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.
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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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 Good4946 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.36km from city centre
The hotel's location is fantastic, right by the Li River. Before arriving, I called to ask about local information and the hotel's facilities, and Xiao Wang was incredibly enthusiastic and helpful in answering all my questions. This trip was for my anniversary with my girlfriend, and after mentioning it, Xiao Wang offered to arrange a souvenir. So thoughtful!FromINR 6,972
Good3021 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.25km from city centre
This hotel is perfectly situated right by the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, directly opposite the Sun and Moon Pagodas. It's also next door to the pedestrian street and only about 300 meters from Elephant Hill Park. The front desk staff were incredibly warm and attentive, and the breakfast was both plentiful and delicious.FromINR 5,440
Very Good3981 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|2.52km from city centre
Firstly, on our check-in, we were told we can upgrade to a Riverview room at a cost of around 100 RMB. after we agreed to upgrade and got up to our room. (Please see picture below)that was the river room. Nothing like a river view room that we have ever experienced. When we called the manager to ask for the river room, we got upgraded to a higher floor( see the picture attached) again not a river view room that we would ever called it.
Dinner.
We book our dinner in the Chinese restaurant Xianggong (香宫) not to mention their service was extremely slow. We waited for our noodle until the last course to be served like a hour. Please see the picture attach. This is the picture on the menu that I was expecting please see picture attached that is the noodle that got served to me. a although I understand in some situation, the picture is just for reference, but I think at this case this is extremely misrepresented. Another dish we orders “ wagyu beef with mushrooms. “ again we questioned this is hardly wagyu beef and please see the picture below. That’s the dish we got served, nothing like the picture again.
It was deeply disappointing experience, and we booked based on the Shangri -La name and our previous experiences. Although Shangri Guilin has his beautiful landscape and infrastructure, the service is clearly not a Shanghai standard.FromINR 6,986
Outstanding3450 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.76km from city centre
I'd call this hotel the ultimate value for money next to the Guilin scenic area. You can see the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill directly from the hotel, so there's no need to battle the crowds at the actual scenic spot for photos. What's more, their cafe offers absolutely stunning views – truly breathtaking. And from the rooftop, you can overlook the entire landscape of Guilin's Elephant Trunk Hill scenic area. Seriously, just look at the pictures, they speak for themselves! It happened to be raining when I visited, so I spent the whole day just enjoying the views from the hotel, and it was fantastic.FromINR 5,887
Excellent6599 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.77km from city centre
Overall, my stay was very satisfying! I especially want to commend the hotel's front desk staff; they were incredibly warm, thoughtful, polite, and patient. Both check-in and inquiries were seamless, making me feel very comfortable and welcome. The room was clean and tidy, and the environment was quiet, so I had a very pleasant stay. The hotel's location is also very convenient, right by the river.
My only minor suggestion is that the breakfast could be improved. A wider variety of dishes would be great, and I hope the coffee machine can be checked and maintained promptly. I look forward to an even better dining experience on my next visit.FromINR 8,654
Excellent2648 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.93km from city centre
The room was pretty good, quite spacious, and they decorated it in pink as we requested. The hotel service was also great. They reimbursed us for the taxi fare from the high-speed rail station to the hotel. The butler checked in with us daily to see how our stay was going. It's only a few hundred meters from Elephant Trunk Hill and Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas, so it's easily walkable. Plus, there are tons of restaurants right downstairs, making it super convenient for food and drinks. The tea ceremony on the rooftop terrace had a fantastic vibe. We also booked a travel photoshoot with the hotel; the makeup artist came directly to our room, which was incredibly convenient, and the photographer was excellent with great results.FromINR 6,009
Business travel
Excellent920 Reviews
Reed Flute Cave/Lujia Village/Peach Blossom River/West Hill Park Guilin|4.11km from city centre
OMG this is such beautiful place , we reach Guilin at 7am and straight head to the hotel , staff just arrive after we reach , but old man make us feel relaxed and comfortable with tea . When staff came they give us early checkin and also the upgraded room , best suite in the property . The people here so nice they prepare for us special 100% vegetarian breakfast . it was nice after travelling since 3 am , and than we head for the sightseeing . The staff was cordial and give us all details so we planned and could cover 3 places by ourself .
