Top Things to do in Guilin: Best Activities & Must-Sees
Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of limestone karst hills, the southern Chinese city of Guilin is home to lush vegetation, lakes, rivers, and breathtaking landscapes. The second-largest city in the Guangxi region, it’s the perfect place to immerse yourself in the country’s rich culture and traditions. If you’re interested in exploring this side of China, we’ve put together a detailed guide on what to see and do while in Guilin.
Top Things to Do in Guilin
- 🚢 Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise – A glittering journey through Guilin's illuminated river and lake system.
- ⛰️ Solitary Beauty Peak & Prince City – A historic Ming Dynasty princely residence featuring a striking peak in the city centre.
- 🌾 Longji Rice Terraces – Breathtaking, centuries-old rice terraces cascading down steep mountainsides.
- 🏞️ Li River Scenic Area – China's world-famous karst landscape, featured on the 20-yuan banknote.
- 🛶 Yulong River Bamboo Rafting – A romantic bamboo raft float on the Yulong River, including shuttle transfer.
What to Do in Guilin Based on Your Stay
How best to prioritise your time in Guilin depends on how long you intend to stay and the interests and needs of your travel group. We’ve popped together some example itineraries and recommendations to help you plan your trip.
Length of Stay | Couple | Family | Friends | Solo |
1 day | Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Li River, and end the day with a romantic stroll around the Sun and Moon Pagodas. | Explore the Reed Flute Cave in the morning, and spend a family-focused afternoon around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area. | Get adventurous with a bamboo raft on the Li River, and unwind in the evening on Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. | Catch the morning light hiking up Elephant Trunk Hill, and relax with a gentle walk around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. |
2-3 days | Take time exploring the city’s pagodas and caves, head to Yangshuo to cycle around the Karst hills, and take the trip out to the rice terraces for sunset. | Spend time discovering Guilin’s lakes and caves, go on kid-friendly walks at the rice fields, and go cycling or bamboo rafting near the river. | Take sunrise photos at the rice fields, try local dishes in Yangshuo, and spend quality time exploring the city’s natural hot spots. | Enjoy the landscape, cruising the rivers, cycle through the Yangshuo countryside, and tuck into local delicacies. |
Considering Guilin as your next holiday destination? Keep reading to Learn more about what to do in Guilin.
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Guilin's Top Attractions and Tours
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3533 booked![Guilin Longji Rice Terraces + Jinkeng Terraces + Huangluo Red Yao Village 1-day tour [small group/private tour]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0584812000necx193D136_C_568_320.jpg)
Must-Visit Districts in Guilin
The major sights that Guilin is best known for is spread across six different districts, so knowing which neighbourhood is home to those historical buildings or that hill comes in really handy when preparing for your holiday. Here are our recommendations for Guilin’s must-visit districts, whether you’re planning a day tour or spending a good chunk of time in the city.
Xiufeng District: shopping, dining and culture in Guilin
Xiufeng is a great place to start when you first arrive in Guilin, and it makes for a fantastic base for your stay. Not only is it the city centre, meaning this is where you’ll find a whole host of food, drink, transport and amenities, but it also has its own sightseeing draws too. You’ll find the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace here, as well as traditional neighbourhoods to stroll through. The area is also on the border of the popular and scenic Two Rivers and Four Lakes Area.
Diecai District: a backdrop of dramatic Karst Hills
Another of Guilin’s urban districts, Diecai, is special for being flanked by the famous karst hills. The name Diecai translates to ‘stacked colours’, referring to the unique shades, textures, and layers of the surrounding limestone formations. Here you’ll find hills to hike, parks to stroll through, and local neighbourhoods that are a little bit quieter than those found in Xiufeng.
Xiangshan District: Guilin’s spectacular natural formations
The Xiangshan neighbourhood is home to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a karst formation named after its appearance of an elephant trunk drinking from the Li River. In this district, you’ll discover a fantastic mix of natural scenery, historic buildings like temples, pagodas, and pavilions, and local street food spots. It’s also got great transport links and, like many other areas of the city, lots of useful amenities on offer.
