chance to buy a painting or scroll featuring Guilin's famous karst landscape.
Tea Shops: Guilin is located in a major tea-growing region, so it's a great place to buy high-quality Chinese tea. Osmanthus tea and Longjing tea are popular choices. Tea shops are plentiful, particularly around Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and West Street in Yangshuo.
When shopping in Guilin, don't be afraid to bargain in the markets and smaller shops, as it is a common practice. However, in department stores and malls, prices are usually fixed.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Guilin offers an array of options for nightlife and entertainment, ranging from cultural shows and vibrant night markets to lively bars and nightclubs. Here's an overview:
Impression Liu Sanjie: This is a stunning outdoor performance set on the Li River in Yangshuo, directed by renowned Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The spectacular show, incorporating the natural scenery as a backdrop, presents the beautiful story of a local folk heroine, Liu Sanjie, with a large cast of performers from local ethnic groups.
Night Cruises on Two Rivers and Four Lakes: For a tranquil evening, consider a boat tour around Guilin's beautiful water system. The night views of the illuminated pagodas, bridges, and buildings along the lakes are truly enchanting.
Zhengyang Pedestrian Street: Located in the city center, this bustling street is full of shops, restaurants, and bars, becoming even more vibrant after dark. The street is a great place to stroll, shop, enjoy local snacks, and people watch.
West Street in Yangshuo: Known as "Foreigners’ Street," West Street is a unique blend of eastern and western cultures. It has various bars, cafés, and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink, listen to live music, and meet people from all over the world.
Night Markets: Night markets like Zhengyang Night Market and Shangshui Food Street offer a variety of local street food, clothing, crafts, and other goods. They're perfect for late-night shopping and tasting local specialties.
Karaoke Bars: KTV, or karaoke television, is a favorite pastime in China. Many KTV bars in Guilin offer private rooms where you and your friends can sing your hearts out.
Nightclubs and Bars: For those looking for late-night entertainment, there are several nightclubs and bars in Guilin, especially around Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and Jiefang East Road. These venues often feature DJs, live music, and dance floors.
Traditional Tea Houses: For a quieter and more traditional experience, visit one of the many tea houses in Guilin. Here you can sample a variety of local teas and often enjoy cultural performances such as folk music or traditional Chinese opera.
Local Cuisine
Guilin, like many other regions in China, has its own distinct cuisine. Here are some of the most notable local dishes and delicacies:
Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen): This is the most famous dish in Guilin, enjoyed by locals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The noodles are made from rice flour and served in a broth with various toppings such as beef, pork, peanuts, green onions, and chili.
Yangshuo Beer Fish (Yangshuo Pijiu Yu): This dish is a specialty in the town of Yangshuo, just outside Guilin. Fresh river fish is cooked with beer, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, and other spices, resulting in a tasty, fragrant dish.
Lipu Taro Looped Meat (Lipu Yu Tou Kao Rou): This is a traditional dish often served during festive occasions. It features slices of pork belly and taro layered and slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce.
Stuffed Li River Snails (Tian Luo): The snails from the Li River are known for their size and sweet meat. They are usually cooked with a mixture of minced pork, garlic, and herbs, making them a savory and unique delicacy.
Oil Tea (You Cha): This is a traditional local drink, often consumed at breakfast. It's made by frying tea leaves in oil, then boiling them with water, salt, and other ingredients. The result is a salty soup-like tea that is often served with puffed rice, peanuts, and other accompaniments.
Gingko Stewed with Old Duck (Bai Guo Dun Lao Ya): This is a nourishing and flavorful dish, featuring ginkgo nuts (known for their health benefits) stewed with duck and other ingredients.
Horse's Hooves Cake (Ma Ti Gao): Despite the name, this sweet snack is actually made from glutinous rice flour and brown sugar. The cake gets its name from its shape, which resembles a horse's hoof.
Osmanthus Wine (Guihua Jiu): This local wine is made by fermenting glutinous rice with yeast and sweet osmanthus flowers. The wine has a distinctive floral aroma and sweet taste.
Accommodations
When deciding where to stay in Guilin, consider what you'd like to do and see during your trip. Here are a few popular areas:
City Center/Downtown Guilin: Staying downtown, especially near Zhongshan Road and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, will put you in close proximity to several of Guilin's major attractions, such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, and the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area. This area is also great for shopping and dining.
Yangshuo: If you prefer a quieter, more laid-back experience with stunning natural beauty, consider staying in Yangshuo, a small town around 65km south of Guilin. It's famous for its karst landscape and offers activities like river cruises, rock climbing, and cycling. West Street is the main area for dining, shopping, and nightlife.
Longsheng: For those who want to explore the Longji Rice Terraces, consider staying in Longsheng. It's more remote than Guilin or Yangshuo, but the unique experience of staying in a wooden house on the mountainside and waking up to the stunning terraced landscape is unparalleled. The area is also home to several ethnic groups, offering a rich cultural experience.
Seven Star District: This is another good area in Guilin City to consider, especially for those who want to be near Seven Star Park, one of the city's largest and most beautiful parks. The district also hosts a variety of hotels, restaurants, and shops.