Again the dinner they prepare was excellent . After my regular stay at the brand name hotels , trying the boutique hotels was very nice experience . Language is no barrier , the staff speak english and most important they are so welcoming n heartfelt . So nice people 🙏🏻FromINR 4,612
Very Good2647 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.1km from city centre
The hotel facilities are comprehensive. Since it was the rainy season when I visited Guilin, the hotel's laundry room with a dryer was a lifesaver, so I didn't have to worry about my clothes not drying. Breakfast is served until 10 AM, which is very considerate and perfect for someone like me who loves to sleep in. The variety is also rich, and the local Guilin rice noodles are incredibly authentic.FromINR 3,011
Outstanding1986 Reviews
Guilin|15.93km from city centre
The hotel boasts a quiet and beautiful environment, with convenient parking and charging stations. The rooms are spacious, clean, and tidy, and the hotel offers fantastic views. The front desk staff are incredibly proactive and helpful, especially numbers 18 and 23, who were not only charming but also assisted us with a room upgrade. There's an ancient town nearby that's worth exploring. A special mention goes to the breakfast, which was excellent and very varied. The first-floor restaurant also offers a good selection of à la carte dishes for lunch and dinner. The prices are affordable, the food is delicious, and the portions are generous. This hotel is highly recommended, and I was very satisfied with my stay.FromINR 2,686
Excellent12736 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.38km from city centre
Choosing the right place to stay in Guilin is so important! This hotel is perfectly located right in the city center, making it super convenient for shopping, dining, and buying local specialties, with a lively commercial area just outside the door. You can walk to Dongxi Alley and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, and it's also close to Elephant Trunk Hill and Jingjiang Princes' City, saving a lot of travel time. The restaurant upstairs offers fantastic views. The hotel rooms are quiet yet centrally located, with a comfortable atmosphere, easy access to everything, and top-notch scenery. It's truly suitable for family trips, friends traveling together, or solo adventurers. The location and the picturesque mountain and river views are absolutely flawless. I sincerely recommend it to anyone visiting Guilin!FromINR 4,341
Outstanding2199 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.02km from city centre
The hotel's location is excellent, not far from the city's attractions. It's quiet despite being in a bustling area, with a lakeside park downstairs and the White Mansion right across the street, making for a lovely evening stroll. While it's a bit older, the cleanliness was better than expected, and the Japanese restaurant on the first floor is quite good too 😌FromINR 7,081
Excellent10931 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.69km from city centre
My kids absolutely loved it and didn't want to leave, allowing this mom to relax and enjoy the trip.
We stayed in the Little Yellow Duck family room, which came with a tent, plush toys, and various cartoon-themed soft furnishings. They also provided exclusive children's amenities, showing incredible attention to detail – it was so thoughtful! Right outside our room was the hotel's kids' playground, featuring a ball pit slide, a play kitchen area, and a dress-up corner that my daughter adored. She went wild as soon as we entered and I literally couldn't pull her away; she just wanted to stay and play at the hotel!
The hotel also has a gym, an outdoor pool, an outdoor bar, and a self-service laundry room with sterilization and drying functions. Breakfast is served at the Nai Garden Restaurant, and the ambiance speaks for itself – just look at the pictures! It was incredibly picturesque, especially with a bit of rain, giving off strong Monet vibes. The atmosphere was just perfect! I have to praise the hotel breakfast; the value for money is absolutely amazing. For this price, the breakfast spread was so rich, including Guilin's famous oil tea, rice noodles, Western pastries, and Chinese breakfast items. They even offered cups for free takeaway coffee – as a coffee addict, I had two cups to get my day started ☕️.
On the first floor, the hotel lobby also had a Chinese New Year event where my child experienced making hand-printed good fortune paper, and they even framed her artwork as a gift. My daughter was thrilled!