Qixing District: Recreation and relaxation in Guilin
Also known as the Seven Star District, after the eponymous park, the Qixing neighbourhood is a great place to head for a spot of relaxation. Not only can you find the city’s most famous park here, but also caves, lakes, karst hills (of course!), and lots of green spaces for recreation.
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Guilin Hotel Recommendations
5 star
Very Good4759 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.36km from city centre
I have to say, an old-school five-star hotel still has its charm. The hotel has a long history, and after renovation, the facilities are well-maintained. The style is one of understated quality, with elegant color schemes. The location is excellent; we could walk to all the attractions with the elderly, and just across the street are the Li River and the 'green wonderland' of camphor trees along Binjiang Street, forcing you to slow down. The room was clean, the bedding comfortable, and even the grout in the shower was white – these are the details that show meticulous management. The room felt spacious and well-divided; my favorite part was the sitting area by the window, where I could relax with a cup of tea after sightseeing. The butler service was spot on, and all our requests were promptly met. The connecting rooms are the best choice for families traveling with children, offering both independence and a cozy feel. In short, I had some reservations before booking, but after staying here, it will definitely be my top choice for my next trip to Guilin.FromMXN$1,375
Good2813 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, right by the Two Rivers and Four Lakes.
I visited Guilin over twenty years ago and remembered this area being great. So, on this trip, I decisively booked this hotel.
I was expecting it to be excellent, given it's a five-star hotel.
The service was impeccable, no complaints there.
However, the hotel's facilities definitely need an upgrade.
The bathroom vanity looks like it's 20 years old. I was surprised to hear the hotel was renovated in 2020 – why wasn't this cabinet door replaced?
The most significant issue is that for such a large hotel, there's no self-service laundry room. Even average 200-yuan budget hotels offer this now. As a tourist city, visitors to Guilin surely have laundry needs, and this is incredibly inconvenient.
The cost for laundry service is also quite high. Why not install a self-service laundry room to better serve guests? There are hundreds of rooms, and plenty of guests, just on the first floor alone.FromMXN$1,016
Very Good4112 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
Our family of three had a fantastic stay here! The hotel grounds are huge, and our child absolutely loved the peacocks roaming around – we'd often spot them, which made the trip really fun.
The room was spacious, and the service was thoughtful and attentive. The front desk even provided children's amenities. The facilities are comprehensive, with a kids' play area, a swimming pool, and even a sightseeing train. The back gate leads directly to the Li River. Breakfast offered a wide variety, and the Guilin rice noodles were delicious.
Some facilities are a bit dated, but it didn't detract from our vacation. We didn't even need to leave the hotel to keep our child entertained. Our child still talks about the peacocks, so I highly recommend this for families with kids.FromMXN$1,467
Excellent3413 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
The hotel boasts an excellent location, right next to Elephant Trunk Hill Park, with Guilin People's Hospital and Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas Park nearby. Zheng Yang Road Pedestrian Street is just 500 meters away, and you'll find specialty supermarkets, restaurants, and shops all around. While the hotel has been open for a while, the facilities are very well-maintained. We booked a room on the 4th floor, and the front desk kindly upgraded us to a room facing Elephant Trunk Hill. Although trees obstructed a direct view of the hill, the hotel's 7th-floor restaurant offers a fantastic spot to admire and take photos of it. Overall, the service was good.FromMXN$1,051
Perfect6475 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.77km from city centre
The experience at Guilin Lijiang CIAO Hotel was excellent. The art dome in the lobby is very well-designed, and the Qin Infinity Pool directly faces the Li River, offering views of Chuanshan (Pierced Hill) and Tashan (Pagoda Hill). The rooms are clean and comfortable, with soft bedding. You can enjoy a relaxing Spa experience, and the Chunzhuang-Qiao Yan Jiang View Restaurant offers distinctive dishes. Elephant Trunk Hill is within walking distance, making it convenient for sightseeing. The service is attentive, making it very suitable for couples.FromMXN$1,264
Outstanding2107 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.02km from city centre
The decor and facilities are a bit dated, but very well-maintained. The carpets looked spotless, and everything I saw had a refined, tasteful quality to it. You could tell there was meticulous attention to detail. The staff were all warm and generous, and even the plants looked vibrant [Joyful]. Right outside the hotel is a tree-lined path along Rong Lake. Guangxi is just too hot for me, so I'm not sure if I'll visit again, but if I do, I'd definitely stay at this hotel again.FromMXN$1,970
Business travel
Excellent837 Reviews
Reed Flute Cave/Lujia Village/Peach Blossom River/West Hill Park Guilin|4.11km from city centre
Heshe Hotel stands as one of the finest resorts for accommodation in Guilin. Their hospitality, culinary offerings, ambiance, and staff are all exceptionally delightful and helpful.
