Guilin, located in southern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by dramatic limestone karst mountains, serene rivers, and lush greenery.
It’s one of the top tourist destinations in China, especially known for its picturesque landscape.
City landscape
In Guilin you may visit Ronghu and Shanhu Lakes (Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area). The best way is to enjoy an evening walk around the lakes, with a view of the illuminated Sun and Moon Pagodas.
Take a boat trip by the river to enjoy better view to the pagodas.
Famous Li River
The Li River is the most famous attraction in Guilin, where you can take a scenic boat ride from Guilin to the nearby town of Yangshuo. The river is lined with unique karst formations, mist-covered peaks, and local fishing villages.
This landscape is often depicted in traditional Chinese paintings and on the back of China’s 20 RMB note.
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Little heart of Guanxi province – Yangshuo
A popular town just south of Guilin, Yangshuo is famous for its breathtaking rural scenery, outdoor activities like cycling, bamboo rafting, and rock climbing. The countryside around Yangshuo offers peaceful, picturesque views with rice paddies, river bends, and mountains.
- One day trip in Yangshuo – visit all highlights!
- From Yangshuo – city walk with West street and lijiang river cruise
Unique Reed Flute Cave
A natural limestone cave filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, the Reed Flute Cave is one of Guilin’s most famous attractions. It’s illuminated with multicolored lights, making it an impressive sight to explore.
Read more: Reed Flute Cave in Guilin – tha natural history
Book now – Guilin Reed Flute Cave + Xianggong Hill and river cruise
Elephant Trunk Hill
A symbol of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is a limestone hill shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River with its trunk. It is a popular photo spot and a must-visit for tourists.
Read more: Elephant Hill Park in Guilin
Seven-Star Park
The largest park in Guilin, Seven-Star Park features numerous attractions, including the Seven-Star Cave, Camel Hill, Flower Bridge, and a zoo. The park gets its name from the seven peaks that resemble the Big Dipper constellation.
Read more: Seven Peaks in Guanxi – Seven-Star park
Longji Rice Terraces
Located about two hours from Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces) offer awe-inspiring views of tiered fields that cascade down the slopes of mountains. They are a popular day trip from Guilin, especially for those interested in local ethnic minority cultures.
Read more: Day trip from Guilin – Longji Rice terraces
Culture in Guilin
Guilin has a long history dating back over 2,000 years. It was an important cultural and political center in ancient times. Today, visitors can explore ancient temples, pagodas, and traditional Chinese architecture that reflects its rich heritage.
Cuisine of Guilin
Guilin is known for its local delicacies, including Guilin rice noodles (桂林米粉), a popular breakfast dish. The food in the region is often sour and spicy, with influences from the nearby Zhuang and Dong ethnic minorities.
Easy to get there
Guilin is a relatively small city but is well-connected with an international airport and high-speed rail links, making it a convenient starting point for exploring southern China.