Across from the hotel is a department store, making shopping and exploring very convenient. It's also very close to Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and the Li River scenic area. Elephant Hill Scenic Area, East-West Alley, and Zheng Yang Pedestrian Street are all within walking distance. Guilin, this picturesque and poetic little city, is truly chill and always uplifting. It's super suitable for a city walk with kids!FromINR 4,721
Family friendly
Very Good730 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.95km from city centre
This hotel is an old five-star hotel, high-end and classy, magnificent and magnificent, the lobby is very grand and luxurious. The receptionist at the front desk is patient, attentive and warm, and the gift shop next to it has a wide variety of goods, including Guilin specialties. The travel agency arranged a good itinerary to Yangshuo, and it was not tiring to spend a day there, and it was very cheap. The breakfast was rich and complete and delicious. There are many delicious foods in the nearby food street, and there are all kinds of stores, which is convenient for travel. Not to mention the room, it is quiet and spacious, and the sleep is excellent! Highly recommended!FromINR 3,744
Outstanding2572 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.43km from city centre
The hotel boasts a beautiful environment, a prime location, and convenient access to transportation. The rooms and hallways feature a unique decor style, adorned with local ethnic ornaments everywhere. The internal facilities are comprehensive, including a children's play area, indoor and outdoor pools, and a gym. The service is also very thoughtful. 👍Front desk staff member Xiao Du provided smiling service, was very warm and attentive, and answered all our questions. Xiao Q made our check-out efficient and quick, which was very considerate. Highly recommended to everyone! 💪💪💪💪💪💪FromINR 5,724
Outstanding4988 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.16km from city centre
The hotel's location is great, very convenient for getting around the city center. There's even a robot in the lobby that delivers items and takeout right to your room door, which is both convenient and secure. The front desk service was patient and thoughtful, and the room was spacious with large windows providing excellent natural light. I had a very pleasant stay.FromINR 2,971
Good432 Reviews
Gaoxing Wanda Plaza/Hi-Tech Zone Guilin|4.12km from city centre
The location of this beautiful hotel is very good and convenient, the hotel room size is also very suitable, all the hotel staff are very warm and courteous, there is a problem to deal with immediately, the hotel is set up.
The hotel price is very suitable. Hotel location is convenient.
Give full marks to all the performance of the hotel, praise, praise, praise.
However, the breakfast soup powder location has children's parents to pay attention to, the place to put the soup is very dangerous, has been feedback to the waiter, but he said it is very safe, but I have opposed his statement, see that he will not improve, everyone should pay attention.FromINR 2,401
Outstanding375 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.49km from city centre
This was one of the best hotels that we stayed during our trip in China. The room is so elegant and the staff are really helpful. Despite the quality of the room there is no toilet paper but there is tissue. If toilet paper matters to you I recommend bringing your own. The beds and the pillows were one of the softest compared to the hotels we stayed at throughout China which were very firm. One complaint that we have is the size of the shampoo, conditioner, and body gel is that they are too small and can break easily if dropped. Overall it was a pleasant stay. I would definitely come back to stay at this hotel.FromINR 2,604
Good615 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|1.29km from city centre
The air conditioner was in an odd position. No matter how you adjusted the fan blades, both beds felt the cool air evenly, so we ended up sleeping at the foot of the bed. The room was dated, and the bathroom smelled cheap. The hotel charged extra for breakfast. I wanted to eat out, but there was no breakfast establishment within 500 meters of the hotel, so I had to order takeout. After much hesitation, I finally ate at the hotel.FromINR 2,062
Breakfast
Very Good987 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.61km from city centre
A very satisfying experience. The hotel is in a moderate location, not far from any tourist attractions, and it is convenient to eat and shop nearby. The facilities are very warm and considerate, and the service is warm and thoughtful. I originally booked two nights, but changed my itinerary temporarily, and I got a refund in less than two minutes.FromINR 2,265
Outstanding4076 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.97km from city centre
The room was spotless and smelled wonderfully fresh and clean. It offered great value for money, and the location was excellent for visiting nearby attractions and finding places to eat. The service was fantastic, making me feel very welcome. I'd definitely choose this hotel again if I come back to Guilin.FromINR 2,767
Good419 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|6.04km from city centre
The hotel has a great location, the rooms have a wide view, and the front desk service is very patient. If you are traveling with a group of people, you can consider booking a suite. The space is large enough and there are partitions, which is convenient for a family to live in. It is recommended that the boss consider launching a parent-child room to capture the parent-child customer group.FromINR 2,225
Very Good779 Reviews
Guilin North&West Railway StationDiecai Wanda Plaza Guilin|4.92km from city centre
The hotel is the best choice for accommodation in Guilin. It has a good location, convenient transportation, good hotel facilities and is warm. It is quiet for sleeping. The front desk service is warm and thoughtful, and the room is clean and well-planned!FromINR 2,198
Very Good728 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.FromINR 2,672
Good977 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|2.9km from city centre
Environment: Very good, a hotel owned by China Southern Airlines.