Upon our arrival, we were warmly welcomed by amazing front desk attendant, Melody. She assisted us through out our stay and made sure we’re comfortable and well taken care of and our tour guide, Eric, who communicated fluently in English, significantly easing our experience as non-Chinese speakers.
The owner was equally gracious, sharing their barbecue with us, creating a sense of homeliness. This hotel is located just 15 minutes from the main tourist attractions, with rooms that are very clean and offer breathtaking views.
I am definitely coming back again.FromMXN$845
Outstanding2832 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.1km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic. Right outside the door, you have access to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, the Twin Pagodas, Li Zongren's Former Residence, Zheng Yang Road Pedestrian Street, Shegong Alley, and the Cultural Palace Road. All the best food, attractions, and popular restaurants are within walking distance. During my two-day stay, all the guests I saw were foreign friends. The front desk lady was incredibly nice, and the room was spacious with excellent soundproofing. A definite full score!FromMXN$632
Outstanding1601 Reviews
Guilin|15.93km from city centre
Returned for another stay at this hotel because of its beautiful environment and excellent hygiene. The service was fantastic all around. A special shout-out to the ladies working shifts on the 12th, 27th, and 21st (both day and night) for their exceptional service. I wasn't feeling well due to a cold, and one of the staff members thoughtfully applied medicated oil, massaged pressure points on my head, and even helped upgrade my room. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time!
Hotel Response: [The 'Sky Mirror' on the seventh floor is a beautiful spot for photos]FromMXN$972
Excellent2538 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.93km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely fantastic, right opposite Elephant Trunk Hill's Gate 1, making it super convenient to get anywhere. The butler was incredibly attentive too! On our first day, we even received a welcome fruit platter with cucumber, plums, and bananas.FromMXN$740
Excellent13642 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.38km from city centre
This hotel is very close to Guilin's famous Four Lakes and Two Rivers, making it a fantastic base for exploring the area. Breakfast is served on the 9th floor with a beautiful view, which made for a really enjoyable start to the day. The spread was great too, with a nice variety of both Chinese and Western options to choose from. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the hotel staff were very attentive throughout our stay. Overall, a wonderful place to stay in Guilin!FromMXN$693
Excellent10617 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.69km from city centre
The value for money here is incredible!!!
The cleanliness is also excellent! Absolutely spotless! I honestly didn't expect a hotel in a tourist area to be this clean! We usually pay close attention to things like the sinks and showerheads, and even my dad, who's a clean freak, said it was very clean!
Secondly, they upgraded us to a super-sized family room, haha! The theme perfectly matched our luggage! 💯 Plus, it had a bathtub, which my son absolutely loved!
We slept very comfortably at night; overall, it was excellent!
I found the breakfast to be very generous and incredibly varied, with so many options. I went all out on the broccoli, haha, it was really delicious!
The pool was right next door, and the kids had a blast!
The key thing is, I also thought the pool was very clean! Not dirty at all! The hotel really put in the effort!
The location is also great. It's convenient to get anywhere by electric scooter, and there are plenty of dining options. Since we drove, the parking and charging facilities were perfect.
All in all, this hotel was the perfect first stop in Guilin!FromMXN$761
Family friendly
Excellent5012 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.97km from city centre
The hotel staff was incredibly friendly, attentive, and helpful! We had some issues with our luggage at the airport and had to arrange an express delivery to the hotel. Everything went flawlessly—the hotel even covered the delivery fees upfront for us, which we naturally paid back right away.