Hygiene: tidy
Facilities: perfect
Service: Proactive service. When we went out with our children, they proactively brought us children's toothbrushes and slippers. You can see the mountains outside the window, and it's close to Xiangshan Park.FromINR 2,577
Gym
Outstanding2303 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.2km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely amazing! It's just a few minutes' walk to Elephant Trunk Hill, and super convenient for the Two Rivers and Four Lakes night cruise, as well as the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas. Right outside, you'll find Dongxi Lane and ZhengYang Street, making it a one-stop shop for exploring, eating, and having fun.
The service is warm and thoughtful; check-in at the front desk was efficient, and any requests were handled quickly, showing both care and professionalism. Deliveries were prompt, and the facilities are comprehensive. Drinking water and toiletries were replenished swiftly, demonstrating great attention to detail. The room was clean and comfortable, with soft bedding, and despite being central, it was surprisingly quiet. For a trip to Guilin, staying here offers excellent value for money. Highly recommended!FromINR 4,409
Good1173 Reviews
Guilin South Railway Station/Too Square/Qintan Bus Station Guilin|3.25km from city centre
I had a very pleasant stay in this hotel. The hotel was clean, 10 minutes away from guilin station, only a bit far away from the city sightseeings. The staff was great. Especially the man behind the service desk (mr he zi hao) helped me with transport information. Even though his english was not perfect, he helped me a lot with translator apps which in the end saved me a lot of time and headaches since Chinese transport is still unclear to me. Would definitely stay here again.FromINR 1,465
Perfect6287 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.17km from city centre
I chose the Boyin Hotel for my two-night stay in Guilin, and it was a truly delightful experience during my trip. The room was spacious and comfortable, with an elegant design that made me feel relaxed the moment I walked in. The hotel's location is superb, right by the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, directly facing Shan Lake. From my room, I could enjoy the beautiful lake views and the enchanting nightscape of the Sun and Moon Pagodas – a huge plus for the scenery.
The surrounding amenities are also incredibly convenient. It's close to East West Alley, Zheng Yang Pedestrian Street, and the Riyuewan cruise terminal. Elephant Trunk Hill scenic area is also within walking distance, making both shopping and sightseeing incredibly easy and enjoyable.
The Cloud Top Restaurant on the top floor is particularly noteworthy; the dinner was exquisite and delicious, and dining with such a beautiful view was a true pleasure. The hotel's service also left a deep impression on me; every staff member was warm, sincere, and attentive, making me feel right at home.