The hotel itself was spotlessly clean, and the rooftop bar offers a stunning panoramic view over all of Guilin. Breakfast was excellent, featuring delicious regional cuisine that is also well-suited for international travelers. The rooms were clean and cozy. Highly recommended!
酒店员工非常友善，服务极其周到且乐于助人！我们在机场遇到了行李问题，不得不将行李托运快递至酒店。整个过程非常顺利，酒店甚至贴心地帮我们垫付了快递费（当然，我们随后立刻把钱还给了酒店）。
酒店本身非常干净整洁，从顶楼露台的空中酒吧可以俯瞰整个桂林的壮丽美景。早餐也很棒，提供了非常地道且美味的当地特色美食，也很符合外国游客的口味。房间干净舒适。强烈推荐入住！FromMXN$898
Very Good627 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.95km from city centre
I'm back in Guishan! This time I stayed for three days straight. I went to the pool every day. The water was great, and the kids had a blast! An unexpected surprise was discovering Shijiayuan Road, just a short walk away, with so many delicious restaurants. It's a continuous walk from the beginning to the end!FromMXN$729
Very Good2181 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.43km from city centre
This hotel has over a hundred rooms on the first floor, all well-designed. The lobby is grand, the breakfast is excellent, and the price is very reasonable. The location is superb, making it easy to get to attractions and the train station. Plus, there's a huge parking lot! And I loved the full-length mirrors in the hallway – perfect for quick touch-ups and checking your outfit.FromMXN$1,090
Outstanding5269 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.16km from city centre
I had a very satisfying stay. The room was great, and I slept comfortably. The overall style is modern and chic. It's also super convenient to get to the attractions. Xiaoyao Tower, Dongxi Alley, and Elephant Trunk Hill are all nearby, just a few minutes' walk away. The breakfast had a good variety and tasted delicious. The front desk lady even upgraded us to a larger room for free. They also gave us a lovely souvenir when we checked out. I'm really happy with everything and would highly recommend it to my friends.FromMXN$527
Very Good486 Reviews
Gaoxing Wanda Plaza/Hi-Tech Zone Guilin|4.12km from city centre
This hotel is super conveniently located near the Wanda commercial area. The room was fantastic, quite spacious, clean, and the bedding was really comfortable. The front desk service was incredibly attentive; they asked about my room preferences during check-in and gave me a quiet room facing the residential area. The hotel also has a breakfast restaurant, a gym, and a laundry room, so the facilities are quite comprehensive. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, you can't go wrong choosing this place!FromMXN$416
Very Good368 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.49km from city centre
First off, the location is excellent. It's quiet, being just outside the scenic area. You can reach Mixc City in 3-5 minutes on a shared bike, and Elephant Trunk Hill Park is about 3 km away. The hotel environment is fantastic – clean, tidy, spacious, and bright, with a particularly beautiful garden. The service is great; the staff are warm and attentive. They also offer free laundry and drying facilities. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time!FromMXN$329
Breakfast
Very Good936 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.61km from city centre
Ha, the advantage of Lefeng is the fine decoration and 20+ square meters. It seems not as stable and practical as other cheaper brands.
1. There is a pull rod outside the bathroom door but not inside. In fact, it can be pushed open in both directions.
2. The faucet design is difficult to understand and control, and the wash basin is very small and splashes water.
3. The toilet paper holder is crooked and the paper fell to the ground.
4. There is no shelf in the shower. The toiletries are placed on the old crooked big bottle, which also fell to the ground.
5. The shower adjus**ent knob seems convenient but is actually difficult to understand. It is inevitable to be showered with a lot of cold water first. The top shower leaks and has a rotten hole.
6. The disposable slippers are small and dirty, and should be cancelled.
Repair the bathroom quickly!FromMXN$434
Very Good3924 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.97km from city centre
Upon arrival, I found that a section of the hotel was under renovation. There were a lot of construction materials near the elevator entrance and plenty of dust from the renovation on the floor. My family even joked that after all my careful searching, I ended up picking a hotel undergoing renovations!