Overall, it's a high-quality hotel that combines an excellent location, stunning views, comfort, and exceptional service. I would definitely choose to stay here again on my next visit to Guilin.FromINR 12,914
Excellent4319 Reviews
Convention And Exhibition Center/Seven Star Park Guilin|1.82km from city centre
This hotel is perfect for families with kids! The twin beds pushed together create a massive three-meter sleeping space. I was particularly impressed with the indoor pool, and the infinity rooftop pool was just fantastic. While the facilities aren't brand new with smart home tech, they are impeccably clean and hygienic. Most importantly, the service is outstanding. A butler reached out beforehand to introduce the room types, and they even brought special tea before bed. When my child found the pool water a bit chilly, they promptly brought freshly brewed ginger tea upon request – they truly cater to your every need. Breakfast was also extensive, and the staff enthusiastically shared local dining tips. The famous Shijiayuan Night Market is just a short distance from the hotel, and it's also very close to Renhe Rice Noodles, a local favorite with long queues that definitely lives up to the hype.FromINR 5,087
Outstanding4862 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.5km from city centre
This hotel boasts a prime location right by the Li River, making it incredibly convenient to walk to popular spots like East-West Alley, Xiaoyao Tower, and Elephant Trunk Hill. The river view rooms offer expansive views; simply draw back the curtains to reveal stunning natural landscapes, perfect for photos. The rooms themselves are spacious and bright, clean and tidy, with soft and comfortable bedding for a good night's sleep, and excellent water pressure in the bathrooms. The front desk staff are warm and professional, making check-in efficient. Overall, it offers outstanding value for money, suitable for both leisure travel and business trips. I'll definitely choose to stay here again on my next visit to Guilin.FromINR 3,242
Outstanding1353 Reviews
Downtown/Elephant Trunk Hill/Two Rivers And Four Lakes Guilin|0.46km from city centre
The hotel's location is absolutely incredible! You can see the famous Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas right outside the window, they feel so close you could almost touch them. The night view is stunning, and you don't even need to go out and brave the crowds to enjoy it. Plus, it's super close to Elephant Trunk Hill Park and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, just a few minutes' walk away. All these attractions are connected, so staying here means you can get wherever you want to go in no time, saving a lot of travel time – it's really convenient!
I have to give a huge shout-out to the front desk staff! We arrived quite early that day, and I asked if we could check in early just to try our luck. The front desk lady readily agreed, saying she'd arrange it for us as long as there was a room available. It instantly washed away all our travel fatigue.
At one point, I needed a hairdryer and contacted the front desk guy. His response was super quick, and he resolved it immediately – very efficient.
The most thoughtful touch was that the hotel even provided white fungus and lotus seed sweet soup in the evening! After a day of exploring, having a warm bowl of sweet soup was so comforting; these little details really make a difference.
Overall, whether it's the location or the service details, this hotel does an outstanding job. I'll definitely choose this place again next time I visit Guilin! Highly recommend it to all my friends coming to visit!FromINR 3,445
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
How many days do I need in Guilin?
Guilin is not a very large city, so travellers do not need to allocate a huge amount of time in order to explore its highlights. To fully immerse yourself and not go at a rushed pace, a couple of days will be plenty.What are the best things to do in Guilin?
Whilst what is considered ‘best’ can be very subjective, there are a few attractions that frequently top ‘must-see’ lists when visiting Guilin. These are Elephant Trunk Hill, Solitary Beauty Peak and Jingjiang Princes’ Palace, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and taking a cruise down the Li River.What are cultural things to do in Guilin?
There’s a huge amount of cultural attractions and sights to see when in Guilin. Our top recommendations are to prioritise Duxiu Feng Wangcheng, Seven Star Park and of course the Longji Rice Terraces. Throughout the year, there are also local festivals that take place, so do check events calendars to see what’s going on nearby.What are free things to do in Guilin?
When it comes to visiting Guilin on a budget, there are plenty of things to do that don’t cost anything. A lot of the bases of the major karst hills can be explored for free, as well as local parks and riverside walks by the Two Rivers and Four Lakes. Wandering around local markets is also free, although you might be tempted to spend a little for yummy street food!What is the best time to visit Guilin’s rice terraces?
The rice terraces transform all year round, from being flooded in spring to turning gold in autumn. There’s no one particular time that’s best to visit, as they look beautiful in all their seasons. However, you might want to consider the weather when planning your visit, as well as crowd levels. Guilin’s position means it can get very humid and hot, as well as damp and chilly, so it’s best to think ahead!
Explore More Travel Guides
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Central China
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