There was a slight formaldehyde smell inside the elevator on my floor, but it became very faint once we entered the room, almost unnoticeable unless you specifically tried to smell it.
The room had no windows and felt a bit stuffy, which I knew before booking. There was a faint musty smell in the room, and I'm not sure if it was related to the lack of ventilation. However, the room itself was relatively clean.
Overall, I really didn't expect the renovation... I was a bit taken aback during check-in 😮. I hope things improve once the renovations are complete.FromMXN$442
Good427 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.04km from city centre
This hotel stay was a great experience and added a lot of comfort to my trip. The location is excellent, not far from the main commercial areas and attractions. Getting around by taxi was easy with minimal traffic delays, and there are plenty of convenience stores and restaurants nearby, making dining and getting around very convenient.
Check-in was quick, and the front desk staff were very friendly and proactive, explaining the hotel's public facilities and breakfast times. They were happy to answer all my questions and responded promptly. The room itself was clean and tidy, with good natural light and ventilation. The bedding was soft and comfortable, and the bathroom had a great wet/dry separation, with no strange odors or water stains. The soundproofing was better than expected, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep without any disturbance from outside.
The breakfast offered a rich variety, from hot dishes to pastries and freshly squeezed juices. The ingredients were fresh, and the taste was just right. Overall, it's excellent value for money. If I visit this area again, I'll very likely choose this hotel, and I'd definitely recommend it to friends who are planning to visit.FromMXN$366
Very Good857 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
The luckiest thing about this Guilin trip was booking this hotel! The location is impeccable; I was able to see the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, the Sun and Moon Twin Towers, and the riverside night view was absolutely stunning. The room was spotless, the bedding was soft and comfortable, and the soundproofing was excellent, so I slept very soundly after a day of sightseeing. The receptionist at 019 was exceptionally attentive, proactively offering tips on avoiding tourist traps, recommending authentic local cuisine, and patiently helping with luggage storage. The stay was incredibly relaxing and a top choice for any trip to Guilin; I've already recommended it to friends!FromMXN$427
702 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.29km from city centre
The environment of this hotel is comfortable and pleasant, and parking is super worry-free if you drive. The breakfast is rich in variety and delicious, and the overall rating is good.FromMXN$384
Very Good816 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.9km from city centre
Our stay here was absolutely fantastic! The room was spotless, and the bedding was so comfortable I slept like a log. The front desk staff were incredibly warm and helpful, patiently answering all our questions. The attention to detail was impeccable, and I'll definitely choose this place again next time!FromMXN$400
Gym
Excellent2289 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
Chose this Atour hotel for our family trip, and the location is absolutely fantastic! It's right on Zhengyang Road, within walking distance to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and Elephant Trunk Hill, which made sightseeing incredibly convenient. The environment and service were excellent; the room was clean and tidy, and Atour's bedding, as always, was very comfortable. I especially want to commend the late-night porridge service – after a day of exploring, a warm bowl of porridge with some side dishes was so comforting and refreshing! Even though it's near the scenic area, it was surprisingly quiet despite being in a bustling location. My elderly family members were very happy, and I would definitely choose to stay here again on my next visit to Guilin!FromMXN$824
Good835 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.25km from city centre
The Guilin Zhongshui Hotel is located next to Nanxi Mountain Park, very close to Guilin Railway Station and Elephant Trunk Hill Park, making it convenient to reach by electric bicycle. A slight drawback is that the hotel entrance is about 150 meters from Zhongshan South Road. Booking during the National Day holiday, the price was reasonable and offered good value. As a 4-star hotel, it's an older establishment, but the facilities are decent, and the hot water is excellent.FromMXN$253
Good530 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.29km from city centre
Had a wonderful trip to Guilin! The hotel was great and the views were beautiful. The front desk upgraded us to a room with a tatami mat, which was perfect for girls. Enjoying a pot of tea and a good book there was really delightful. The room was also quite spacious, making for a very pleasant stay. The location was good too, very close to attractions, and we walked to see the night views.FromMXN$374
Perfect6540 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.17km from city centre
This hotel boasts an excellent location, right in the heart of Guilin city. Both the top-floor restaurant and the rooms offer the best views of the Sun and Moon Pagodas. Downstairs, you'll find the Fir Lake, part of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area. Elephant Trunk Hill is just a 5-minute walk away.
I received a complimentary room upgrade to a spacious 80-90 square meter room, complete with a separate walk-in closet, a huge terrace, and a double vanity. The welcome fruit and minibar items could be replenished upon request. The service was exceptional; staff were patient and helpful, offering bottled water when I left the hotel, and I even received essential oils as a farewell gift.
The hotel breakfast was also excellent, featuring Guilin rice noodles, grilled steak, stewed chicken soup, freshly squeezed passion fruit juice, and many other made-to-order dishes. It's also rated as the top restaurant in Guangxi.
The hotel offers a fantastic travel photography experience where you can choose from Miao or Zhuang ethnic costumes, enhanced by the surrounding beautiful scenery.
They also offer intangible cultural heritage workshops like making traditional Chinese herbal sachets. Staying multiple nights includes a complimentary foot massage. While the swimming pool is a bit small, it's a wave pool, which is great for kids.FromMXN$2,902
Excellent4552 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
Welcome amenities: They provided complimentary fruit, biscuits, and a refreshing herbal tea to beat the heat. Minibar drinks: It was hot, so we drank a lot of water. Room service was very quick to replenish our water supply, which was great. Guaranteed late check-out until 2:00 PM: Since we checked in quite late, the hotel extended our check-out to 2 PM, which was very thoughtful. The front desk also upgraded our room, and the swimming pool was nice. My family was very satisfied with this stay. It would have been even better if breakfast was included, but overall it was good and worth recommending. We'll definitely come again.FromMXN$940
Outstanding6027 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.5km from city centre
Overall, it's a good place. The location is excellent; the hotel is a 15-minute walk from Elephant Trunk Hill and Sun and Moon Pagodas, and directly opposite Xiaoyao Tower. East and West Alleys and the pedestrian street are also nearby for exploring. From the room window, you can see the Guilin mountains. Breakfast was decent, and the rice noodles were tasty.FromMXN$458
Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Guilin
Guilin’s unique geography makes it a fantastic destination for nature lovers who still want access to city amenities and conveniences. The landscape on its own is a sight to behold, but if you’d like to delve deeper into what Guilin has to offer, here are our recommendations for the best things to see and do.
Two Rivers and Four Lakes: Natural charm on the waterfront
Beautiful to take in day and night, Two Rivers and Four Lakes is a network of different waterways found in Guilin. Passing by dramatic scenery, pagodas, and bridges, you can while away the hours just taking it all in. Great for both nature and history lovers, every angle is a picture-perfect scene. Don’t forget to visit the famous Sun and Moon Pagodas, which come to life every evening when lit up.
Solitary Beauty Peak and Prince City Scenic Area: History in the hills
The area surrounding the Solitary Beauty Peak and Prince City, also known as Duxiufeng Wangcheng, is positively alive with history and culture, nestled amongst the stunning limestone karst hills. Here, you can explore the Solitary Beauty Peak, soaring into the sky from its city centre location. This area is also home to the Jingjiang Princes’ Palace, which dates back to the Ming dynasty, along with ancient city walls, gates, temples and more.
Longji Rice Terraces: Serenity in rural China
About a two-hour drive away from the centre of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces are well worth the journey. It’s also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces for the dragon spine-like appearance of the tiered landscape. With changing colours throughout the year, these centuries-old terraces are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing trip to the countryside.
Li River Scenic Area: A display of natural majesty
Carving its way through 51 and a half miles through Guilin to Yangshuo, the winding Li River is a must-see. Whether walking on its banks or cruising its waters, the scenic areas surrounding the river showcase some of the best landscapes Guilin has to offer. Take a bamboo raft downstream and understand why the Li River has captured the imagination of so many artists.
Yulong River: The heart of rural southern China
Around 20 miles south of Guilin lies the Yulong River, a tributary of the aforementioned Li River. For travellers looking for fewer crowds, a trip down the scenic Yulong River is guaranteed to recharge the batteries. Hire a bike, go for a gentle walk, or cruise along the water as you pass traditional villages and the region’s famous karst peaks.
Guilin, a Landscape That Continues to Inspire
An awe-inspiring landscape of verdant peaks, winding waterways, and mist-topped karst hills awaits. Guilin offers all the conveniences of a modern city, yet its natural splendour is what keeps travellers returning. It’s the perfect place to take a breather from the urban rush and discover wild China at its most serene.
For centuries, this dramatic scenery has stirred the imaginations of poets and artists. Tang dynasty masters like Li Bai and Wang Wei wrote verses inspired by the region’s ethereal beauty, while celebrated painter Qi Baishi captured its mountains and rivers in expressive ink strokes. Their works immortalised Guilin’s landscapes, transforming them into cultural icons.
Today, you can follow in their footsteps by exploring the city’s grandest natural landmarks. Wander through the illuminated chambers of Reed Flute Cave, shaped by millennia of limestone formations, and climb to viewpoints around Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most emblematic karst peak. As you stand before these scenes, it becomes clear why generations of artists have found endless inspiration here.
Then, see art and nature merge at Yuzi Paradise sculpture park, where contemporary works are framed against lush mountainsides. The result is a living gallery that blends creativity with the landscape that has inspired so many before.
Best Time to Visit Guilin
Each season in Guilin offers a different and unique experience. However, it’s best to be prepared for the weather, as things can get pretty hot and pretty wet! Our table below outlines what to expect, as well as some fun festivals celebrated throughout the year.
Season | Weather | Notes | Activities & Festivals |
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) | Starting cool and damp and warming up as the season progresses. | Mid-to-late spring is a great time to visit, as the temperatures are pleasant for exploring the city’s many outdoor sights. | Flower festival, Tomb-sweeping day, and the flooding of rice terraces ahead of the growing season. |
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | Moving from warm to hot, increasing humidity and thunderstorms. | Pack your brollies and a water bottle to stay dry and hydrated. It’s due to get pretty hot! | Dragon Boat Festival, and Impression Liu Sanjie night performances, |
🍁 Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Cooling down and drying up throughout autumn. | A great time to go sightseeing, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Would recommend avoiding Golden Week if possible, as could get quite busy. | Golden week, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chongyang Festival, and Longji Rice Terraces Harvest Season, where the rice terraces turn golden. |
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Day Trips from Guilin
Guilin’s central location in the heart of Southern China’s picturesque landscape makes it a fantastic base for those looking to venture further afield. With river and road transport links, local buses and private taxi services available, it’s easy to discover more of this beautiful area.
Yangshuo
Located in the nearby Guangxi province, Yangshuo is a little quieter than Guilin. Meet up with the Li River further on its journey and take in the karst hills in a more rural setting. Yangshuo is perfect for travellers who like to get active, with cycling, rock climbing, walking, and bamboo rafting activities readily available.
- Average travel time: around 1-1.5 hours from Guilin
- Transport: High-speed train from Guilin train station (🎫Guilin to Yangshuo trains from £2.36)
- Must-sees: Moon Hill, Silver Cave, and the historic West Street for regional eats.
Daxu Ancient Town
One of the history buffs, the waterside Daxu Ancient Town has cobblestone streets, stilted river houses, and historic bridges to explore. A fantastic day trip option from Guilin, this millennia-old town is the perfect place to immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture.
- Average travel time: around 1-1.5 hours from Guilin
- Transport: Bus from Guilin East Bus Station
- Must-sees: Historic landmarks and temples, riverside walks, and local snacks.
Sanjiang
A little way out from Guilin, the town of Sanjiang is best known for its celebration and display of southern Dong culture. Here, you’ll find examples of this Chinese ethnic minority’s heritage, including wooden drum towers, wind and rain bridges, and stilted homes. Ideal for an overnight stay, this peaceful, rural town is a great way to explore more of China’s rich cultural heritage.
- Average travel time: around 3-4.5 hours from Guilin
- Transport: Bus from Guilin Bus Station
- Must-sees: Zhaoxing Dong Village, wooden wind and rain bridges, and local dishes.
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FAQ – Things to Do in Guilin
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